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Inner Strength
- for -
Outer Stability
“HAPPY FOR NO REASON”
TEEN RETREAT VIDEO
High school students explore what happiness is on a day retreat as part of a school mindfulness program run by the Inner Strength Foundation. These teens have been learning how to cultivate inner strength and outer stability. While on retreat they discovered a whole approach to being together, exploring nature, and sharing what gives them strength and joy. Listen to their uplifting and thoughtful reflections, as they have fun articulating their experience of an inner happiness, which has more to do with their context and perspective than with obtaining something outside themselves.
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What We Do
The Inner Strength Foundation provides innovative programs that use mindfulness training and perspectives in cultural development to help the youth of today become the great leaders of tomorrow.
Inner Strength Foundation Founder Amy Edelstein Awarded with
Social Innovation Award
Over 6,000 Students Trained in our programs
Multi-year research shows positive results.
2019 Phl Innovation
Award Winner
CASEL recommended
program
Thank you to all our generous donors!
Program Areas
Mind & Awareness
Time-honored, evidence-based tools to promote ease & self-reflection.
“I have come out of this program much wiser and more open-minded.” Shania, 16 year-old”
Brain Science
Biological growth stages & evolutionary conditioning.
“I learned how much our brain is developing and how much we need to take care of it.” Savannah, 16 years
Culture & Me
Historical context shows us where we come from and why our experience is colored the way it is.
“Meditation is a gateway to infinite reflection and reflection is what leads to success.” Antwain, 17 years
Art of Relationship
Compassion for self and other, learning to cultivate good habits of mind.
“It helped me communicate better with my friends and family about issues that I have.” Kendra, 16 years
In our incredibly complicated world, it’s good to know that we, as a school, are not only preparing our students academically, but also giving them the tools provided through mindfulness training…. Our students report that they are now able to “Stop and take a look at what’s really going on inside.”
- Sydney Bassman, Guidance Counselor, Bodine High School for International Affiars
Quick Facts
12 Weeks
The Teen Program runs once a week for 12 consecutive weeks.
In School Program
Programs are held in-school as part of a student’s regular curriculum.
Greater Philadelphia Area
The Inner Strength Foundation has provided its Teen Mindfulness Program to over 6000 students in 12 public high schools in Philadelphia.
Cost
We are committed to making the program affordable for under-funded, under-resourced public schools. The cost of the program is entirely underwritten for most of the inner city public high schools.
“Lovingkindness left an impact on me. I loved talking about how to improve relationships, and the challenges we face.”
- Serena, 16 years
“I began to understand how meditation was not just sitting and closing your eyes, but it was a way to explore the deep realms of the brain. It dawned upon me that it was a method to get to know one’s self better.”
- Valentino, 17 years
“I realized that awareness is important for mental health.”