Outcomes

We have seen that Yoga can do the following with the Youth we serve

• Increase self-esteem and a sense of inner strength
• Help repair brain cells damaged through drug use
• Increase overall level of health and vitality
• Enhance the ability to retain scholastic information
• Release physical tension and mental stress
• Gain greater flexibility
• Promotes anger management

Violence reduction: The art of deep breathing and breath control can be a foundation for violence reduction. Yoga For Youth teaches these exercises along with simple relaxation and meditation techniques to eliminate stress and develop mental clarity and emotional stability that allows for better spontaneous decision-making.

Conflict resolution and mediation: Strengthening the nervous system through specific YOGA exercises and breathing techniques, helps create a higher level of self-control, self-confidence, and self-esteem. These qualities are absolutely essential for effective communication and conflict resolution to take place.

Concentration and information retention: Through the use of YOGIC Breathing and Meditations that stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain, the ability to concentrate is greatly enhanced. This one pointed focus can lead to greater retention of information and integration of ideas and concepts.

“Yoga for Youth”: The YOGA program provides fun and challenging exercises for the participants. They learn practical applications of Yogic technology in an energizing and enjoyable way. The sessions are taught primarily in English, though some teachers are proficient in Spanish. Classes will include exercises, breathing, relaxation, meditation techniques, and group discussion on various self-help strategies, cultural awareness, and the practical application of these strategies in real life scenarios. Each participant receives individual support and encouragement

Statistics:
The future of this country is being shaped by the development of our youth. Yet:

• Every day... 2,833 children drop out of school
• Every day... 135,000 children carry a gun to school
• Every year... $7 billion are spent to incarcerate young offenders
• Every year... school dropouts cost taxpayers $71 billion
• With youth accounting for 18 percent of all violent crime in the U.S
• As well as 33 percent of all serious property crime. In a national study generated by the National Endowment for the Arts, three cities (San Antonio, TX., Atlanta GA, and Portland, Or.) have rigorously evaluated their arts programs for at-risk youth and found that these programs decrease involvement in delinquent behavior, increase academic achievement and improve youth’s attitudes about themselves and their future. National studies also show repeatedly that a regular practice of Yoga and Meditation reduces hypertension, lowers blood pressure, and releases endorphins in the brain that heighten a sense of calmness and produce feelings of well being. Yoga for Youth has created a dynamic environment for addressing many of the social and behavioral problems confronting these youths. We believe Arts and Yoga for Youth can have a dynamic impact on the lives of its participants and offer an effective and affordable alternative to detention and police-centered crime prevention