The current state of the Santa Cruz County Jail has been inefficient in providing adequate care for its inmates. Recidivism, or relapse into crime, is a salient issue within our city; the average number of times inmates have been incarcerated in county jail is 6.49 times, with an average stay of 6-9 months. If we do not attempt to prevent recidivism, the county is likely to face overcrowding, and more county funds will be needed to accommodate these inmates.

 

Research on rehabilitation has supported the idea that providing care for incarcerated persons and making active efforts to improve their mental health are effective in reducing recidivism rates. Approaches such as community building and creating networks of support have been proven to prevent maladjustment within the inmates, and help to decrease recidivism after their release.

 

We have attempted to address this issue through the ART Initiative, a student-run organization based at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This program conducts weekly art therapy sessions at the Santa Cruz County Jail, as requested by the women inmates during a focus group. Our mission is to pair art creation with coping skill education in a supportive and collective space in order to tackle women’s issues regarding recidivism and idleness.

 

Since the creation of this program in 2012, inmates have responded favorably to the classes. They have expressed improved states of mind (“We are a lot calmer after this program”), a regained sense of autonomy (“This is our program”), and appreciation (“You guys don’t patronize us like some of the other art programs I have been to”). Their feedback indicates that this program has already been successful in addressing idleness and creating more positive attitudes.

 

The efforts of the ART Initiative can be sustained as long as we have materials and community involvement. In order to do this, we need to have constant support, both financially and in solidarity. After receiving our start up money, we are here asking you to help our program. You can help address issues relevant to our city while also tackling an unacknowledged and neglected portion of our justice system.

 

Any contribution no matter how small helps, whether it is funding, helping spread the word about our program, or donating supplies. All contributions go directly to purchasing supplies and ensuring this program continues. We accept donations through our Go Fund Me account, cash, or checks written out to one of the facilitators.

 

We thank you and all those who have helped us and supported our cause.