AMITE — Four inmates at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail celebrated the completion of a group therapy-type course, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office.

The Freedom Behind Bars class, led by Wytisha Williams with WLW Restoring and Healing Hearts, aims at empowering people with an understanding of the behaviors associated with various mental health challenges. The goal of the program is to help inmates minimize conflict while incarcerated, as well as reduce recidivism once they are released. 

Upon completion of the class, the graduates received special housing unit placements as well as the opportunity to join the in-facility work team.