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Holistic Life Foundation

Category
Corporate
Description
Incorporating mindfulness and relationships in educational institutions and local communities.
Website
Website
Website

The Holistic Life Foundation is a BIPOC-led nonprofit based in Baltimore, Maryland, committed to improving the social, educational, emotional, and environmental well-being of underserved communities. They achieve this through a variety of wellness initiatives, primarily revolving around yoga, mindfulness, and health. Established in 2001 by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez, the organization has served over 200,000 students and adults across more than 100 schools and communities nationwide, providing over 50,000 hours of training. The foundation's programs operate in various settings like schools, recreation centers, and group homes. They have also extended their reach to international locations like Malawi, Africa through virtual sessions, thanks to a multi-year partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative. This partnership has also enabled them to expand their Mindful Moment Program to various locations across the United States and Canada, including Buffalo, Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, and the Akwesasne Mohawk territories. The Holistic Life Foundation's Mindful Moment Program stands out for its innovative approach to discipline. Instead of traditional punitive measures like detention or suspension, disruptive students are sent to the Mindful Moment Room where they can calm down through yoga and mindfulness routines. This program, which runs for six hours a day, 185 days a year, has been lauded globally for its positive impact on students' behavior and overall well-being. The foundation also provides a variety of training and workshops, including Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Training, Self-Care for Teachers, and Yoga and Mindfulness for the Classroom. One of the foundation's unique initiatives is the Bridging Academics and the Mind (BAM) program, which combines yoga, mindfulness meditation, and self-care practices. BAM aims to help children develop their inner lives and has been used successfully in schools and homes. The foundation's commitment to quality and effectiveness is demonstrated through its evidence-based programs and curriculum. Additionally, their flagship after-school program, Holistic Me, has been successfully running for over 21 years, providing children with a supportive environment to build their cognitive and social skills through a range of activities.