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2023 Grants Challenge

Holistic Retreats 4 People Impacted by Incarceration

Escape, heal, and thrive at The Heart Center retreats. Designed for individuals impacted by incarceration, our transformative retreats in Desert Hot Springs and Mexico offer a holistic sanctuary where you can discover healing modalities, engage in self-reflection, build connections, and empower yourself to create a vibrant future beyond the constraints of the past.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Opportunities for People Who Have Been Incarcerated

In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

Central LA

East LA

South LA

County of Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Overall, holistic practices address the multifaceted issues that individuals impacted by incarceration face by recognizing the interconnectedness of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By adopting a holistic approach, The Heart Center seeks to support individuals in their healing journey, promote personal growth, and empower them to lead fulfilling lives beyond their experiences of incarceration.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

The grant would assist in covering various expenses associated with organizing a retreat in Desert Hot Springs, California. Here's how the funds could be utilized: a. Venue and Accommodation: The grant could be used to secure a suitable venue that offers a peaceful and conducive environment for healing and growth. b. Travel Assistance: The grant could provide travel assistance, covering transportation costs for participants who would otherwise be unable to attend the retreat. c. Healing Modalities: The Heart Center aims to provide various healing modalities during the retreat, such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, counseling sessions, and workshops. The grant would enable the organization to hire experienced professionals in these fields, ensuring high-quality facilitation of healing activities. d. Meals and Refreshments: Nutritious meals and refreshments are essential for participants' well-being during the retreat. The second retreat, set in Mexico, would offer participants a holistic experience, incorporating healing modalities unique to the region. Here's how the grant could support this endeavor: a. International Travel Expenses: The grant could assist with covering travel costs for participants, ensuring that financial barriers don't hinder their ability to attend the retreat. b. Retreat Facilities: The grant would help secure suitable retreat facilities in Mexico, ensuring that the venue aligns with the organization's mission and provides a serene.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

Our vision is to host retreats every month which would bring a range of benefits for individuals impacted by incarceration. This will support people in LA to receive practices, tools, and a life changing healing experience. Our long-term plan will support the evolution in LA, and here are 3 benefits: Continuous Healing and Growth: Participants can engage in a variety of holistic practices, such as meditation, counseling, yoga, and workshops, over an extended period. This consistent exposure to transformative modalities allows for deeper exploration, integration, and sustainable progress. Community and Connection: By consistently bringing individuals impacted by incarceration together, retreats provide opportunities for sharing experiences, building supportive relationships, and developing a network of peers who understand and empathize with one another. Reach and Accessibility: The frequency of monthly retreats increases the accessibility of The Heart Center's services.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

We are simply receiving data from a thoughtful and intentional pre and post retreat survey. 100% of retreat participants have shared that The Heart Center's retreat

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 50

Indirect Impact: 500