Trauma-Informed Yoga 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 third quarter (May 1st to July 31st) 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 May 1 to July 31, 2025 = 5,273 (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 and court-involved) men and women are captured in the graphic attached.

Key qualitative shares from all adults served in the third quarter:

"This class gives me a mental break and helps me escape from all the mental and physical problems. I learned how to relieve physical stress through guided breathing and I wouldn't change anything about the program."

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

“Very impactful in a very helpful way. Instructor was patient and kind. Very knowledgeable, go at a very caring pace. i would not change anything.” – Memorial East Fitness and Rehab Center

"This class made me feel so heard by the universe! I know that yoga has been suggested, but here it was GIVEN to me and for that, I am so THANKFUL!"  - OD2A Participant

The teacher was co calming and gentle. I felt like she cared about my relief. She must really love was she does. I really needed this. I feel 10 times better than when I started. This was my reminder that the best self care is free and starts within.” - South Florida Wellness Network

"This class impacted me positively. Although I have many physical ailments today's class encouraged (me) to loosen up and achieve more flexibility and become aware of my what my body is asking of me."


Youth Population Scale Average % Change:

Mood Increased 20%

Stress Decreased by 29%

Total youth participants from May 1 to July 31, 2025 = 1,323 (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 third quarter include: 

"I love all the new shapes we learn with you. This class lowers my stress. I would change nothing love it."

"Thank you for this time in my life. I am learning to love myself today."

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

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