Norfolk Sheriff Joe Baron is expanding arts and educational programs to reduce inmates returning to jail.

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC ) — According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 95 percent of people in jail will return to the community.

However, according to a 2017 RAND Corporation study, inmates participating in education programs during incarceration were 28 percent less likely to return to jail. That’s in comparison to inmates who don’t participate in educational programs.

So, Norfolk Sheriff Joe Baron is expanding programs to reduce inmates returning to jail.

Five inmates have so far graduated from the Norfolk City Jail’s first female art therapy program.

“It gives you peace, and it’s a way of releasing anxiety, it’s a way of expressing yourself,” said Anita Lacy, one of the five inmates.

For these women, this art time is more than just a means to a better future. It’s an outlet, both physically and emotionally.

“So, it’s a big opportunity to be able to do something like this," said Valerie Walton.

According to a study from the National Endowment for the Arts, art classes in American correctional facilities help inmates in several ways. In the study, inmates said they felt less tense, an increase in self-worth, respect for others, and better discipline.

Negative feelings toward staff and community became positive and art classes encourage overall behavior that makes them less likely to commit crimes.

These inmates credit the program coordinator Leslie Garrett for more than a dozen inmate programs during the year.

“Oh it’s amazing," said Garrett. She said she sees the impact the programs have on the women, with helping them focus on a better life.

“It’s overwhelming for me because to watch the transformation having come from the law enforcement background to now working with programs,” said Garrett.

Art teacher Christine Rucker volunteered to lead the weekly course for three months at the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.