Phase 1 - We passed the test!

We've officially completed Phase 1 of our project! We didn't raise as much as we wanted, but our generous sponsors have shown us that our project has wings. 

Through Facebook we were able to raise enough money to fund the Mariposa Center for Girls yoga program through the summer. Our amazing teacher,  Lorena Medina Bournigal, has been working with the girls for several months. We've been able to witness first hand the work they are doing. All involved can clearly see how a few months of yoga and mindfulness practice has transformed the Mariposas.

“You can see the difference the Yoga Effect has made. Bringing yoga to the girls has improved their behavior significantly. We plan to keep yoga as a regular elective for the girls. ”

— Patricia Thorndike Suriel, Executive Director and Founder

When your teammates are no longer a voice on the phone or tiny profile pic— glad to have finally met these talented and powerful women face-to-face. Our work wouldn’t be possible without Amanda and @loriyogalife on the ground making our vision come true.

A post shared by Yoga Effect (@yoga_effect) on Apr 4, 2018 at 12:34pm PDT

Wait did I say first hand?  Yep! We went to the Dominican Republic to check on the project, and to capture amazing images and video to show everyone who donated what their contribution is doing. 

Gina and I were so excited to meet Lorena and Amanda during our visit to the center. Every staff member, teacher, and student warmly welcomed us. We visited homes, talked to residents and learned the challenges these young women face as they go about their daily lives in Cabarette. 

The visit was so informative and energizing, we came back to the states with our next phase of planning underway. We've got Phase 2, yoga retreats, in the works. Check out the save the date!

You may be asking, "What happened to the scholarship fund? Wasn't that part of Phase 1?"  You're right. The scholarship fund was a big part of Phase 1. Not to worry! We didn't forget. We've put that part of our plan on hold. After spending time with the Mariposas and getting to know the dynamics of life in Cabarette, we realized that a scholarship fund for yoga teacher training is a little ahead of the need. So while we wait for Mariposas with a sustained yoga practice to graduate from high school, we'll continue building funds. 

Phase 2 is all about creating a sustainable yoga program at the Mariposa Center for Girls.