DAYA relies on contributions by our community to help fund programs like the Prison Yoga Teacher Trainings and Medical Scholarships for patients in need of yoga therapy. Please consider making your donation on Giving Tuesday - December 3, 2019, to these wonderful programs provided to the community by DAYA.
Prison Yoga Teacher Training Program At the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), we train adults in custody to become certified yoga teachers. They teach to their peers living with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. With the practice of yoga, they are able to find stillness and quietness in an otherwise chaotic environment. Yoga helps them to practice non-violence and compassion on the inside.
We have programs and students currently running at both Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) and Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF). Our program was the first in the nation to successfully complete a Yoga-Alliance yoga teacher training in a prison. The 12 teachers at OSCI are currently leading classes within the prison for which we offer ongoing support. Weekly, our volunteers on the outside offer feedback and support to our OSCI and CCCF teachers.
The DOC has requested this program in three other local prisons. We are working toward bringing these programs to them. This is what your contributions can make happen today!
The Department of Corrections is moving toward a Trauma-informed model. We are honored to partner with them in providing these vital services for all.