Yoga Mentoring
Studies show that one positive adult relationship can make a significant difference in the life of a teen.
The mission of The Art of Yoga Project mentoring program connects The Art of Yoga Project participants with positive adult female role models in the community. The Art of Yoga Project mentors support the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development of their mentees by establishing healthy relationships with them and by modeling a mindful lifestyle. Mentors facilitate successful reintegration into the community by reinforcing the tools that were learned for self-awareness, self-respect and self-control.
Yoga mentors or “Moginis” (as coined by a supervising juvenile judge) are volunteer AYP teachers with at least one year of experience who have made a year-long commitment to meet with a girl each week with a strong focus on practicing yoga. AYP has partnered with yoga studios throughout the Bay Area who offer free yoga classes for AYP mentees and mentors.
In San Mateo County, AYP mentors girls by partnering with the county judiciary, San Mateo County Probation, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and Star Vista.
In San Francisco County, AYP mentors girls by partnering with Youth Justice Initiative.
Desired Outcomes/Goals
This program was created in order to support girls as they transition back to their communities so that they can effectively implement tools learned for self-awareness, self-control and self-respect. What do we hope to see in the girls?
- Views herself in a more positive and hopeful way
- Chooses more positive behaviors
- Improved relationships with family members
- Improved relationships with probation officers and judges
- Improved relationships with peers
—Aileen, Art of Yoga Mentee
The Art of Yoga mentors offer girls like Aileen the opportunity to feel supported as they face the challenge of integrating their past and their present into a positive future.
