Inner Strength was established in 2014 to foster inner strength for outer stability in today’s youth through mindfulness and systems thinking tools. We believe that realizing the promise of our shared future rests on supporting the youth of today to become curious, caring, and creative leaders of tomorrow. We partner with Philadelphia public schools to provide students, teachers, and administrators with tools to uplift the climate, improve relationships, augment focus, and create more supportive learning environments. We offer in-person and online resources, courses, and training programs that foster meditative awareness, stress reduction and optimal well-being. Our keystone 12-week mindfulness program is the first of its kind to be designed specifically for teenagers. We empower young people with the tools to inquire, observe, and believe that they can discover meaning, purpose, and direction in life. Our curriculum teaches youth about mindfulness practices, adolescent brain development, sweeping cultural shifts, and the art of relating to self and others. Resources for Youth: Through our website, we offer free mindfulness practice kits, stress-reduction activities, music playlists, and educational videos. In Summer of 2020, we launched Building Inner Strength, an 8-module asynchronous Mindfulness and SEL program for middle and high school students. This spring, we launched the first mobile app specifically for teens. Our instructors are trained in trauma-informed practices as well as grief support. Resources for Adults & Educators: We offer a variety of professional development workshops and teacher trainings oriented around bringing mindfulness into the classroom, practicing self care, and reducing stress. By wedding mindfulness practices, cultural development perspectives, and somatic wisdom, our participants learn ways to increase their well-being, regulate their emotions and behavior, build compassion, and manage stress.
