Annual Reports
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Click below to download our annual reports (downloadable PDFs) for deeper insight into the impact of our efforts.
Quick Fact
Females accounted for 59% of juvenile arrests for running away and 69% of arrests for prostitution.
(Snyder, 2005)
Among female delinquents, an estimated 70-90% have a history of sexual abuse.
(Center for Gender and Justice)
From 1994 to 2003, the juvenile arrest rate for aggravated assault increased by 17% for girls and declined 15% for boys.
(Snyder, 2005)
Quotes from Our Girls
When I practice yoga I feel whole, I feel nothing is beyond my reach. I feel beautiful, strong and perfect, and fortunate that I am me.
AYP Participant
What is balance? Both parts are equal, one not bigger nor heavyer (sic) than the other. Both come together in peace & serenity.
My body felt relaxed as I closed my eyes I saw yellow and green like the sun! very relaxing
I tell myself to just calm down & breathe. When I’m angry I get away from everyone & be by myself until I calm down.
I see myself getting out of juvenile hall. I see myself getting a diploma.
I do that crow pose when you put all your weight on your hands. I look at my hands then and I feel like I’m in charge. you get that feeling you can choose. That you can choose your own lifestyle, too. I want a healthy lifestyle. A safe one. A happy one.
AYP Participant
When I get angry I take it out on other people but I really don’t mean to. I overthink on why I am angry. Sometimes I just cry it out. I like to be by myself when I’m angry. Sometimes I just talk to my roommate.
I can visualizing myself graduating high school, going to college, getting my masters in law and having a steady job and a house for me and my daughter when I get out someday.
To me balance means equal both ways. It also means fairness to me.
When I’m in peace I’m with my family. When I think of water I think of swimming in the ocean with the dolphins.
Judges, Teachers and Staff
Nora led them through a beautiful practice! Starting with the breath. Some girls were on their belly some seated, all were engaged and you could see them taking deep breaths. We moved from breath work on the floor to standing side stretches and a few sun salutations and ended with some seated stretches and a peaceful savasana.
Shikha, AYP Aftercare Director
The meditation really met the girls where they needed to be supported.
AYP Yoga Instructor
I went to Girls Court last Wednesday and realized 3 of the girls there had current yoga mentors—one of which told the judge she loved yoga, that it calmed her and made feel better. And yesterday, my own new mentee told me the same.
Today the girls taught their own yoga class. It was a great experience for me to see my students leading and supporting others. They were so engaged and conscientious. They even helped me try a new pose.
Lisa Politeo, Wright Center Teacher
It was a very productive day at the school. The girls were quick to join the circle and get ready to begin our session. They loved the art project and are really starting to open up and share more about themselves with us.
AYP Yoga Instructor
Thank you for the amazing work you do. And for the support you’ve provided for the young women at the center… Keep doing what you do. I just wish you all the best of luck. It’s really important work. We definitely see the benefits of having you guys here!
The [AYP] staff are great. They are role-models for our staff and the girls. They are always cordial and they understand safety and security.
Rod Moore, Probation Director, Camp Kemp
The mood in class dramatically shifted by the end. The class left everyone in a much more positive mood.
AYP Yoga Instructor
There was the most beautiful focused Savasana imaginable, brought to you by Sarah\’s wonderful guided meditation.
AYP Yoga Instructor
When we ended, nearly every girl said thank you for the class…it seemed the gratitude had really rubbed off by the end of class.
AYP Yoga Instructor
The Art of Yoga Project
The Art of Yoga Project is designed to help at-risk girls by focusing on early intervention and preparing girls for a positive future. We are leaders in revolutionizing the rehabilitation of girls by offering trauma-informed, strength-based, gender-responsive services.
Our mission is to lead teenage girls in the California juvenile justice system toward accountability to self, others and community by providing practical tools to affect behavioral change.
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A special thank you to the Taproot Foundation for its help in developing this web site.