PRESS RELEASE: Art and Yoga: Nothing is Beyond the Reach of the Girls at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—October 08, 2008—This fall The Art of Yoga Project (AOYP) and City Youth Now (CYN) have expanded their partnership to bring the art and yoga curriculum to the Woodside Learning Center at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). Since February, AOYP and CYN have been facilitating yoga classes weekly at the JJC. Starting this October for two hours on Wednesday mornings the program will be guiding the girls through the eight limbs
of yoga with the Art of Yoga Project's Yoga and Creative Arts Curriculum.
The cornerstone of The Art of Yoga Project is The Yoga and Creative Arts Curriculum, an 18-week course that combines health education, character development, yoga, meditation, and creative arts. This gender-responsive program teaches at-risk girls to: a) identify the issues that cause them to make poor choices; b) manage their anger and impulses; c) become accountable for their actions to themselves and their communities; d) develop a productive outlet for their emotions and dreams.
Each two-hour class begins with a rigorous, strengthening yoga practice and follows with a creative art activity. Throughout the class, facilitators lead discussions on yoga-related themes such as nonviolence, sexual ethics, and integrity.
About The Art of Yoga Project:
The Art of Yoga Project is designed to help girls in the juvenile justice system by focusing on early intervention and preparing girls for a positive future. The mission of The Art of Yoga Project is to lead teen girls in the California juvenile justice system toward accountability to self, others and community by providing practical tools to effect behavioral change. www.theartofyogaproject.org
About City Youth Now:
City Youth Now supports youth in the San Francisco foster care and juvenile justice systems by providing funds for services and programs that promote stability and personal growth. www.cityyouthnow.org
###
Press Contact:
Elizabeth Fairbanks
Executive Director
City Youth Now
elizabeth@cityyouthnow.org
