Local Yoga Group Receives Award From Nonprofit

“Yoga is a gift you give yourself. Yoga calms the mind and strengthens the body.”

In September, 2015, a group of like-minded people gathered together to pursue a Yoga Teacher Training Certificate at the Minneapolis Yoga Center, which is now known as the Yoga Center Retreat. They studied together for a year and as part of their curriculum, they began to offer yoga at CHOICE, Inc., and have evolved into the group now known as “Karma Yoga.” They’ve continued to meet with an enthusiastic group of yogis at CHOICE every week for the past 3 years!

CHOICE, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to providing quality services for people with intellectual disabilities since 1969. Participants get to choose from a variety of skill-building programs, educational and employment services and other enriching opportunities at one of our 3 locations (Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Minnetonka) or at various places within the community. By assisting individuals in pursing their personal goals, CHOICE has created a place where people of all abilities lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Karma Yoga and the yoga sessions they provide are a perfect fit with CHOICE. “I like it. I like the stretch ‘back to warrior’,” CHOICE Participant, Buddy, says about the yoga sessions. Another participant, April, shares, “I love doing the class. It helps me to calm down. I want to keep doing it. I feel de-stressed!”

CHOICE is recognizing the kind, caring group of individuals, Karma Yoga as a Distinguished Community Partner. This partnership is very valuable since the participants get to experience the professionally-led sessions on a weekly basis. The amazing volunteers of Karma Yoga graciously split their time between our Eden Prairie and Maple Grove facilities. They are so generous for taking time out of their days to bring the gift of yoga to our CHOICE family. They see the value and significance in providing opportunities to our participants to support them as they grow, learn and experience innovative ways to succeed in their health and wellness journeys.

We appreciate the commitment and support of Karma Yoga in helping us live our vision of enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. We are grateful for our partnership and are proud to recognize Karma Yoga as a Distinguished Community Partner!