In 2018, the WV Department of Agriculture (WVDA), WV Correctional Industries, Appalachian Botanical Co., Mystic Formulations LLC, and Transitions, LLC collaborated to develop a Lavender Reentry Program at the Lakin Correctional Center. The Lakin lavender program represents a nature-based therapy and reentry program integrating the guidance of trained mental health and agricultural professionals. Offenders engage in gardening and horticultural activities, while engaging in therapy to help build her mental health and resilience. Planting was initiated in September 2019 which included a team prepping the soil and putting one thousand (1,000) plants in the ground. In June 2020, LCC provided a work crew to assist with clearing weeds, harvesting, pruning, and propagating lavender plants. The propagated lavender plants were planted in August 2021, which resulted in doubling the overall field size from 1,000 plants to 2,000 lavender plants. The original plants are two years mature and have yielded four harvests. 

In addition to the employment opportunities, the field crew also participates in vocational and therapeutic sessions with mental health staff. Getting back to the basics and learning skills for self-care is an integral component of this program. Offenders are less guarded and conversations flow with ease as mental health staff talk about the ill effect weeds have on plants as they overgrow a garden, robbing nutrients from the plant, and blocking the sun from helping the plant to grow. 

The vocational training program includes agricultural safety training, classroom-based instruction, and field experience on a lavender farm where they receive training on harvesting; pruning; plant care; and factors affecting plant growth and yield.  During their participation in this program they have the chance to learn specialized skills in agriculture and marketing.

The training program also includes group therapy targeting emotional regulation,
self-esteem, communication, relationships, and life skills. As the women progress through the program they develop leadership skills and mentor new participants, creating a sense of community and accountability.   The weekly groups are tailored to specific issues inmates may be facing, anxieties toward reentry, employment and family reunification, or anything that may just "come up". These group topics ingrate gardening and the experiences the women have in the field.  The Lavender program serves to increase and reinforce employable skills and self-confidence that will help the participants during transition from prison to their home communities.

The women learn to cooperate and work as a team and problem solve unexpected situations or complications.  Transitions, LLC, staff liaison with the crew, DCR, and Appalachian Botanical Company.  The crew members are encouraged to lead when needed and to work together to solve problems. When needed, Transitions staff guide the crew to think of ways to solve problems professionally (regarding the plants) and personally (issues between each other).  These skills and knowledge they gain in this program can lead into a career outside of prison.  The women gain a sense of community and develop therapeutic skills that will help them problem-solve and increase their emotional stability and mindfulness in stressful situations.  These skills are not only valuable in a high stress environment,  but also leads to greater success in life after prison as the women encounter new and unexpected stresses that can come with reentry.

The offenders learn to improve self-confidence and self-worth and are encouraged in their plans to succeed in a life outside of the prison walls.. Working closely with staff promotes a relaxed environment for the crew to feel more comfortable talking with staff regarding potential issues they may have outside of the Lavender program.  This program helps to bring everyone together so issues will be seen as less intimidating and more manageable.

The lavender is hand harvested and organically grown producing all-natural ingredients resulting in high quality products.

The Lakin Lavender project is a creative collaboration between state and community agencies that benefit the women of Lakin Correctional Center and the communities they return to when they are released.  The women develop resilience and the mental health skills to be successful when they leave the prison while learning new employable skills and having the satisfaction of seeing their plants grow from seeds, to bountiful harvests, to high quality products.