New Communities Venture
After our 20th anniversary in 1999, a group of volunteers
began discussing ways to use the resources of Saint Louis
Ki Society to become a greater benefit to the community.
We were inspired by work being done by Chicago Ki Society
with foster children, and encouraged by words of support
we received from current and former students during our
anniversary celebrations. With well-trained teachers, a
small but solidly established school and a powerful teaching
methodology, we felt we could do much more for the St. Louis
community. So we decided to embark on what became known
as the New Communities Venture.
The Saint Louis Ki Society is taking Ki Society teachings
to groups that have not typically had access to or knowledge
of this training in the past. We are embarking on a number
of projects to expand the availability of Ki Development
(Japanese Yoga) and Ki-Aikido training and address the needs
of special segments of the community. Four particular initiatives
are currently being developed.
WellChild
Aikido Program: Designed for St. Louis area children
and youth subject to "at risk" factors of poverty,
living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and in situations
that can lead to delinquent behavior. This program provides
teachings about alternatives to violent behavior, lessons
in the power of calmness and relaxation, and positive role
modeling. In August 2001, Saint Louis Ki Society received
funding made available from the U.S. Department of Justice,
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and
provided through a grant from the Missouri Department of
Public Safety and the State Juvenile Justice Advisory Group.
We operated a pilot program at Edgewood Children's Center
from October 2001 through June 2002 working with severely
emotionally disturbed children. We are currently operating
an after-school program in collaboration with Neighborhood
Houses.
Older Adult Program: We have started Tranquility
in Motion to teach basic movement, improve balance and generally
increase the well-being of older adults through Japanese
Yoga. See Tranquility in Motion.
Anger Management Program: We plan to implement this
program based on the methods of Ki Development (Japanese
Yoga) training. The basic Ki Principles will be used to
teach clear, concrete and readily accessible methods for
regulating anger and avoiding violence.
Saint Louis Ki Society is working to develop partnerships
with other organizations and establish permanent, diversified
public and private funding sources. We are creating a community
advisory committee to help guide and evaluate these programs.
This committee will consist of concerned individuals with
experience and expertise in social services, mental health,
juvenile justice, family law and non-profit management.
|
