Jillian Lombardo
Words By Jillian Lombardo
Did you know that yoga participation in the U.S. has skyrocketed recently? Unfortunately for many in North Florida, particularly those facing financial hardship or trauma, the benefits of yoga remain out of reach. Enter Yoga 4 Change, a transformative non-profit that makes a difference one downward-facing dog at a time.
Celebrating a decade of making yoga accessible to all, Yoga 4 Change continues to empower individuals through mindful movement. They pride themselves on a trauma-informed, trauma-aware philosophy. Their conversational approach helps connect the mind to the body for a unique experience. Its teachers embody support and truly live and breathe this model. They meet people where they are, whether incarcerated, recovering or battling mental health issues. As a non-profit, classes produced by Yoga 4 Change are always free. The organization seeks grants and partnerships to create an environment accessible to everyone. Reaching their 10th birthday is a testament to Yoga 4 Change’s dedication and life-changing impact on countless individuals.
“We provide the tools for people to empower themselves, to continue to grow, and just to get better and better,” said Kim Simon, a teacher for Yoga 4 Change.
Kathryn Thomas is a veteran who suffered from an injury that affected her mind and body. In a search for comfort, she found yoga. It became such an empowering and helpful tool that she wanted to share it with others to utilize in the same way: Yoga 4 Change. She initially focused on four segments: veterans, incarcerated, mental health and youth. The passion of one person who saw the benefits and wanted to bring it to others who might not have access has since blossomed into various fields of need.
It’s a different environment than a studio. There are prenatal women or those who are housing insecure. Many would not have access or wouldn’t try yoga if not for these opportunities and the partnerships made throughout the years.
Yoga is a personal practice. You can find what you like, and the facilitators will help guide you. What you get out of it is inevitably up to you. Simon encourages people to try it. She said people would be surprised at their capabilities. The organization makes sure there is something for everyone. Whether it’s a stress-free environment, a full-body stretch or a moment to connect to your mind and spirit, Yoga 4 Change will meet you at your capabilities. They have classes where participants will be on a mat, while others may be in wheelchairs, some paralyzed or missing a limb. Yoga 4 Change instructors are trained to produce a class that benefits everyone, making it as adaptable as possible so everyone can benefit. “You’ll be surprised,” Simon echoed. “There is a little something for everyone.”
Simon discovered Yoga 4 Change four years ago after seeking help for her back issues. She was a caregiver for her mother, transporting her from the bed to the chair or the bathroom. It slowly took a toll on her body. After her mother’s passing, Simon had more free time and decided to jump in with both feet by attending a yoga training course. A friend introduced her to Yoga 4 Change and gifted her a trauma yoga book, the spark that ignited this passion.
Simon now teaches classes in the Putnam County Jail and for Recovery Point in Palatka. At first, many who left the Putnam jail had no safe space to practice yoga. While there were offers at local breweries that were perfect for their classes, the locations were simply too problematic for those coming out of recovery. Recovery Point stepped in and became that safe space for them.
“You can choose to rest if that’s what you need today; that’s yoga,” said Simon. “You can choose to be curious and adventurous and challenge yourself. That’s up to you. So really, what they get out of it is up to them, and I think that’s why it works.”
Yoga 4 Change defines “change” as the ability to grow, learn, cope and forgive. Gratitude is a significant backbone of their beliefs. They strive to provide a safe space for participants, many of whom are wearing their trauma on their sleeves, to explore their capabilities and their thoughts. The introduction of gratitude can be a struggle for many students of Yoga 4 Change. Instructors have witnessed participants becoming emotional or opening up because the class impacted them. It’s not a superficial relationship; the instructors know they are not therapists, but they are there to provide tools to help students navigate their feelings.
Yoga 4 Change was established in Duval County, where it continues to offer its largest range of classes. Its impact has blossomed, reaching Clay, St. Johns, Nassau and Putnam counties. It recently brought its practice to Flagler County through Project WARM (Women Assisting Recovery Mothers), a residential behavioral healthcare program, and occasionally holds special events in Gainesville. The organization’s ambitious vision extends farther west with a potential new location in Tallahassee and aspirations to reach the entire Florida Panhandle.
A grant from Florida Blue made Yoga 4 Change’s expansion into the Tampa/Orlando area a few years ago possible. But the story doesn’t end there. After the grant ended, many hosting facilities secured funding to keep the classes going. This powerful ripple effect speaks volumes about the positive change Yoga 4 Change brings to individuals and communities.
After weeks in Yoga 4 Change classes, a participant finally felt safe to share a secret with her teacher, Simon. She expressed that the only time she felt the ability to be creative was when she was using drugs, specifically methamphetamine. It was not until her introduction to meditation that she found an outlet or safe space within herself to be creative.
Another participant arrived at Yoga 4 Change from a troublesome situation. Inside those walls, they discovered a path to healing and purpose. This person felt inspired to become a teacher for Yoga 4 Change. An alumnus of the program, they now strive to give others the guidance and meditation they received through the program. (If you want to join this mission, their next yoga teacher training will be in the fall of 2024.)
“We all see the benefits, we practice, we see it in real-time with students, and for those of us who are teaching, we all care,” Simon said.
While yoga studios continue to flourish, Yoga 4 Change reminds us that this practice is for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. They are breaking down barriers and proving that yoga’s transformative power can reach even the most unexpected places. To learn more or to find a location near you, visit Y4C.org.
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