In recognition of National Agriculture Month, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Jail-Based Behavioral Services (JBBS) program and the local 4-H chapter launched their flagship collaboration: the Cultivating Change: Agriculture and Mental Health Initiative. This program connects local 4-H youth with incarcerated individuals at the El Paso County Jail through agricultural education, mental health awareness, and creative expression.
Youth from the Country Style 4-H Club developed presentations highlighting agriculture’s vital role in daily life and various career pathways across Colorado. These materials, which included messages of encouragement, were delivered via structured workshops facilitated through the JBBS program and later presented to Detention Bureau Command Staff as public speaking presentations.
Through this initiative, 4-H members strengthened their research, leadership, and public speaking skills. The workshop, facilitated by a licensed therapist and an agricultural business owner, explored the intersection of agriculture, purpose, and well-being. By incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concepts, the program helped participants build coping strategies and foster self-reflection.
More than 250 incarcerated individuals across seven wards completed the program. Participants also collaborated on an agriculture-themed mural project centered on growth, resilience, community, and transformation. This collective effort bolstered accountability, teamwork, and motivation within the facility.
Following a week of community voting, Ward Golf 4 was selected as the winning mural team, earning recognition for their creativity, collaboration, and powerful visual representation of the program’s core themes.
Project Title: Genetics in Action- Improving Livestock
Mural Title: 4-H for the (4-H) Boys
“Programs such as Cultivating Change show how agriculture education can bridge communities while supporting rehabilitation, mental health awareness, workforce development, and positive behavioral change,” stated 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.
“I want to congratulate all the participants for their growth and extend special recognition to Ward Golf 4 for their outstanding mural. I also thank our staff and the 4-H community for ensuring this flagship program’s success. By merging agricultural knowledge with youth mentorship, we are building resilience and creating pathways toward a stronger future.”
The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Pikes Peak region community members who participated in the voting process and supported this initiative.
Community organizations interested in partnering with the Sheriff’s Office for future Cultivating Change programs are encouraged to contact the Community Affairs and Research Unit at: shrcommunity@elpasoco.com.