Local Nonprofit Spreads Yoga in the Community

Yoga participants report improved balance and less pain. Photo credit: New Haven Independent.

Better sleep. Fewer aches and pains. Improved well-being. These are just some of the benefits that older residents are experiencing after learning yoga with the local nonprofit, Yoga4Change.

The program seeks to make the benefits of mindfulness and yoga available to individuals that traditionally lack access due to income constraints and other barriers. Instruction is provided on-site, in partnership with like-minded service agencies, and focusses on three priority populations: at-risk youth from preschool children to adolescents; people struggling to overcome trauma, addiction, and chronic mental health issues; and low-income seniors.

Using a recent grant from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Yoga4Change, in partnership with the City of New Haven's elderly services department, established weekly classes with qualified registered yoga instructors at three local senior centers: Atwater Senior Center; Dixwell Senior Center; and East Shore Senior Center. Yoga4Change also provided certified instructor training, expanding the local availability of yoga instructors.

In addition to feeling physically better after yoga classes, participants also enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and make connections.

Learn more about Yoga4Change on giveGreater.org.

Did You Know?

Greater New Haven's population of seniors is large and growing fast. According to the 2019 Greater New Haven Community Index, the senior population (ages 65 and older) is projected to increase by 14 percent.

This story is part of the Inspiration Monday story series produced by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.