Amala Foundation Annual Report 2013

OUR MISSION Unite . Serve . Grow The Amala Foundation unites people from all walks of life and inspires them to grow as individuals and as leaders in service to humanity.

The majority of our programs are focused on young people, including refugee and immigrant youth. Many of these individuals have experienced the worst of humanity: war, abuse, neglect, extreme poverty, child labor, and gang violence. We provide a safe space for these youth to heal, express themselves, share their stories and connect with a loving and supportive community. We empower all of our youth to rise up as leaders in their communities and schools.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S T C E OJ AMS R P R 2 G E O G R PA O U T H P S T H Y G I L 1 H 1 G I 4 PA G E G E 1 2 - 1 5 H G R O W T H PA P R O J E C T E R V E S 7 E 1 W 6 AP GE 1 8-19 WHO MMUNITY UARY YOGA 1 T O E C C G N AP R A U S O & S 3 L 2 A T S 0 L N 2 E A E I R C T N C PA G E V E N T A A P N I M F I R 7 5 U 2 2 O Y 4 6 2 2 PA G E PA G E A G E 2 8 - 2 9 P

PROJECTS The youth who participate in our programs represent many countries, ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Some have grown up in refugee camps, while others have been raised in middle and upper class families. Many come from countries that have been at war with each other for years. We inspire youth to recognize that regardless of where they come from or what adversities they have faced, we are all human beings that ultimately want the same things: love, acceptance, human connection and peace.

Approximately 80% of the youth who participate in our programs are scholarship recipients.

2

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

2013 United over 70+ youth from 29 countries.

The Global Youth Peace Summit unites American, refugee, immigrant and international youth (ages 14-18) for a week-long experience devoted to personal growth, healing, cultural exchange, leadership development, and community-building.

Uniting 70+ youth from over 25 different countries, the Summit offers young people, some for the first time in their lives, a direct experience of what it means to live in unity and peace, free from fear and violence.

as a thread that unites us all. The Summit inspires youth to honor differences, explore commonalities, and create a community united by the values of love, respect, honesty, community and service.

The Summit is a place for healing. Many of the youth who attend the Summit have experienced firsthand the effects of war, torture, abuse, and neglect. At the Summit, all of these individuals are given a space to completely be themselves, a space to heal, a space to share their stories, a At the Summit, cultural, space to be heard, a space religious, and personal to be celebrated and a differences are respected space to be empowered. and celebrated, and our humanity is acknowledged Through the Summit, the

youth come to realize that sustainable peace begins within themselves, and recognize that in order to create peace in the world they must first find peace within their own hearts.

Through team-building exercises, leadership training, cultural exchange opportunities and talking circles, the youth learn how they can positively impact their homes, their peers, their community, their environment, their world and themselves.

These young people leave the Summit united as a community of leaders, eager to put their compassion into action by serving humanity.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FORESTHILL, CALIFORNIA 5

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

2014 2007

28 YO U TH 2 5 VO LU NT E E R S

“I grew up in a world of bloodshed, fear and tears.

The Summit was a place where I was honored for being a whole human being. I was embraced with a deep love… a love that I never knew existed.. a love that I know if more people in the world felt for each other – we’d have no more war.”

Evelyn, Former Abducted Child Soldier from Uganda

8 2 YOUT H 1 0 4 VOLUNT E E R S “The Summit holds a special place in my heart that can never be replaced. Realizing your own true worth is a gift that I have not received elsewhere.”

Lexis, United States

this, however, it helped me become the person I am today: it helped me find my real self.”

Fernando, Palestine

“Amala opened my eyes to the many cultures and people of the world. Some “The Summit made me similar to me, some with very different lives.” realize many things. It made me realize my desire Aiden, United States to help others. Before all

7

YOU TH PROGRAMS ONE VILLAGE PROJECT

2014

130

2007

YOUTH 15

YOUTH

YOUNG ARTISTS IN SERVICE

The Young Artists in Service program works to create opportunities for inspired young artists to deepen the spirit of service by engaging with their communities through art. These youth leaders serve their community by creating inspiring murals and art projects in Austin.

8

RISE UP LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

This bi-monthly offering is led by Solomon Masala of the Source Consulting Group, and is part of our year-long One Village Project. Rise Up utilizes team-building exercises, guest facilitators, community service, and leadership development curriculum to improve

confidence, self and cultural awareness, analytical thinking, and communication skills.

THE ONE VILLAGE PROJECT

The One Village Project is a year-long community service and leadership program which unites youth from all walks of life, with the objective of

VOLUNTEERS

CAMP INDIGO

CHILDREN 72

47 25 32

2001

55

123

75

2005

2009

226

2014

MUSIC MOVEMENT CRAFTS COMMUNICATION LEARNING

creating a diverse village of young leaders that are committed to supporting each other and serving communities in need. The One Village Project begins each year in September, upon completion of the Global Youth Peace Summit, and runs through the end of May. This year’s One Village Project was funded by the Glimmer of Hope Foundation.

BHATTI MINES SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Since 2007, The Amala Foundation has partnered with the Bhatti Mines School, which resides in an impoverished village on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. Through the partnership, over 200 children have been offered an alternative to child labor, a way out of

extreme poverty, hope for the future, and the freedom to thrive. Each November, the Amala Foundation supports a service retreat to the Bhatti Mines School.

CAMP INDIGO

Camp Indigo is a weeklong day camp that offers exciting and creative opportunities for children ages 4–12

9

to express themselves and explore their world.

Camp Indigo promotes increased confidence, clear communication skills, and a high level of respect for the self and others. Offerings include music, movement, yoga, crafts, gardening, dance, capoeira, sign language, improv, and song-writing.

GUI VILLAGE WATER PROJECT

The Gui Village Living Water Program was a humanitarian service

project that was successfully completed in 2005. The program installed two water wells in a Nigerian village, saving 3,500 people (including 2,000 children) from disease.

ONE VILLAGE WALK

The One Village Walk gives participants the opportunity to walk side-by-side with approximately 300 inmates of San Quentin State Prison, with the goal of supporting each ONE VILLAGE WALK

48 COMMUNITY MEMBERS 5 YOUTH

500+

SAN QUENTIN

INMATES

ONE VILLAGE WALK

10

other and the youth of the world. Proceeds from this walkathon benefit our youth summit.

ONE VILLAGE MUSIC PROJECT

Led by Phoebe Hunt, the One Village Music Project is comprised of 15+ young musicians from around the world who create a unique blend of alternative, folk, hip hop and world music.

The One Village Music Project just released their first album, Precious Human Life, which is now available on itunes.

2013 HIGHLIGHTS The 1st Annual Northern California Global Youth Peace Summit took place at (and in partnership with) Point Reyes National Seashore from July 15th-20th, 2013.

The Summit united 45 youth representing over 15 countries.

We launched the yearlong California One Village Project, creating opportunities for service for 40+ youth from the California Global Youth Peace Summit.

With the support of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, we expanded our Austin One Village Project by adding monthly

12

Youth Talking Circles as well as Rise Up (a bimonthly youth leadership development program) and two Camping Retreats.

able to educate over 160 children, providing them with an alternative to child labor and hope for the future.

The 5th Annual India Young Artists In Service Service Retreat saw 12 created a mural for Refugee Services of Texas. volunteers serve the school and children of We hosted our first Spring Bhatti Mines for one week and Fall Camping Retreats in November.

(Colorado Bend State We launched Sanctuary Park). The Fall Camping Yoga Studio to serve our Retreat was funded by a community and create grant received from the more sustainable funding North Face Explore Fund. for our youth programs.

Combined, 24 youth and 14 volunteers participated We were selected as the in the Camping Retreats. recipient of a Community Action Wednesday at This year, through our Wheatsville Co-op for Bhatti Mines School August 2013.

Partnership, we were

13

4500+ YOUTH SERVED

FROM OVER 50 COUNTRIES

201 3

The 7th Annual Global Youth Peace Summit, held August 12th-18th, 2013, took place at John Knox Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. The Summit united Amala Foundation was named a beneficiary of the 75 refugee, immigrant, international, and local month for Whole Foods. at-risk youth (ages 13-18) from 29 different countries In partnership with Wobeon Music, we created including the following The Amala Foundation the first Concert for Peace nations represented for the received the Big first time: Pakistan, India, in Austin, Texas uniting Give Award for donor Gabon and Vietnam.

6 world musicians/bands excellence from I Live and 300+ Austinites.

Here, I Give Here.

The 3rd Annual One Village Walk inside San The One Village Music We offered 2 week-long Quentin Prison united 35 sessions of Camp Indigo at Project united young community members, 4 musicians and volunteers Austin Discovery School.

134 children were served from the Global Youth Peace youth and over 300 San Summit. Their first album, Quentin inmates. and supported by 94 Precious Human Life, was volunteers and dozens of released in December. local businesses.

15 We received more grants than any previous year including contributions from the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Shanti Foundation, Burdine Johnson Foundation, North Face Explore Fund, and Freitas Foundation.

We expanded the reach of Camp Indigo by offering 6 Indigo Day Camps throughout the year.

2014 GROWTH

In January, 2 staff, 2 youth and one documentary filmmaker will visit Kenya for a two week scouting trip. The purpose of this trip will be to locate a venue, develop relationships with partner organizations, and plant the seeds for the 2015 Kenya Global Youth Peace Summit.

16

In January, 18 youth and 12 volunteers will unite for a weekend for our Winter Youth Retreat in Wimberley, Texas.

20 youth and 10 volunteers will unite for our Spring Break Camping Retreat at Big Bend National Park from March 12th-16th.

In March, the Amala Foundation will host a four-day Retreat for the 8th grade class of the Waldorf Academy in Austin.

The 4th Annual One Village Walk will take place May 25th inside San Quentin State Prison.

Young Artists In Service will create murals quarterly for communities and organizations in Austin including Zavala Elementary School.

2 weeks of Camp Indigo will take place at Austin Discovery School from June 16th-20th and June 23rd-27th.

Summit will take place at John Knox Ranch from August 9th-15th.

Concert on September 20th, in celebration of the International Day of Peace.

The 2nd Annual One Village Music Project will unite 20 youth and 8 volunteers.

In October, 2 staff and 2 board members will travel to Israel and Palestine on a scouting trip for the 2016 Israel/Palestine Global Youth Peace Summit.

In September, we will launch the eighth offering of our Austin One Village Project and the second The 2nd Annual CA Global offering of our California One Village Project.

Youth Peace Summit will take place in Foresthill, CA The Amala Foundation July 21st-27th. and Wobeon Music will produce the 2nd Annual The 8th Annual Austin World Music and Peace Global Youth Peace

In November, 15 volunteers will travel to the Bhatti Mines School for our 6th Annual India Service Retreat.

17

WHO WE SERVE

The youth who participate in our programs represent many countries, ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many of the youth we serve, including refugee, immigrant and at-risk children, have experienced the worst of

18

humanity. Some have been shot, some have grown up in abusive environments, some have been tortured, some have spent their entire lives in a refugee camp, and some have been forced to become child soldiers. All of these young people desire peace and change in the world.

All of our youth programs are created and carried out with the recognition that in order to have peace in the world, we must first find peace within ourselves. It is one thing to talk about peace, it is another to live it from the inside out and inspire others to do the same.

“The Amala Foundation gave meaning to my life.

It helped in the journey of finding my inner self.”

Yvonne, The Congo “The Amala Foundation has really impacted my life... It doesn’t matter what color you are or where you come from they always share the same love. It’s impacted me by knowing what peace really means. I’ve learned that no matter where you’re

from we should always take care of each other like brothers and sisters.

Mohammed, South Africa “The Amala Foundation has meant everything to me. It makes me a better leader.”

Espoir, The Congo “Although the Amala Foundation was a recent addition to my life, it has undoubtedly been one of

the most imperative and impactful. It has meant an entire support system spanning across the globe, more cultural awareness, and a betterment of myself by learning from myself and others. It makes me feel as though I will truly never be alone again and has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world both inside and out.”

Jenna, United States

19

OUR COMMUNITY STAFF VANESSA STONE, Founder RYAN JORDAN, Executive Director JONATHAN HOFFMAN, Operations Manager LINDA FREIHEIT, Youth Director JESSICA RYAN, Director of Events JP VERDIJO, Young Artists In Service Coordinator EVACLAIRE WRIGHT, One Village Project Coordinator TABITHA HALFMANN, Volunteer Coordinator SOLOMON MASALA, Austin Global Youth Peace Summit, Director SHAUNA MISTRETTA, CA Global Youth Peace Summit, Director EDEN TRENOR, CA Youth & Volunteer Coordinator

20

BOARD MEMBERS BRIAN FREEDMAN Board Chair Owner, Buy For Charity LLC

SOLOMON MASALA Founding Principal, Source Consulting Group

JUSTIN BLUMOFF Secretary Attorney, Sharpe & Associates

BRIAN SCHOENBAUM Founder/Director, Vuka Austin & Intentional Dwellings

JUSTIN ANDREWS Treasurer Financial Controller, Mobi VANESSA STONE Founder of the Amala Foundation PAULA FRACASSO Business & Life Coach, People Biz, Inc.

REBEKKAH SCHEAR Program Manager of International Programs, LIVESTRONG Foundation SAVANNAH KUMAR Honors Student at University of Texas at Austin Participated as a youth in Camp Indigo, One Village Project, Global Youth Peace Summit & San Quentin One Village Walk

SCOTT HERZ Corporate Development Executive Formerly, VP of Corporate Development at HealthTronics

21

PARTNERS GLIMMER OF HOPE SHANTI FOUNDATION FREITAS FOUNDATION BURDINE JOHNSON FOUNDATION NORTH FACE EXPLORE FUND AVILA & ASSOCIATES URBAN ROOTS REFUGEE SERVICES OF TEXAS LIFEWORKS PHOENIX HOUSE CENTER FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE MULTI-CULTURAL REFUGEE COALITION REBEKKAH’S CHILDREN REFUGEE TRANSITIONS iACT YOUTH ADVOCACY COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL CASA MARIANELLA ZAVALA ELIMENTARY SCHOOL WALDORF ACADEMY

22

AN

N

LY UAL

500+

VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS The Amala Foundation would not exist without our committed community of volunteers. Each year, the Amala Foundation provides opportunities for service to more than 500 volunteers.

Annually, 100+ volunteers each commit 150 hours or more to our youth programs.

23

EVEN T SPACE RENTAL

WEDDINGS WORKSHOPS INTIMATE GATHERINGS CORPORATE EVENTS The Amala Foundation rents its space for weddings, workshops, memorial services, corporate events, baby showers, intimate gatherings and more.

Proceeds from each rental help to cover general operating expenses which allows us to put your donations directly toward serving our youth.

24

Nestled under a canopy of ancient oak trees, the Amala Foundation is the perfect combination of outdoor and indoor space for your special occasion.

If you’re interested in booking or taking a tour of our beautiful space, please contact us at events@amalafoundation. org or call 512.476.8884.

Sanctuary Yoga is located on the grounds of the Amala Foundation and officially launched January of 2013. The intention with Sanctuary Yoga is to provide a beautiful environment for our community to deepen in their yoga practice while creating another avenue for our youth programs to be supported financially.

Sanctuary Yoga unites 17 of Austin’s most talented yoga teachers for 40+ yoga classes per week. Classes are appropriate for all levels and ages and feature a wide variety of yoga including Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Restorative, Forrest, and Satyananda yoga. The Sanctuary Yoga schedule also includes regular Qigong classes, Kirtan and other special offerings. Classes are intentionally small in size (no more than 20 people) and range from $5-$12 per class. Monthly passes are available.

For more information on Sanctuary Yoga, including a schedule of classes, please visit www.sanctuaryyogaaustin.com or call 512.476.8884.

25

FINANCIAL S INCOME

2012

2013

CONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS .................................................................. $143,289 INCOME FROM YOUTH PROGRAM TUITION ................................................. $59,800 FUNDRAISING EVENTS .................................................................................. $16,989 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES ............................................................................ $38,144

$212,793 $63,080 $28,235 $93,247

TOTAL

EXPENSE

$258,222 $397,355

2012

2013

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ........................................................................ $50,207 FUNDRAISING EXPENSES .............................................................................. $13,129 PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES ................................................................... $165,246

$113,823 $21,511 $213,960

TOTAL

NET ORDINARY INCOME

$228,582 $349,294

$29,640

$48,061

2012

2013

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS ............................................................................. $31,774 FIXED ASSETS ................................................................................................. $3,637 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ................................................................................. $5,619

$55,211 $15,791 $0

ASSETS TOTAL

$41,030 $71,002

CURRENT LIABILITIES

$11,390

EQUITY

$29,640 $70,842

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 26

$41,030

$160

$71,002

PROGRAM SERVICES EXPENSE BREAKDOWN

2012

2013

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT TX ............................................................ $75,982 TEXAS ONE VILLAGE PROJECT ....................................................................... $7,618 YOUNG ARTISTS IN SERVICE .......................................................................... $2,816 CAMP INDIGO ............................................................................................... $15,391 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES ............................................................................ $27,170 CAMP MANA ................................................................................................... $1,999 THE BHATTI MINES SCHOOL ........................................................................ $23,558 SAN QUENTIN ONE VILLAGE WALK ................................................................ $9,319 GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT CA .............................................................. $1,393 INDIGO DAY CAMPS ............................................................................................ N/A ONE VILLAGE MUSIC PROJECT ........................................................................... N/A KENYA GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT ............................................................ N/A CALIFORNIA ONE VILLAGE PROJECT ................................................................. N/A

$44,875 $8,491 $736 $18,906 $65,634 N/A $16,629 $3,970 $47,584 $1,223 $2,392 $2,743 $775

TOTAL

$165,246 $213,960

MONTHLY OVERHEAD BUDGET

2012

2013

SALARIES AND PAYROLL EXPENSES ............................................................... $6,800 RENT ................................................................................................................... $600 UTILITIES ........................................................................................................... $400 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................ $275 INSURANCE ........................................................................................................ $140 OTHER ................................................................................................................ $800

$7,100 $600 $400 $275 $140 $2,000

TOTAL

$9,015 $10,515

YOUTH

TUITION

2013 INCOME

F U N DRA I S I N G EVENTS

C OMMU NITY INITIATIVES

CONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS

27

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT

Impact the World From Within At the Amala Foundation, we realize that the most direct way to experience a fuller life is to serve others. We unite those seeking more meaningful lives with those in great need by channelling

28

this inspiration into humanitarian projects that matter. Each year, we provide opportunities for humanitarian service to over 500 volunteers both in Austin and around the world.

Serve

Make A Donation

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Gandhi

Whether it’s $15, $25 or $100, every donation will enable us to continue to serve the youth who need it the most while expanding our reach to new communities and children.

Approximately 80% of the youth who participate in our programs like the Global Youth Peace Summit, One Village Project and Young Artists In Service, receive a scholarship in order to do so. These youth would not be able to participate in these transformational and healing programs without your support.

By choosing to volunteer at the Amala Foundation, you are choosing to serve others for your own personal growth.

We ask all of our volunteers to show up with a willingness to be impacted and free of attachment to what their service looks like.

“The Amala Foundation has shown me the powerful gift that service brings to the world and to my own growth.”

Solomon M.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? serve@amalafoundation.org

512.476.8884

Become a Steward of the Amala Foundation. We are inviting inspired community members to rise up and help support and grow the work of The Amala Foundation by becoming a monthly donor. Our monthly donor program allows us to increase the reach and impact of our youth programs in Austin and around the world. The Amala Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to the Amala Foundation are tax-deductible.

www.amalafoundation.org/donate 29

THE A M ALA FOU NDAT ION FOUN D ED I N 20 0 1 - AU ST I N , T E X AS The Amala Foundation has served over 2300 youth with programs in 5 countries and 4 states, creating service opportunities for over 2500 volunteers.

www.am alaf o unda t i on. org