Spirit Awakening Foundation

Spirit Awakening Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable arts organization dedicated to assisting “at-risk” youth and children in the juvenile justice system Spirit Awakening Foundation Offers: “Writes of Passage” A writing program implemented in three levels Level One: “Unmasking Your Authentic Voice” Highly structured writing exercises incorporate meditation, dramatic improvision and role play to help students reflect on their strengths and ability to rewrite the story of their lives and identify the unique ways in which they can contribute to themselves, their families and communities. Level Two: “Urban Folktales Project” Graduates of “Unmasking Your Authentic Voice” continue their creative writing and life skills program, crafting new stories of empowerment and purpose Level Three: “Concious Dialogues” (CD’S) Living Heroes Project Brings program participants and contributing sponsors together for “Conscious Dialogues” and a potluck celebration hosted by the students, giving them an opportunity to thank the generous contributors and teachers who make the work of Spirit Awakening Foundation possible. After Care: Mentoring Program The Foundation offers “After Care”of the students by implementing programs in various communities; students have named this program “Spirit in the Hood”. Every Thursday, from 4pm - 6pm youth meet up to engage in spiritual counseling; peer-to -peer mentoring and self mastery skills. Tribal Oasis Leadership Retreat: takes students on a five day soul searching rejuvenating mountain retreat to Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Angels of Redemption: children helping children across the seas.. International trip to Ghana W. Africa in service, cultural exchange and spiritual transformation. Program Objectives Building Character, Raising Self-Esteem, One Child at A Time Awaken the innate spiritual nature of the Individual and to inspire Self-respect and Self-acceptance Improve writing and communication skills Help program participants understand their feelings, and teach them to respect and articulate those feelings in ways that positively and efectively communicate their needs and creative expression Build bridges among diverse ethnic and Socio-economic groups and foster a greater understanding of divergent points of view Reduce negative and destructive attitudes and behaviours Prepare and support young people in making fulfilling and purposeful life choices The work of Spirit Awakening Foundation is grounded in the recognition that a child’s true life is independent of circumstances. That regardless of where they come from, or what has happened to them and even what they have done, there is a life in them that is strong, clear, beautiful and has a purpose here on earth. The process of unmasking - the releasing of conditional roles taken on from race and culture, gender, familial expectation and negative self- image gets to the core of the students sparkling true nature. This is accomplished through introducing meditation practices that help students to focus their energy and attention, allowing them to clear the mind chatter and think for themselves. They can clearly see where their decisions have come from in the past and open up to their own deep wisdom instead. The writing is done as a spiritual discipline that brings them into contact with their authentic voice. This voice can be trusted absolutely because it never lies. It tells that sometimes difficult truth that, once opened must be listened to.