MISSION STATEMENT

To empower youth through yoga, nutrition and optimistic teachings that help to develop life skills that can enable youth to take responsibility for their life, develop respect for themselves and others, and have confidence in their own potential.

CHILDREN AT RISK

San Diego is slightly ahead of the state and nation in K-12 academic performance, but has increased in dropout rates and low academic scores in low-income, disadvantaged communities (San Diego Foundation). A study reported by the San Diego Foundation indicates that the most effective tool for improving student learning and academic achievement is greater parental involvement in their child's education. Unfortunately, children who are considered at-risk may not have the support they need from home, neighborhood or community, which is developing a greater and at times impossible task for educators to accomplish their goals for teaching students or fostering partnerships with student and parents. According to the National Commission on Children, "Often these students lack the rudiments of basic health care and quality education. Almost always, they lack hope, they lack dreams, and they lack a vision of what their lives can become and the support and guidance to make it a reality".

BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR YOUTH

Yoga benefits for youth include enhancing the self-confidence and gentle introduction to self discipline. Yoga improves health which in turn, increases vitality, enthusiasm and appreciation for life. Yoga practice increases young people's awareness and their ability to look within, to think independently and trust themselves. In addition, Yoga can help improve a child's ability to focus, concentrate and listen as well as develop flexibility, strength and the joy to learn. Yoga provides effective stress management through positive thought patterns and relaxation techniques. Yoga for youth helps develop the ability to be calm in the midst of action and the ability to have a quiet mind in the midst of turmoil.

ABOUT THE SEAN O'SHEA FOUNDATION

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that is designed to empower youth with a Yoga curriculum focusing on providing memorable programs aimed at enriching young lives and providing invaluable instructors who will be a positive role model while developing long-term relationships with educators and community. Sean O'Shea gave young people such an outstanding example of excellence, patience, discipline and a joy for life and personal growth that all can benefit from. These benefits are timeless and are in the form of a healthy, balanced perspective and increased happiness and in this age of extreme complexity, severe economic challenges and with society's overemphasis on competition and peer-pressure, Sean's teachings are a welcome antidote that all young people should have for their overall health, growth and well being. Sean's teachings are a shining example of how simplicity, harmony and cooperation are still values that can and should be nurtured and developed in every young person; therefore, it is our hope to offer this program as a positive experience for young people and community from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

This organization will offer a yoga and wellness program that would be specifically designed for children 6th-12th grades and would run six weeks (Usually one class per week). The programs will allow for children from ages 10-17 to develop their full potential through exciting and motivating classes led by outstanding and qualified Yoga leaders from local communities. The programs will take place at participating schools, organizations and/or local yoga studios.

The Organization's goal will be to develop a positive effect on the youth in San Diego County by teaching skills of balance, flexibility, harmony, strength and calmness. In addition, our instructors will be optimistic and inspiring teachers encouraging health, happiness and the importance of service to others, while affirming a strong sense of belief in themselves. We hope to encourage the participants to partake in community service within their school and their community; by doing so we develop an optimistic philosophy of life and advance the well-being of humankind and community life. It is expected that this program will provide an important service for the community for many years to come. As the evaluation of the program's success is performed, some modification will be necessary to ensure that a first rate program is provided to the community.