Empowering Wellness Through Skilled, Inclusive Yoga Outreach
Founded in 2010, Shri is the only yoga outreach organization of its kind in Rhode Island serving more than 8,500 students every year including:
adults and children with intellectual & developmental disabilities
veterans & active military personnel
children in schools, hospitals and shelters
incarcerated youth
men and women in recovery
seniors
and classes open to the general public too
Balanced, healthy & equitable communities
OUR MISSON IS TO CULTIVATE
Shri wellness programs are held either privately in partnership with nonprofit organizations serving special-needs students, or publicly, as “OPEN” classes on our studio schedule.
Private outreach classes with Shri occur both inside our studios and outside (“in the field”) with Shri-certified teachers in locations including: schools, shelters, residential treatment centers, senior centers and hospitals.
All Public OPEN classes are held at 390 Pine Street in Pawtucket.
And whenever possible, our goal is to move all students into our studios because we believe the environment matters and all students should have access to build community in beautiful space.
OUR UNIQUE
S-H-R-I Curriculum
We combine an innovative & inclusive approach to movement-based yoga classes with community building and mindfulness activities built into every experience
Our outreach classes partnered with local nonprofit organizations are measured for impact and outcomes
All Shri outreach teachers are certified to deliver our curriculum after completing an 80-hour training with our founder offered once a year
And when safe and appropriate, several classes are also open the public as part of our mission to create more inclusive communities
We measure Impact & Outcomes as part of our best practices
Shri’s Nonprofit...
funds free yoga outreach & wellness programs to special needs and underserved populations with skilled teachers trained on a joyful, rhythm-based curriculum reducing toxic stress and increasing physical, social and emotional health through shared and safe methods rooted in yogic philosophy and informed practices
OUR MODEL OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Shri Bark Snacks sales help fund free classes
a portion of sales from our low-cost class passes fund free classes
an annual mission-building event open to the public funds classes
and foundations, grants and private donors also support our mission while we fund free class and pay our teachers for their skilled time in service
Our Values
To Be of Service …
We Support, Honor, Respect and Inspire the community in which we teach, live, work and invest.
"Shri," in Sanskrit, is loosely defined as “light, radiance and abundance,” the driving forces behind the design of our studios, which are now sun-drenched and spacious for all our wellness and healing arts programs.
Our Studio
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Alison Bologna
In 2010, Alison Bologna, an award-winning journalist and E-RYT yoga teacher, founded Shri with a vision of creating a space where people from all walks of life could come together to practice yoga, foster healthier and more compassionate communities, and revitalize an area that had been economically struggling since the Industrial Revolution.
Since opening its doors in downtown Pawtucket, Shri has become a cornerstone of the district, drawing hundreds of students to its classes for special events and outreach programs. Inspired by the overwhelming response, Alison launched Shri Service Corps, a nonprofit arm of the organization, in 2012. Today, under Alison's leadership, Shri serves over 8,500 students both in its studios and remotely in schools, shelters, hospitals, recovery centers, and youth clubs. Every Shri program is guided by a curriculum developed by Alison to support students both on and off the yoga mat.
Alison's dedication to community engagement has been recognized by numerous organizations, including Providence Business News, The Women's Center of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Small Business Journal, The National Organization of Italian-American Women, L.I.F.E., Inc., the Rally for Recovery, ARC of Blackstone Valley, the Blackstone Valley Children's Shelter, the Rhode Island Attorney General, The Pawtucket Foundation, and many more.
"Since opening Shri, I'm blessed and grateful to work alongside inspirational leaders in Rhode Island, from both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, who share my same values in investing in our downtown districts, supporting collaboration and creating jobs – all in an effort to build healthier and more compassionate communities rooted in wellness practices.”
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All three levels of Little Flower Yoga Kids Teacher Training with Kate Reil, hosted at Shri
Frontiers of Trauma Treatment Training with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dana Moor
Harmonium Sound Training with Daniel Tucker
Ashtanga Yoga with David Swenson
Mindful Schools' Mindfulness Training
Masters Degree, Harvard University (English | Thesis focusing on Karma Yoga)
More than 2,000 hours of teaching experience
Certified in Mental Health First Aid
8-week MBSR training with Shara Plynton at Shri
And Meet Some of our Friends!
Shri partners with other studios who are aligned in our mission and values. These studios donate space for Shri to fund and operate free outreach classes outside of our home studio in Pawtucket, RI. The Shri leadership team carefully selects partner studios to ensure a safe environment for our students. Shri Partner Studios Include: The Woods Yoga & Island Heron Yoga.
Press & Praise
SHRI HAS BEEN FEATURED IN
Meet Our Team
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David Mongeau, WCVB-TV (Chair)
Ed Mastriano, Cox Communications (Vice Chair)
Lori Solinger, WJAR NBC 10
Jennifer Boyle Hebda, Jennifer Boyle Hebda Creative
Steve Hebda, AVS Bio
Linda D Ciolfi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
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Dr. Theresa Bologna, EdD
Virginia Venable, executive healthcare consultant
Stacia Soucy, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Amy Gravell, St. Mary Academy - Bay View
Derek Collamati, nonprofit consultant
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Matt Kaplan, Co-founder and CEO of Peacelove Studios
Dr. Kathleen Carty, PhD, President and owner of Vantage Point, Inc.
James Faulkner, ACI / prisons consultant
Bonnie Combs, Community Advocate
Pat Bologna, nonprofit administrative and managerial consultant
Hope Mongeau, curriculum copy editing
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Jim Gillen, Director, Anchor Recovery Community Center, whose memory lives on at Shri.
What The Community Is Saying...
"Angela's calm and interactive class is wonderful. The children like yoga class and follow along . Angela does a great job. There have been children who I'm not sure how they will do and when they get to yoga they do great."
-Liz Crespo, Classroom Teacher - Early Childhood Institute Intensive Outpatient Program
"We have so far really enjoyed yoga Mondays with Angela. The breathing and self-soothing rituals mesh really well with our own treatment/SEL model. Angela is firm but flexible with the kids—giving them clear reminders to follow routine, but not missing a beat if our staff need to help out a kiddo who's struggling. The kids really enjoy the interactive way Angela runs activities. The sessions are easily followed and learned by our kiddos, and Angela takes time to connect with the group. I have even caught myself getting really "in the zone!" It's a great addition to our group routine. "
- Selina Lebouef, Child and Family Clinician - Early Elementary Partial Hospitalization Program
"Angela is very kind and positive which helps the children to engage easily and have fun. They enjoy story time where they lay on their yoga mats with a stuffed animal. The children also enjoy the song DANCE WITH THE SUN. The 30 minutes of yoga helps the children to regulate their bodies."
- Debbie Lee, Classroom Teacher - Early Elementary Partial Hospitalization Program
"Partnering with Shri has been an amazing addition to our program. I am always surprised and impressed with how well the students do with yoga. Children come to our programs for support with social emotional learning and self-regulation. Participating in yoga provides a powerful opportunity for these children to learn how their bodies feel when they are regulated in a safe and fun environment."
-Kate DiMaio, Occupational Therapist - Early Elementary Partial Hospitalization Program and Early Childhood Institute Intensive Outpatient Program
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