The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Jail-Based Behavioral Services program and the local 4-H chapter announced on Mar. 18 the launch of the Cultivating Change: Agriculture and Mental Health Initiative, a new collaboration connecting local 4-H youth with incarcerated individuals at the El Paso County Jail. The program aims to promote agricultural education, mental health awareness, and creative expression among participants.
The initiative is part of National Agriculture Month and seeks to bridge communities by fostering rehabilitation, workforce development, and positive behavioral change. Youth from the Country Style 4-H Club created presentations about agriculture’s importance in daily life and career opportunities in Colorado. These presentations were delivered through structured workshops facilitated by licensed therapists and an agricultural business owner.
The workshops helped 4-H members develop research, leadership, and public speaking skills while exploring how agriculture relates to purpose and well-being. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts were incorporated to help participants build coping strategies and encourage self-reflection. Topics covered included horse health, sheep products, cow horse training traditions, market goat industry profitability, and livestock genetics.
More than 250 incarcerated individuals across seven wards completed the program. Participants also worked together on an agriculture-themed mural project focused on growth, resilience, community, and transformation. This effort promoted accountability, teamwork, and motivation within the facility.
“Programs such as Cultivating Change show how agriculture education can bridge communities while supporting rehabilitation, mental health awareness, workforce development, and positive behavioral change,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “This initiative created an outlet for creativity within the walls of our jail, incentivized positive behavior and teamwork, encouraged critical thinking, and cultivated meaningful human connections between two unlikely communities: 4-H youth and our incarcerated citizens.” Roybal added: “I want to congratulate all the participants for their growth and thank our staff and the 4-H community for ensuring the success of this flagship program. By merging agricultural knowledge with youth mentorship, we are building resilience and creating pathways toward a stronger future.”
Earlier this week, participating youth presented their projects to Sheriff’s Office Command Staff as part of their leadership development activities. Residents of the Pikes Peak region are invited to vote for their favorite mural by visiting the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or website between March 18 at 11:00 AM through March 23 at 7:30 AM. Community organizations interested in future collaborations are encouraged to contact the Community Affairs and Research Unit.