From Inner Health to Outer Health
Holistic Life Foundation, Inc.www.hlfinc.org
•The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. Through a comprehensive approach which helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness and self-care, HLF demonstrates deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being.
HLF Mission
The Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) was founded in 2001 by brothers Ali and Atman Smith and their friend from college Andres Gonzalez.
About Us
HLF serves under-served communities with programs focusing on yoga & mindfulness and environmental health
Things we noticed
•Lack of connection•Lack if compassion•Extreme
hypervigilance•High Stress•Lack of healthy foods•High trauma•Lack of physical
activity•Lack of peace•Sense of hopelessness
•Yoga & Mindfulness•Tutoring & Homework
Assistance•Community Service•Environmental Education
& Advocacy•Athletics•Music•Art
Holistic Me after school program
2003
2010
19 of 20 graduated from high school
19 of 20 either in college or working full time
None incarcerated
All still practice yoga in some form
Workforce Development Program
Yoga/Mindfulness Study
• Partnership with Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and Penn State University
• Only randomized controlled trial with urban youth and yoga
Pilot:• 12 week curriculum, classes four times per week• Students showed increased concentration, ability to control
emotions, got in less trouble in school, decreased rumination
2nd round:• 24 week curriculum, classes twice per week• 4 schools to 6 schools and more students (from 100 to 250)• 3 year study instead of 1 year• Includes physiological measures and school based
measures, not only cognitive measures• Federally funded not just private donors• Not only pre- and post- but follow up assessments
Mindful Moment Program
•Pilot at Patterson High School •Students trained to facilitate
mindfulness practices•15 minutes twice per day•Engagement is tracked•4 staff is the school 20 hours per week•Classroom to refer students to•Study in partnership with TIIH and UMD•Funded by the 1440 Foundation and
Krieger Foundation
Holistic Life Foundation Mindfulness Based Programs
•Drug Treatment•Mental Illness•Juvenile Jail•Workshops•Trainings•Seniors•Environmental•Gang Outreach
HLF Program Benefits•Self Regulation•Improved Concentration and Focus•Peaceful Conflict Resolution•Thought and Emotional Awareness•Anger Management•Stress Reduction•“Think Before They Act”•Compassion•Interconnectedness•Empowerment•Social and Emotional Wellness •Improved Physical Health