Mental Health Resources 4 Underserved Communities

Yoga 4 Change is a trauma informed yoga service organization that provides programming to underserved populations. We have established programming across Florida with organizations that serve individuals in recovery and living with mental health conditions, individuals who are justice involved, youth, veterans, military service members and their families. 

Yoga 4 Change is an organization the believes in second chances, especially for those significantly impacted by trauma. The combination of breathing techniques and yoga movements paired with thematic teachings that foster introspection offers students an opportunity to tap into neuroplasticity- or the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This mindfulness skillset supports students in their healing journey. 

As an evidence based and data driven organization the transformation we witness in our students fuels our mission and are a constant reminder of our ‘why’ to foster healing within the communities we serve.

Key quantitative findings for second quarter (February 1st to April 30th) indicate a statistically significant change in self-reported ratings on stress, mood and physical pain from adult participants before and after class. To learn more about the work Yoga 4 Change is doing, visit the Research, Data & Evaluation page at www.y4c.org/impact

Adult Population Scale Average % Change:

Mood Increased 20%

Stress Decreased by 31%

Pain Decreased by 20%

Total adult participants from February 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025 =3,969 (The number of individuals served is based on the # of participants taught in each class. Individuals are counted each time they participate. Mood, stress, and pain outcomes include participants who completed data collection notecards).

Key qualitative shares from justice impacted (incarcerated) women are captured in the graphic attached.

Key qualitative shares from all adults served in the second quarter include: 

"First time I've been pain free in 20 years"

"This class helped me put a pause on life and truly relax and put me first, it help me slow down my thoughts" 

"This class made me realize that I can help myself. The instructor was amazing, and the material is extremely helpful. I found myself moved" 

"It's given me a reason to connect with something, anything" 

"Thank you for taking the time our of your day to show me something new to help me clam myself and feel my body 

 "Thank you. i was paralyzed a couple years ago- shattered pelvis. i learned to walk against all odds. this is the most peace my body has felt since. thank you thank you"

Youth Population Scale Average % Change:

Mood Increased 21%

Stress Decreased by 32%

Total youth participants from February 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025 =290 (The number of individuals served is based on the # of participants taught in each class. Individuals are counted each time they participate. Mood and stress, outcomes include participants who completed data collection notecards).

Key qualitative shares from all youth served in the second quarter include: 

"Being at yoga helps me stay aware of my mental health and emotions. I don't go every time but when I do I end up being more peaceful with myself. The things I learned in yoga are: Staying self-aware Amygdala Where my emotions come from"

"Yoga has helped me become better. Our instructor teaches us so much like about the amygdala and pre-frontal cortex and our nervous system. Our instructor teaches us mindfulness and speeches and body scan. It kinda reminds me of group, but better"

"I practice self-compassion by not tearing myself up when I fail"

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