Attitudinal Healing Connection is legendary. The teachers and staff are engaging youth and students of all ages to cultivate creative practices and express their true self. When I attended the end-of-year exhibition last May, I was awed and inspired by the artwork and stories made by Oakland's youth. Their talent, imagination, and hard work really shined! As a new instructor, I have positive feelings about building relationships with my students, giving them challenges in and out of the classroom, and, to quote one of AHC's principles, "to give is to receive".
Review from Guidestar
As a professional member of AHC, I have had the pleasure of working with these talented students from West Oakland. Many of these students enter my classroom from struggles that most people cannot imagine thriving from. Inside my classrooms, I have been grateful to offer an environment of safety, creativity and immense support towards my students from myself and other professional members of the team here at Attitudinal Healing Connections. Working with AHC has been very transformative for my own personal experiences, I have been tremendously supported, challenged and celebrated for the diversity that I bring to the tables inside and outside of my classroom around the engagement with my students. Truly Attitudinal Healing Connections is one of the few non-profit organizations that are genuinely existing for our youth residing here in West Oakland and other parts of the Bay Area. I am immensely proud of being apart of an organization with as much impact as Attitudinal Healing Connections has not only on our youth but our surrounding communities. I do believe our community has been intact and much more powerful with the help and services provided by Attitudinal Healing Connections. I can only look forward to the many more legacies we will continue to create here in West Oakland, CA and Bay Area communities. Please consider our organization to donate to as you will not only make a donation to a wonderful nonprofit organization but an investment to the future of our thriving artistic youth. Enclosed is a photo of my previous students artwork where they were instructed to create a clay tile sculpture of an animal they wanted to transform so they can save the world from destruction. This project was inspired by cultural influences of Mesoamerica and the many stone carvings of animals and historical events from that time period.
Review from Guidestar
Attitudinal Healing Connection (AHC) has been serving the community for over 30 years. Their work encourages children and youth to become critical thinkers, and to create art through a social justice lens. The students create beautiful artwork through AHC, while simultaneously developing the skills needed to become leaders in their community. I am proud to be aligned with such an ambitious organization.
Review from Guidestar
I am honored to write this review, and proud to be a small monthly donor to Attitudinal Healing Connection. This organization has been doing life changing work for almost 30 years and my family has been involved for more than 15 years. Both my children have participated in programs offered by the agency at their schools and at community events hosted by AHC. They have used their engagement in the art programs to work through bullying issues, they have created positive views of the community through photography, and participated on murals that have grabbed national attention. They have both been given leadership opportunities in the program that have empowered them to be youth leaders in their community and other aspects of their life. I will always remember our family being part of a program called "100 Families" where 25 families came together for 10 weeks to have dinner and create multiple art projects which culminated in an exhibition with 50 other families at the Oakland Museum. The entire West Oakland/Hoover corridor was quiet and at peace out of respect for this gathering of families. The power of art is truly transforming. Each family was photographed and this photo is one our favorites. AHC has impacted the lives of so many children from kindergarten through college. They have not only left their mark at schools but by the placement of numerous murals throughout the community. These murals have been unifying and they have created a sense of pride for schools and students as well as preserved community history and values. I appreciate AHC for holding a universal vision of healthy communities as they continue to build on a foundation wherein both young and old can have hope and pride in themselves for years to come. Become a monthly donor to help AHC continue this incredible work.
Review from Guidestar
I write with great pride knowing I am part of an organization that serves and works with the community to beautify, inspire and heal the city and its residents. AHC has a deep love and connection with the people of Oakland, and strives endlessly to uplift individuals to become agents of change. Because of AHC, I have been more embedded in the community myself, getting to know and partner with such amazing individuals that share the same vision of spreading love and building community. I am very honored and blessed to be a part of such a strong organization.
Review from Guidestar
As a non profit professional with over 30 years of experience, I want to say that the Attitudinal Healing Connection's work is truly remarkable. The organization's work is gorunded in holistic approach. This means addressing issues from body , mind and spirit perspective. Its mission is to eliminates violence by offering creative and educational programs that transform the human spirit and build peaceful, loving community for all humanity. This is the linchpin of the agency's work. I have seen first hand the transformative results of the children/youth and their families that experience the programs of the Attitudinal Healing Connection. I have personally benefited from the values and the enormous creativity exhibited by the staff of the Attitudinal Healing Connection. Its recent accomplishment is a four thousand mural inspired by a book"Self as Super Hero" located at 35 street and San Pablo in Oakland California. Please visit: www.oaklandmuralproject.com
As a board member of the Attitudinal Healing Connection, I have watched this organization grow from serving 5 children on a weekly basis in 1995 to serving more than 3500 weekly. This organization not only work to ameliorate the social and academic lives of children, but it works to transform the entire community. I personal benefit from the support groups and leadership training facilitated by AHC. The Annual "Unleashing the Human Spirit Retreat" serves as a community building experience for diverse groups of people to deepen their understanding of the practice of Attitudinal Healing, indigenous wisdom and cross cultural understanding. I always leave the retreat with an increased heart connection with all participants. Attitudinal Healing Connection offers innovative ways to heal, build community and create positive relationships. I have learned to keep peace of mind as my only goal.
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The Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc., known as AHC is one of the fastest growing service organizations in Oakland, CA. This year AHC has served more than 3000 children and youth in Oakland Unified School Districts. AHC recently held it annual exhibition where more than 500 supporters attending viewing over 200 pieces of professionally exhibit art pieces.
One of its most exciting projects has been its partnership with the Oakland Housing Authority. AHC has trained more than 500 low income housing customers in civic engagement, service learning and core values grounded in what it means to be a good neighbor. Another exciting componet of the partnership is the Neighborhood Leadership Institute(NLI).
NLI is a twelve-week training series based on best practices from established leadership development and community building programs, including a peer network that supports the participants beyond the training. The training program is open to participants who self-select into the program through word of mouth from other residents, informational flyers from OHA staff or after attending a NOW Orientation workshop. The training offers one college credit at the College of Alameda for 60 seminar hours at the NLI. In addition, leaders earn one credit for every 60 hours of volunteerism. At the end of the leadership training, participants demonstrate an increase in leadership skills and connections with the Oakland community.
In the long term, workshop and training participants will do the following:
♦ Implement the project in their neighborhood that they developed in the NLI seminars
♦ Connect with mentors that can support them in bringing their project to fruition
♦ Have a deeper understanding of the role that OHA plays in their lives and in the city of Oakland
♦ Develop a deeper understanding of service learning and its value to community building
♦ Feel a reduction in social isolation within the Oakland community
These two programs can be duplicated Nationally and has received raved reviews from the customers of Oakland Housing Authority
I am in awe of what these people can accomplish. They transform what could end in just more violence into integrity and creativity. Like the elders of old indigenous cultures they are able to discover the hidden genius (that core essence of each child that crosses their threshold) and helps each of their charges to connect with their wise interior being. They should be a model for other communities that have lost their cohesive sense of community.
The Attitudinal Healing Connection has been a consistent positive presence in the Oakland community for many years. Their youth programs and racial healing programs continue to benefit the children and families of the East Bay and the entire Bay area. Staff, volunteers and program participants are role models for healthy, supportive relationships and selfless service. I hope they will continue to thrive and serve for many years to come.
Their mission is "to eliminate violence by offering creative and educational programs that transform the human spirit and build peaceful, loving communities..."As a former board member, co-founding member, ArtEsteem Instructor, AHC Counselor, and a Visioning supporter since inception , I must say, "a job well done." The mission is being accomplished everyday, I bear witness to the outcome. Watching the youth that have benefitted from the programs return and give back in the form of loving service is awesome in its self. The West Oakland community has changed for the better because of this organizations presence. Using the principles of Attitudinal Healing, AHC provides after-school ArtEsteem programs, racial healing, drumming workshops, retreats and a variety of community empowerment/leadership programs. Thank you AHC staff and volunteers for your dedication to peaceful communities.
Attitudinal Healing Connection is a gem of an institution right, smack-dab in the heart of the community. Over the past year I have come to understand that this is not a coincidence. It is because AHC is the HEART of the community. It is from pure love that they work in what are perceived to be some of the toughest neighborhoods and schools to bring light and hope to everything they do. The foundation they operate from may sound intangible or impractical to some, but to see the processes in action speaks for itself. The work is truly transformative.
It is both an honor and a pleasure to speak about AHC - one of the finest service organizations along with the Art Esteem project -both dedicated to tending to the needs of young people, nurturing their hearts and souls, so that the children and teens have the opportunity to develop their gifts of creativity and intelligence and go on to college and university. As a therapist and participant in the organization's Mindful Drumming Gatherings, I have witnessed the transformation that occurs among individuals and the emergence of connectedness; as well as the creation of lasting friendships and community. AHC has done tremendous service to all in sharing their love and wisdom to help eliminate racism. I have been so deeply moved and inspired by AHC and their phenomenal service to Oakland, reaching out beyond to all of us worldwide. Susan Baron, Psychological Assistant, Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology.
We have observed and supported AHC-Okland since it's inception, 23 years ago. In every way the organization has embodied integrity, dedication, inspiration, and community centered support. They have, and continue to make, a profound impact on the youth of Oakland as well as the citizens connected with the Oakland Housing Authority. While they deeply need financial support, they never turn anyone away or refuse services based on money. They are all encompassing in their welcome to various faiths, cultures and traditions - an excellent model for all communities. Their Racial Healing workshops are, literally, life changing. One of their principles is that "Giving and Receiving are the same." If you see it in your heart to join this wonderful, important work, you are sure to experience the receiving for what you have given. Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. Founder, Attitudinal Healing Diane Cirincione, Ph.D. Founder, Attitudinal Healing International
As a board member with AHC for the past four years and supporter for the last twelve, I have seen first-hand the impact AHC has had with the various programs they offer to the community. Based on the principles of Attitudinal Healing, AHC provides after-school ArtEsteem programs, racial & ancestral healing, drumming workshops, retreats and a variety of community empowerment/leadership programs. Under the leadership of Kokomon & Aeesha Clottey, AHC has helped to transform the inner and outer environment of West Oakland. Their mission is "to eliminate violence by offering creative and educational programs that transform the human spirit and build peaceful, loving communities..."