|
|
| Juveniles yoga it up |
| By Sarah Etter, News Reporter |
| Published: 10/09/2006 |
The health benefits of yoga are pretty well known in today's culture. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning union, teaches patience and calmness while improving overall health, and it has spread across the United States with much fan fare. It is also taking over corrections and juvenile detention centers. Thanks to a partnership between La Porte County Juvenile Services Center and the La Porte Hospital Wellness Resource Center , youngsters now have the chance to stretch out their stress and use yoga as part of their rehabilitation. The Wellness Center has offered yoga classes for quite a few years, but this is the first time its employees have gone behind bars to teach youths. “This is a really great opportunity for these kids,” says the Center's Olga Felton, who coordinates complimentary care. “We've never worked with youths, much less at a juvenile center. Right now it's a pilot program, but we've had amazing response from these kids and we really can't wait to see it expand.” Currently, the La Porte Juvenile Center offers hour-long yoga sessions three to four days a week to about 43 youngsters. Wellness Center employees teach the class, while a juvenile center officer watches the operations and ensures everything goes smoothly. “When I realized the Wellness Center was offering complimentary yoga, I really thought it would be a perfect fit. We are very limited at the juvenile center as to what we can do for recreation. We can't let them play baseball because they can't have bats, for example. This is an activity that doesn't require exceptional skill, it can be done by boys and girls, and they can learn to do it on their own. They can take this with them when they leave,” says La Porte Juvenile Center's Deputy Director of Services, Scott Barlag. Oddly enough, the yoga program really took off with the efforts of Barlag's passion for recycling. The Juvenile Center struggled with funding for the project, but Barlag had earned credits at the local recycling center for all of his environmentally friendly hard work. He cashed in his hard earned recycling points for cash to buy yoga mats for the program. “Cost-wise, it was a great way to make this program happen without putting additional budget stress on the center,” Barlag explains. But the program has done more than serve as a cost-effective extracurricular activity. Barlag has pages upon pages of notes from youngsters who say the program has changed their perspective and attitudes. Classes have only been underway for six weeks, and already they are getting rave reviews. One boy wrote “Yoga keeps me relaxed, keeps my temper down. This is very fun. I think other kids who come here will like it.” Meanwhile, a girl at the center described the program as “a very calm activity. I never thought I would enjoy it, but I do. It makes you forget about your surroundings and your problems. I hope to pursue yoga in my future.” “On a short term basis, we're seeing that they feel better afterwards. We don't have long term evaluations yet but they certainly do say they feel better afterwards,” says Felton. “One model of developing spiritual development is using both western and eastern techniques. Self reflective meditation and yoga are both a key part of that.” “We haven't had any incidents after the classes where staff would have to intervene. We haven't had to deal with any physical outbursts. In part, the yoga could contribute to that. They are learning how to relax and everything that goes along with yoga helps them,” Barlag adds. Both Barlag and Felton agree they are lucky to have created such a great community partnership, and say that almost any state could do the same. “I was really fortunate to find someone receptive to the idea; you really have to communicate with all of the providers in your area,” Barlag says. “But it's so worth it to see how much it helps these kids.” Bottom Line: Innovative community partnerships can ease budget limitations while offering equally innovative programs to youths in need. Check resources available in your area to see how you can set up a similar successful program. |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
There are a variety of factors that can lead to a car accident in Central Texas. Our accident attorneys will review your claim to examine if there is enough evidence to support a civil claim for financial compensation. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim if you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver Our motor vehicle accident attorney work with you to determine how this Waco car accident has changed your life and what you need to go forward. can work around the clock to address issues such as medical bills, calls from creditors, communications from insurance companies, and legal fees.
Thanks for sharing such a informative post with in the great community you can find such information on Yoga community website too
Just click here this visit and play this game with friends and share this url link play online free bejeweled 3 and i am sure you can easily to play and understand the all game functions and tools.
Thanks for sharing such a informative post with us. [url=https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/]yoga teacher training in india[/url]