Shri is Making a Difference

Shri is An Inclusive Outreach Studio

dedicated to the practice of Karma Yoga. 

​As a studio that practices karma yoga, we measure the outcomes of our programs, not because we are "attached" to those outcomes, but because we want to show up fully to support our students through skillful action.

More than 90% of students who come to Shri come for free as outreach students

  • the only difference between the minority business enterprise and the nonprofit is whether Shri Service Corps sponsors a class

  • our nonprofit does not accept any fee for service, including from partner agencies

  • we built our nonprofit model this way to maximize charitable impact​

  • the other 10% of Shri students can include any member of the public who may "drop in" for a class with a low cost pass to support an inclusive environment with our outreach students, but only when it's appropriate to do so based upon our best practices and safety standards

*Classes are free to students & to agencies through which they come to Shri

WANT TO JOIN US IN SERVICE?

What Students Are Saying...

"When I moved to Pawtucket last year, I was unemployed, and didn't have a job lined up. I didn't have friends or family here, and I was struggling with depression. Shri's free and low cost yoga classes- especially those taught by the caring and supportive Kristen- were one of the few resources that supported me through that period of time and helped me get back on my feet when I couldn't see a way forward. Now, I am slowly working my way back towards financial stability as a construction worker, and Shri continues to be invaluable as a way to keep myself healthy, injury free, employed and on track to a bright future.  Thank you very much to the wonderful people at Shri for all they give to this community."

- Amelia (Saturday morning OPEN student)

"The Shri adaptive yoga classes have had an amazing effect on our RICLAS participants with disabilities. There has been an obvious improvement in behaviors and attitudes. Breathing and relaxation techniques learned in your classes have become part of our supports at home to create a more peaceful and balanced environment. Our folks look forward to going to class and as a result are happier and healthier. We are grateful to be part of your holistic and spiritual community."

- Rhode Island Community Living and Supports/BHDDH

"You're a big help to me in here ... thank you for helping me be a better person."

- Rhode Island Training School Student practicing in Shri's School Project

“I cannot express how grateful we are to Shri! Your yoga programs brought out the best in our guys! I was blown away by their willingness to participate and their openness to try something completely new. Much of that was due to the Shri teacher’s welcome approach; she made us all feel comfortable, supported, and challenged.”

- Slater Hospital Management

"I like going to yoga.  I like to exercise.  I like to do meditation.  I like meeting new people."

- Pawtucket Transition student practicing in Shri's Adaptive Yoga Project

Shri Studies

Use of yoga in outpatient eating disorder treatment

What:  In partnership with Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, Shri participated in this study, now published in the Journal of Eating Disorders.


Results:  "In participants who completed the study, a statistically significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance was seen."


Conclusions:  "Yoga practice combined with outpatient eating disorder treatment were shown to decrease anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance without negatively impacting weight.  These preliminary results suggest yoga to be a promising adjunct treatment strategy, along with standard multidisciplinary care."

​Shri's Adaptive Yoga Project

In partnership with Flying Shuttles, an ARC of Blackstone Valley Program 

​Participants: 14 students, between the ages of 35 and 71 years old.  6 live in group homes.  8 report feeling "nervous" about yoga.

Schedule: Bimonthly classes at Shri over a two-year period. 

At the end of the pilot, 100% of students reported: 

  • more confidence

  • more energy

  • more relaxation

  • more focus 

  • less stress

  • better sleep

  • more community inclusion 

​Rhode Island Training School

MEASURED OUTCOMES AT THE

Participants:
Male students between 15 - 18 years old, incarcerated for varying lengths of time

Results:

  • Felt more confident  (88%)

  • Felt more energized (88%)

  • Felt more relaxed (75%)

  • Felt stronger (75%)

  • Felt less stressed (75%) 

​
Survey Question: What did you like most?

  •    “I like the calming effect.”

  •     “Breathing exercises.”

  •     “Everything.”

  •     “Positions and that instrument she brought.”

  •     “Stretching.”

  •     “Learning new yoga poses, as well as being exposed to different cultural music.”

​​Shri's Software

We use a special, proprietary software system to measure attendance rates, to keep schedules, funding reports and impact statements.

All teachers log class notes for shared experiences and best practices.

We can run reports in real time for measurable benchmarks.