OUR STORY

It all started when Camille Baldassar and Bonita Day co-founded

YOGA 504 Youth In 2016 - called to this work by  witnessing deep structural racism and disparity  in New Orleans' communities and the devastating effects of incarceration on the whole of their city. Sadly, for many years, Louisiana has held the title of Mass Incarceration Capital of the world.

Before securing funding, they volunteered teaching yoga to youth at YEP and

with a team of teachers at Rivarde juvenile detention center. The youth there began asking: "Where can we take yoga classes once we go home?" 

Not only  were  the yoga studios located outside of their communities,

most youth lacked access due to class fees and transportation costs. 

Even if they overcame these hurdles, there would be no Healing-focused

or Trauma-Informed trained Teachers offering the wellness approach these youth needed. Determined to fill that gap and provide access, Camille and Bonita

expanded their start-up by joining the Laureus Sport for Good Coalition.

and became Fellows in the Propeller Accelerator for Social Innovation.

In 2028, Yoga 504 Youth became an affiliate of Los Angeles-based Y.O.G.A. for Youth and with their mentorship, continued to focus on New Orleans youth impacted by the carceral system.

Our youth's specific needs required an organization with an approach

designed specifically for them. In 2019, with the help of Emilia Aguinaga, YEAH! YOGA was re-born as the organization we are today. Our work aims to support all youth impacted by the carceral system, and has expanded to provide Youth Yoga Teacher Training at no cost to the youthwe serve.

We are honored to support young people in their growth.

We hope you'll join us!