10th Anniversary Edition
I often tell the story of how New Leaf was a glimmer of an idea for a couple of years before it got started. It was while working in Trinidad alongside a dear friend who I watched build something amazing with very few resources or support that I was inspired to finally start to bring the vision into fruition with some concrete steps forward. Along with New Leaf’s co-founder, Jessica Robertson, we formed a dedicated Board of Directors, secured seed funding from a handful of inspired Moksha Yoga studios, and – after a lot of persistence – began one weekly program at a youth custody facility in southern Ontario. From that point forward, our biggest challenge has been keeping up with the demand for our programs across schools, custody facilities and in partnership with other leading youth initiatives.
Every young person we have learned from over the years, every supportive staff person we have worked in partnership with, every incredible team member and volunteer who has served with us, has helped us evolve into the organization that we are – one with strong values and a commitment to continued learning.
Over 10 years we have helped to change the landscape of how yoga and mindfulness-based practices can support youth in some of the most under-resourced communities, becoming a leader in Canada and beyond.
On behalf of our entire team, thank you to everyone who has believed in us and continues to support our work. Please read on to learn about some of the highlights from our 10th anniversary year!
Sincerely,
Laura Sygrove
New Leaf Foundation
Co-founder & Executive Director