Our Mission & Vision

CONNECT. GROW. SERVE

Mission

The Amala Foundation cultivates cultures of belonging through community building, and the teaching and practice of wellbeing.

Vision

We strive for a world where healthy and thriving communities are free of isolation and loneliness.

Amala means “hope” in Arabic. We believe that when people are committed to their own growth, there is hope for an equitable, inclusive, and compassionate future for all of us.

Since 2001, Amala has been building a healthy and diverse community by focusing on a culture of belonging.  For youth, Amala offers social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that bring together children and teens from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  For adults, Amala offers professional workshops and trainings, yoga, and mindfulness classes.

Our youth programs offer students a unique blend of mindfulness, movement, and sharing circles to help them learn to navigate the challenges of adolescence, connect with peers from different neighborhoods and backgrounds, build healthy relationships, and develop wellness practices. 

Research indicates that youth who participate in social-emotional learning programs demonstrate improved academics and classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. Amala’s programs are open to all youth, regardless of their ability to pay.  Eighty percent of participants receive scholarships. Learn more about our youth programs here. 

For adults, we partner with schools and organizations to custom build workshops, trainings, and classes focused on emotional intelligence, personal and community wellness, equity and cultural responsiveness, mindfulness, self-care, and healthy communication.  Learn more about our professional development offerings here. 

We also operate Sanctuary Yoga at our community center in South Austin.  All classes are offered by donation, and proceeds support our community programs.  Learn more here.

Finally, we rent our beautiful community center on the weekends for weddings and other events.  Proceeds from rentals help us pay our bills!  Learn more about Sanctuary Events here.

We are so glad you found us.  If you haven’t already, please watch this 2 minute animation to learn more about our work.  Please connect with us on social media, and scroll to the bottom of this page to join our newsletter.  You are welcome to reach out to us by emailing info@amalafoundation.com.