Amala Foundation Annual Report 2012

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OUR MISSION The Amala Foundation inspires the diverse youth of the world to live in unity, serve compassionately and lead peacefully.

All of our youth programs are a place for empowerment and healing. Many of the youth we serve, including refugee, immigrant and at-risk youth, have experienced extreme poverty, child labor, gang violence, abuse and neglect; some have witnessed the atrocities of war and have literally run for their lives; many have been uprooted from their native cultures and struggle to integrate into an entirely foreign world. We provide a safe space for these youth to heal, express themselves, share their stories and connect with a loving and supportive community.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S T C E J O R AMS P 2 R E G G O PA U T H P R O MARY ROWTH Y 7 M G U 4 T S C E E E J AP G E 8-9 V O R R A E P G S O G Y PA E 1 0 - 1 1 W H O W E Y R A U PA G 1 2 - 1 3 M U N I T Y S A N C T & M E S O G L P A O U R C R E N TA I A L S C T T N 5 1 C N A E A N 4 I P V 1 F E M E I G PA E 1 6 - 1 7 E 1 8 - 1 9 Y O U R PA G PA G PA G E 2 1

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PROJECTS The Amala Foundation is involved in a number of local, national, and international Humanitarian service projects.

All of our youth programs are offered with scholarship options in order to ensure that all youth, including refugee, immigrant and at-risk youth, receive the opportunity to participate in these transformational programs.

Approximately 80% of the youth that participate in our programs receive a scholarship in order to do so.

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GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

201 2 United over 70 youth from 29 countries.

2012 2007

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

2 8 YO U T H 2 5 VO LU N T E E R S

The Summit is a place for healing.

Many of the youth who attend have experienced the worst that humanity has to offer including war, torture, abuse and neglect.

All of the youth who attend the Summit are given a space to completely be themselves, a space to heal, a space to share their stories, a space to be heard, a Bringing together 70+ youth space to be celebrated and a space from over 25 different countries, to be empowered. Through the the Summit offers young people, Summit, the youth come to realize sometimes for the first time in that sustainable peace begins their lives, a direct experience of what it means to live in unity and within, recognizing that in order peace, free from fear and violence. to create peace in the world they must first find peace within their At the Summit, cultural, religious own hearts. and personal differences are respected and celebrated and our Through team-building exercises, humanity is acknowledged as the leadership training and talking circles, the youth learn how they thread that unites us all. The can positively impact their homes, Summit inspires youth to honor differences, explore commonalities their peers, their community, their and create “One Village” united by environment, their world and values of love, respect, honesty, themselves. The youth exit the community and service.

Summit as a united community of The Global Youth Peace Summit unites American, refugee, immigrant and international youth (ages 13-18) for a weeklong experience devoted to cultural exchange, healing, leadership development and community-building.

7 5 YO U T H 101 VO LU NTEERS youth leaders eager to put their compassion into action by serving those in need.

“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 “The Summit for me was the place where I realized I was a gift to the world.”

-Nany, Guatemala “The Summit made me realize many things. It made me realize my desire to help others. Before all this, however, it helped me become the person I am today: it helped me find my real self.”

-Fernando, Palestine

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YOUTH PROGRAMS ONE VILLAGE PROJECT

2012

1 0 0+

2007

YOU TH 15

YOU TH

YOUNG ARTISTS IN SERVICE THE ONE VILLAGE PROJECT CAMP MANA The Young Artists in Service program works to create opportunities for inspired young artists from our One Village Project and the Global Youth Peace Summit to deepen into the spirit of service by engaging their communities through art. These youth leaders serve their community by creating inspiring murals around Austin and providing free art lessons to under-served children at places like the Hope Farmer’s Market and the Amala Foundation Community Center.

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The One Village Project is a year-long program that unites refugee, immigrant, and local, at-risk youth with the objective of creating a diverse Village of youth leaders who are committed to supporting each other and serving communities in need. The One Village Project begins each year upon completion of the Global Youth Peace Summit and consists of three main components: Monthly youth-led community service days, monthly youth leadership training, and monthly youth talking/support circles.

Camp Mana is a day-camp on the Big Island of Hawaii for children ages 4-12. Similar to Camp Indigo, all activities at Camp Mana are intended to point the child’s attention back to their own heart, which encourages self-inquiry and promotes confidence, clear communication and creativity.

BHATTI MINES SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Since 2007, The Amala Foundation has partnered with the Bhatti Mines School, which resides

VOLUNTEERS

CAMP INDIGO

CHILDREN 67

50 25 32

2001

55

107 125

70

2004

2008

2012

MUSIC MOVEMENT CRAFTS COMMUNICATION LEARNING

in an impoverished village on the outskirts of New Delhi, India. 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.

CAMP INDIGO

Camp Indigo is a week-long day camp that offers exciting and creative opportunities for children ages 4–12. Camp Indigo promotes increased confidence, clear communication and a high level of respect for the self and others. Offerings include music,

compassion/sharing circles, yoga, crafts, Earth art, gardening, dance, capoeira, sign language, improv, and song-writing. The intention is to create a summer camp environment that is safe, nurturing, fun, and creative where children can freely express, heal, be acknowledged and heard.

We endeavour to support and empower all children to explore the essence of who they are.

ONE VILLAGE WALK

The One Village Walk gives participants the opportunity to walk side-by-side with

approximately 300 inmates of San Quentin Prison with the goal of supporting each other and the youth of the world. Proceeds from this unique walkathon support the youth of the Global Youth Peace Summit.

GUI VILLAGE WATER PROJECT

The Gui Village Living Water Program was a humanitarian service project we successfully completed in 2005, installing two water wells in a Nigerian village, saving 3,500 people (including 2,000 children) from disease.

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SUMMARY 2012 HI GHLI GHTS 2 week long sessions of Camp Indigo, instead of one. 125 children were served and supported by 107 volunteers and dozens of local businesses.

1 st I N T E RNATI ONAL GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

K E NYA 2 0 1 4

300+

YOU T H SE R V E D FROM 29 COUNTRIES 8

The 6th Annual Global Youth Peace Summit, held August 12th-19th, 2012, took place at a new venue, Camp Champions in Marble Falls.

The Summit united 78 refugee, immigrant, international and local, at-risk youth (ages 13-18) from 27 different countries, including the following nations represented for the first time: Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Central African Republic. The youth represented many cultures and religions including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.

The 2nd Annual One Village Walk inside San Quentin Prison brought together 40 community members, 4 youth from the Global Youth Peace Summit and over 200 San Quentin inmates.

We expanded our year-long One Village Project by adding monthly

Youth Talking Circles as well as a monthly Youth Leadership Training Program led by Kenya Masala and Source Consulting Group. We increased One Village Service Days from once every six weeks to monthly gatherings.

in exchange for a monthly contribution to the Amala Foundation of $25 or more.

We launched the Steward Circle in partnership with Donation Yoga. This unique offering gives 50 people the opportunity to enjoy FREE UNLIMITED YOGA

We hosted our first Amala Youth Retreat in San Marcos which brought together 15 youth and 5 volunteers for a weekend of sharing, healing and community.

Young Artists In Service created the Global Youth Art Exchange as well as Indigo for India Days.

Through our Bhatti Mines School Partnership we were able to educate 160 children, providing them with an alternative to child labor and hope for the future.

The 4th Annual India Service Retreat saw 15 volunteers serve the school and children of Bhatti Mines for one week in November.

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GROWTH For the first time ever, we will host a Global Youth Peace Summit outside the state of Texas. The 1st Annual Northern California Global Youth Peace Summit will take place at (and in partnership with) Point Reyes National Seashore from July 15th-20th, 2013. This Summit will unite 50 youth representing over 15 countries.

In the Spring, we will host our 1st Annual Outdoor Youth Camping Retreat at Colorado Bend State Park.

In January of 2013, the Sanctuary will transition to a yoga studio (Sanctuary Yoga) offering our community a full schedule of yoga classes, kirtan, meditation, Amala Talks (our version of Ted Talks) and more. Proceeds from the Yoga Studio will benefit our youth programs. For more information, please visit www. sanctuaryyogaaustin.com.

Amala will be hosting regular free community events

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The 1st Annual Global Youth including Music Jam Nights, Movie Nights, and Nourish Thyself Voices Project will unite youth from the Global Youth Peace community lunch.

Summit with the intention of uniting youth around music and 2 weeks of Camp Indigo will take creating an album dedicated to place at Austin Discovery School healing, peace and unity. from June 17th-21st and June 24th-28th.

And Beyond...

We are in the midst of planning The 7th Annual Global Youth our first international Global Peace Summit will take place at Youth Peace Summit, which will John Knox Ranch from August take place in Kenya in December 12th-18th. of 2014.

The 3rd Annual One Village Walk We are also planning to host a will take place June 2nd inside Global Youth Peace Summit in San Quentin Prison.

Israel in 2015.

Young Artists In Service will continue to expand its Global Youth Art Exchange program, partnering with local schools and businesses.

Amala has been selected as the recipient of a Community Action Wednesday at Wheatsville Coop for August 2013. Amala Foundation has also been named a beneficiary of the month for Whole Foods at Arbor Trails.

1 st INT ERNAT IONAL GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT

KE N YA 2 014

300+

Y O UT H S E R V E D FROM 29 COUNTRIES

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WHO WE SERVE

Many of the youth we serve, including refugee, immigrant and at-risk children, have experienced the worst that humanity has to offer - 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 UNITY IN - all desire peace UNITY IN child soldiers and change in the world.

All of our youth programs are created and carried out with the recognition that in order to have

DIVERSITY

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.

DIVER SITHOW Y OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS WORK:

UNITY IN A SPACE TO

HEA L 12

A SPACE TO

COMPASSION IN

A C T I ON HEAL DIVER SIT Y

COMPASSION IN

A C T I ON

“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

“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 “Amala opened my eyes to the system spanning across the globe, more cultural awareness, and a many cultures and people of the betterment of myself by learning world. Some similar to me, some with very different lives.” from myself and others. It makes me feel as though I will truly Aidan, United States never be alone again and has given me the opportunity to meet “The Amala Foundation has meant some of the most beautiful people in the world both inside and out.” everything to me. It makes me a -Jenna, United States better leader.”

-Espoir, The Congo

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OUR COMMUNITY AN

STAFF

AL U N

LY

500+

VANESSA STONE, Founder RYAN JORDAN, Executive Director JONATHAN HOFFMAN, Director of Operations LINDA FREIHEIT, Youth Director JESSIE WALKER, Events Coordinator JP VERDIJO, Young Artists In Service, Director CHELSEA HOVER, One Village Project Coordinator TABITHA HALFMANN, Volunteer Coordinator KENYA MASALA, Austin Global Youth Peace Summit, Director EDEN TRENOR, Northern California Global Youth Peace Summit, Director

VOLUNTEERS

BOARD MEMBERS BRIAN FREEDMAN Board Chair Owner, Buy For Charity LLC JUSTIN BLUMOFF Secretary Attorney, Sharpe & Associates Law, PLLC JUSTIN ANDREWS Treasurer Controller, Mobi Corp.

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VANESSA STONE Founder of the Amala Foundation

PARTNERS

PAULA FRACASSO Business & Life Coach, People Biz, Inc.

SHANTI INTERCULTURAL FOUNDATION URBAN ROOTS REFUGEE SERVICES OF TEXAS CENTER FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE MULTI-CULTURAL REFUGEE COALITION REBEKKAH’S CHILDREN ROCHES FOUNDATION REFUGEE TRANSITIONS iACT LIFEWORKS YOUTH ADVOCACY SULHA PEACE PROJECT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL CASA MARIANELLA GLIMMER OF HOPE

SCOTT HERZ Corporate Development Executive Formerly, VP of Corporate Development at HealthTronics KENYA SOLOMON MASALA Founding Principal, Source Consulting Group BRIAN SCHOENBAUM Founder/Director, Vuka Austin & Intentional Dwellings 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 JAMES DRINKARD Independent Social Media Strategist Participated as a youth in Camp Indigo, One Village Project, Global Youth Peace Summit & San Quentin One Village Walk

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.

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EVENT 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.

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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 Sanctuary Yoga is located on the grounds of the Amala Foundation and will officially launch 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 will unite 17 of Austin’s most talented yoga teachers for 40+ yoga classes per week.

Classes will be appropriate for all levels and ages and will feature a wide variety of yoga including Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Restorative, Forrest, Morning Sadhana, Candlelight, and Satyananda yoga.

The Sanctuary Yoga schedule will also include regular Qi-Gong classes, Kirtan and other special offerings.

Classes will intentionally be small in size (no more than 15 people) and will range from $5-$12 per class. Monthly passes will be available.

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

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FINANCIALS INCOME

2011

2012

CONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS .................................................................. $217,575 YOUTH PROGRAM TUITION .......................................................................... $26,621 FUNDRAISING EVENTS .................................................................................. $14,216 COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS AND FACILITY RENTAL INCOME ................. $26,108

$143,289 $59,800 $16,989 $38,144

TOTAL

EXPENSE

2011

2012

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ........................................................................ $37,286 FUNDRAISING EXPENSES .............................................................................. $12,956 PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES ................................................................... $213,737

$50,207 $13,129 $165,246

TOTAL

$263,979 $228,582

NET ORDINARY INCOME

$20,541

$29,640

2011

2012

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS ............................................................................. $20,063 FIXED ASSETS ................................................................................................. $1,102 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ........................................................................................ $0

$31,774 $3,637 $5,619

ASSETS TOTAL

$21,165 $41,030

CURRENT LIABILITIES

$14,380

EQUITY

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 18

$284,520 $258,222

$11,390

$7,785 $29,640

$22,165

$41,030

PROGRAM SERVICES EXPENSE BREAKDOWN

2011

2012

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT TX ............................................................. $75,137 THE ONE VILLAGE PROJECT ......................................................................... $19,278 YOUNG ARTISTS IN SERVICE ............................................................................. $812 CAMP INDIGO ................................................................................................ $11,155 COMMUNITY CENTER AND SANCTUARY ...................................................... $16,873 CAMP MANA .................................................................................................... $2,138 THE BHATTI MINES SCHOOL ........................................................................ $15,353 THE BHATTI MINES SCHOOL RETREAT ........................................................ $37,691 TEACHING PROGRAMS AND RETREATS ....................................................... $30,618 SAN QUENTIN ONE VILLAGE WALK ................................................................ $4,682 GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT CA ................................................................... N/A

$75,982 $7,618 $2,816 $15,391 $27,170 $1,999 $23,558 N/A N/A $9,319 $1,393

TOTAL

$213,737 $165,246

MONTHLY OVERHEAD BUDGET

2011

2012

SALARIES AND PAYROLL EXPENSES ............................................................... $3,300 RENT ................................................................................................................... $600 UTILITIES ........................................................................................................... $400 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................ $275 INSURANCE ........................................................................................................ $140 OTHER ................................................................................................................ $800

$6,800 $600 $400 $275 $140 $800

TOTAL

$5,930 $9,930

CENTE R E VE N T S

+

RENTAL INCOME

2012 INCOME

FUND RAISING EVENTS

YOUTH TUITION

C ONTRIB UTIONS AND GRANTS

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HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT 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.

Many volunteers have had experiences that forever alter their sense of self and their ability to effect change in the world.

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

-Kenya M. “Serving with humility, vulnerability and deep willingness to learn is how my heart thrives. I realized that there is no sorrow or pain that can not be healed through authentic giving.”

-Rocio A. 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 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.

Become a Steward of the Amala Foundation Through our Stewardship Program, 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.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? serve@amalafoundation.org

512.476.8884

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