About
New Leaf Foundation supports the mental, emotional and physical health of young people by addressing both the negative impacts of stress and its root causes.
Reducing Harm
We unfortunately can’t always interrupt the sources of stress for youth. But we can provide them with tools to help deal with stress in positive ways and reduce the toll it can take on their bodies, minds and emotions.
Changing Systems
While it’s a larger ongoing mission, we’re also invested in doing what we can to disrupt the sources of harm. We educate parents and staff in spaces like schools and jails about how chronic and traumatic stress is produced, how it might show up in behaviours that are labelled as “acting out” and how to support young people in strengths-based ways.
Our Approach
We’re committed to trauma-informed and anti-oppression frameworks in all that we do.
Why? Because mindfulness-based practices cannot promote well-being without being offered in ways that are as inclusive, sensitive, and empowering as possible.
Our Method
Ever been really wound up and been asked to sit still? It’s tough! So, starting with sitting meditation isn’t always the right fit. This is why our methodology involves applying the philosophy of mindfulness to 3 main practices: movement, breathing and awareness.
Using all 3 practices helps to effectively regulate the nervous system and build front-brain capacities like perspective, reasoning, decision-making and communication, helping people shift from survival mode to an ability to thrive.
Movement
Moving our bodies processes stress chemicals, helps regulate the nervous system through rhythm, and helps bring the front-brain back “online.”
Breath
Tuning into our breathing helps bring attention to the here and now, builds focus, soothes the nervous system by lowering heart rate variability, and can shed light on our emotional state.
Awareness
Practicing mindful awareness helps create a sense of curiosity and compassion, builds front-brain capacities, and Increases emotional regulation.
Our Team
Our team is dedicated to supporting young people from a strengths-based perspective. The spectrum of our lived experiences, commitment to social justice, and dedication to on-going learning support us in striving to create spaces where all youth feel seen, heard and valued.