A pilot project with the Yuma County Jails is combining inmates and gardening this summer.

Laurie Clemons is the program coordinator for Yuma County Jail. They are piloting the project of growing their own food and food for the Manna Pantry with inmates doing the work in the community garden in Wray. “The goal is to lower recidivism,” says Clemons. Eventually, the idea is to have them get job training/skills from the garden to utilize with any job after they leave. “Giving them skills and some basic education to put them in a more successful place when they leave.”

“This is one small step in the overall vision of job training and assisting people who desperately want to improve their lives for the better,” says Linda Langelo, horticulturist with Golden Plains area Extension. “We are enjoying the partnership with Yuma County Jail. This garden project is enriching the garden program and making a positive difference for both the inmates and the community.”

Another goal is to identify inmates who might be interested in taking the Master Gardener classes offered in the Golden Plains area.
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