OUR STORY

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

YOGA 504 Youth IN 2016. They were 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.

First they volunteered teaching yoga to youth at YEP and

soon after, started volunteering 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 support 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 participating as fellows in the Propeller Accelerator for Social Innovation.

Yoga 504 Youth became an affiliate of Los Angeles-based

Y.O.G.A. for Youth for close to two years, and with their support,

devoted our efforts to New Orleans youth impacted by the carceral system.

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

designed specifically for them. And so, in 2019, YEAH! YOGA was re-born. Our mission has evolved to supporting all youth impacted by the carceral system. Our work has expanded to provide Youth Yoga Teacher Training to the youth in our classes, and to provide Caregivers with classes and training, so that they can benefit from the tools we share and grow in their capacity as well.

We are honored to support young people in their growth.

We hope you'll join us!