Inner-City Bliss (ICB), we are a non-profit organization that provides trauma informed yoga and meditation programming to as many people as possible. ICB began in December of 2018 with the aspiration of providing resources and support to black and brown communities residing within the inner cities. We offer a wide range of programs and workshops to underserved black and brown communities throughout the Bay Area.
ICB is committed to providing high-quality programming that is accessible and affordable. Our culturally competent programs are designed to provide a safe space for our people to heal, learn new skills, and connect with other like minded beings in our community. Our programs have been offered at various locations throughout the Bay Area and we are always looking for new sites to expand our reach.
Trauma-informed yoga and meditation
Trauma-informed yoga and meditation are techniques that can be used to help people who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed yoga and meditation is specifically designed to help people who have experienced trauma. It is a gentle form of yoga that focuses on the breath and relaxation. This practice can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to improve sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
The benefits of after school programming
We offer a variety of benefits to students who participate in our after school programming. One major benefit is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, "Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population." ICB's after school programming can provide students with techniques to help cope with anxiety and stress in a healthy way.
Additionally, our programs can help build resiliency skills. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, and it is a critical skill for young people to have. Studies have shown that children who participate in resilience-building activities are more likely to do better in school and have healthier relationships. ICB's after school program can help students develop resiliency skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Finally, our programs can help promote social and emotional learning (SEL). SEL is the process through which children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Numerous studies have shown that SEL skills are linked to improved academic performance, lower rates of absenteeism and suspensions, and increased graduation rates. ICB's after school programs can help students develop the SEL skills they need to be successful in school and in life.
ICB's commitment to accessibility and affordability
At Inner City Bliss we are committed to accessibility and affordability. We offer donation based and sliding scale pricing for our programs and workshops. Our goal is to provide resources and support to black and brown youth residing within the inner cities, and we believe that yoga and meditation can be powerful tools for healing and self-care. Our after school programming is designed to provide students with a safe space to relax, de-stress, and learn techniques that they can use to cope with the challenges of everyday life. We offer a variety of programs and workshops, and our team is committed to providing each student with the individualized attention and support that they need to thrive.
How to get involved
If you would like to bring our programming to your organization or community, please visit our website at www.inner-citybliss.org. Our after school programming is available to students ages 5-18. We work with schools and organizations across the Bay Area to make our services available to as many youth as possible, and we would love to have you involved.
Closing thoughts
Inner City Bliss hopes to be an incredible resource for the youth living within inner cities. Our organization provides culturally competent mental health programming to underserved black and brown communities throughout the Bay Area. This is an invaluable service that can help individuals learn how to cope with the various stresses of life.
We believe that we are making a difference in the lives of our people and changing the way we view yoga and meditation. Our organization is providing a safe space for black and brown folks to come and learn about these ancient practices, and our goal is to make a positive impact on the community. If you are interested in bringing Inner-City Bliss to your community, please contact us!