The Sean O'Shea Foundation

The Sean O Shea Foundation is truly incredible as an organization and as a collective of dedicated and talented individuals. They have provided yoga therapy for the pediatric cancer patients at Rady's Hospital. These therapies have resulted in patients and their families reporting an increase in their quality of life. They report less physical and emotional pain, less anxiety, less nausea,better sleep and an overall sense of well being. They are expertly trained and professional. It is a privilege to work with The Sean O Shea.

I am a volunteer, and I think it is so amazing how many people the SOSF touched!

The Sean O'Shea Foundation has been instrumental in helping at-risk kids to regain their confidence, self disciplines and self esteem. I have been supporting them over a decade and will continue to do so because I wholeheartedly believe in their mission.

Great non profit helping lots of kids from schools to Hospitals

The Sean O’Shea Foundation continues to make such a big impact on our community. Thankful for all the staff and board members who work so hard to give the youth such a positive experience. This Foundation has touched so many lives in such inspiring ways.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation helps the children of Southern California by providing mindfulness instruction to classroom teachers, directly teaching yoga and mindfulness to children and by working with patients in the Oncology unit of Rady's Children's Hospital. Our team believes that mindfulness is a helpful way to support children in stressful situations. We are proud of our work at Rady's hospital and have been featured in Yoga Journal. Our team is always doing research to find new and improved ways to expose youth to mindfulness. We work with child psychologists, educators and yoga teachers to create and improve our numerous lessons.

The Sean O’Shea foundation is dedicated to empower youth through yoga. The Founders and people who work in the organization share the same goal and passion. They are passionated making the difference in the community of schools and helping the kids who suffer from cancer. I am very lucky to be part of this foundation. It’s been a rewarding experience to teach yoga at Rady children’s hospital. My heart is fulfilled every time I see patient’s face lid up after yoga session.

The Sean O'shea Foundation becomes more critical through times like these that affect economically disadvantaged children. That has always been the focus of the SOSF and the heart of all the volunteers who invest their time, energy, love and finances to uplift children. Education about mental and physical health through self-awareness and practicing mindfulness are proven ways to empower children to improve their lives. Sean's huge heart to care about others and touch lives continues on through the Sean O'shea Foundation.

The programs we provide are such an important resource for kids, parents, teachers, & medical staff. Such a great organization to be a part of!

An amazing non-profit to be part of and volunteer for. The work that they do to help parents and children at Rady Children's Hospital is amazing. The yoga instructors that work for this non profit are extremely committed and forward thinking as well. (https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/rady-childrens-hospital-patients-recover-with-yoga/130233/) .

I have been volunteering with the Sean OShea Foundation for the past few months and have seen first hand the beautiful impact these programs have on the community. I am truly honored to be part of these efforts!!!

I have never been so proud to be part of a team, as I am with the Sean O'Shea Foundation. The mission and heart behind the organization are what drive it's authenticity, and that is seen and felt by all the children who are served by it. It's not just about finding peace, but sharing it with those who are struggling or suffering- and that is what the Sean O'Shea Foundation is all about!

It is truly an honor to be a part of the Sean O'Shea Foundation! The work this organization does for our youth is incredible.

I volunteered for the past 10 years in the yoga community. This year, I decided to devote my time to Sean O’Shea Foundation, an amazing organization dedicated to empower youth, helping them to get the tools they will need in their life. The dedication of the team at Sean O’Shea foundation is exemplary. Their various programs have a tremendous impact in the community. We focus on youth because they are our future. They deserve our full attention and all the support we can provide. That is what Sean O’Shea Foundation does.

This nonprofit changes the lives of the children it serves, through yoga and nutrition education. The transformation I have witness in the children it serves is unmatched to anything i have seen and this organization is truly doing the best work out there to help sick, underprivileged and at-risk youth build confidence, emotional resilience, and create a refuge of peace within themselves. The Sean O'Shea Foundation's work not only changes the lives of these kids, but it will by extension change our world.

I had the honor of volunteering with the Sean O'Shea Foundation and have always been deeply appreciative of the wonderful service the SOSF team shares with the community. Not only do SOSF teachers share yoga and mindfulness in an array of settings from schools to hospitals, the team is incredibly kind, caring, and dedicated to sharing the gift of these practices with individuals and communities who might not otherwise have access.

The Sean O'Shea foundation has been providing Southern California youth with mindfulness practices and yoga for the past 10 years. In addition to offering their curriculum in schools they also offer yoga at Rady's Children's Hospital for kids battling cancer. The work they do in the community is priceless and has truly benefited so many.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is so valuable to at-risk youth and children with cancer. I have volunteered in classrooms and, in the hospital, for their program "yoga for kids with cancer". This foundation provides teachings of mindfulness, nutrition and health (physically and mentally), to children and their families. SOSF is making a difference in our community and the lives of the many children and families that are able to access it. I am so thankful to be a part of this fabulous nonprofit.

I am so proud of our organization: The Sean O'Shea Foundation. As both a board member and a Foundation teacher, I know how hard we work in the community to share our mindfulness programs with kids. Our CALM Kids program is designed to support classroom teachers in giving a "mindful break" to their students. We encourage breathing and gentle seated exercises to help students calm their bodies and reset their attention so they can be better learners. Further, we have teachers at Rady's Children's Hospital teaching yoga to children who have cancer and working with youth in the Behavioral Unit, plus teachers working at a San Diego juvenile hall. The responses we receive from our students, their parents and their teachers inspire us to continue our work. We encourage students to be confident, respectful, healthy and responsible for their life actions.

With all the maddness going around these days, its great to see an organization like this focus on young youth. Their ability to concentrate on focus, mindfulness, physical and mental health, as well as healthy eating practices are all powerful tools that need to be reinforced in todays society!

Please look for yourself!!

I have been pleased to work very closely with The Sean O Shea Foundation for the past 7 years. These passionate yogis provide free yoga sessions for children undergoing chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants at our local children's hospital. I am continually awed at the skill and compassion of The Sean o Shea volunteers. This valuable service benefits the children and their families by easing their anxiety and pain, increasing energy and improving sleep and overall quality of life. But mostly the program provides valuable tools for self care that will last a lifetime. Heartfelt gratitude to this remarkable foundation.

I attendees yoga classes with Sean O'Shea. He was an extraordinary presence on earth who spirit continues to touch the lives of our youth through this foundation. In teaching for this organization I was moved at how valuable it was to offer this to high risk and high need children. I highly recommend any participation in helping fulfill their mission!

It has been a great pleasure & truly rewarding to serve the children of our future in a positive way through yoga, mindfulness, & nutrition. To witnesss their transformation through the practice is a priceless gift - they are learning how to center & take care of themselves in a more loving way. I am excited for our future when I look into their eyes & know they have received the right tools through the Sean O'Shea Foundation to get through the rollercoaster that is life.

I have personally seen the change happen with these kiddos. What a phenomenal healing affect this program has on our disadvantaged youth and kids with cancer!

The Sean O'Shea Foundation exceeds all expectations by partnering with our school, SOAR Academy. Our school is located within Kearny Mesa's Juvenile Hall. The Sean O'Shea Foundation provides yoga class with an amazing yoga teacher to incarcerated, juvenile boys twice weekly, year-round. All of the boys in our unit of Juvenile Hall are experiencing PTSD symptoms and they have extreme stress responses including anger, suicidal behaviors, cutting behaviors, withdrawal, and many other symptoms of trauma. Our unit is actually called the Trauma Response Unit or TRU. Yoga is one of the only ways the students can calm down and reduce their stress. The Sean O'Shea Foundation (SOSF) is unique in that they provide a teacher that can adapt to our unique, and challenging, environment. There are days when the intercom rings twenty times during class. There are days when students are resistant. Yet, Marie, our teacher, that is provided by SOSF, persists and she is flexible to our students' exceptional needs. By serving the hundreds of students that move through our unit each year, SOSF, is affecting change in the lives of incarcerated juveniles that are often underserved and undervalued in our society. SOSF makes a lasting impact on our San Diego community because students will always be able to take the yoga and mindfulness skills that they learn in school with them as they exit our program. Thank you SOSF.

The SOF program has helped bring peace and wellness to our 4th and 5th grade students now for the past 6 years. Many of our students often experience stressful life situations such as poverty, immigration issues, sharing small apartments with other families or others, learning how to navigate an academic curriculum that does not match their linguistic or cultural backgrounds. Our students love it! They are learning to be more in tune with their breathing, be in the moment, practice mindfulness, and learn how to eat healthy. We are so grateful to have them work with a group of our students each year! The staff are so dedicated to this practice and to service--we are so appreciative of their dedication!

There is nothing like the benefits of yoga in helping "at risk" students experience the magic of a meditative practice that affects their mind, body and soul. Recent research show the great need for reflection is in enhancing learning and in addressing brain trauma as a result of a destructive past. Our students are labeled "at risk" because of being in a probationary or expelled status or are either a pregnant or parenting teen. The one hour yoga practice combined with nutrition classes is absolutely our weekly treat! Thank you Gloria for your vision to make this possible. And, thank you to all of you who have contributed with your support and donations to unfold Sean O' Shea Foundation's vision and legacy of love -Dr. Caroline Fernandez

In a world filled with stress, anxiety, pressure and challenges children are growing confused, stressed and uncertain of who they are, what they want and where they are going.

Kids need to center and balance their life. They need a moment to STOP, think, breathe and care for themselves. Self-love, self-care, self-value are things that we forget and replace with the necessity to please others.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation provides children with the opportunity to make a much necessary STOP in their day. To break away from the pressure and gift themselves with a safe space to think.

The Sean O'Shea foundation offer classes that allow kids to carve one hour of their day to breath, meditate, think, and re-evaluate. It promotes friendship and values such as respect, honor, self-love, harmony and gratitude among others. I admire what they do because without SOSF some of these kids would not have the opportunity to sit on a yoga mat and practice this beautiful discipline.

The best part of this is that the children attending the SOSF classes are more likely to pass on that love, that gratitude and respect they learn to others. How amazing it would be that we could reach more children, teach more and more of them to love and respect others and themselves. That is exactly what our children need... Love and respect. Let's give them the opportunity to receive it and give it back.

Let's support the Sean O'Shea Foundation!
Ana

I have been a volunteer with the SOSF "Yoga for Kids with Cancer Program" since the fall of 2011. We have worked at Rady's Children's Hospital's Hematology/Oncology wing, with countless kids, their siblings and parents. The gratitude and smiles we get, even in the midst of extremely challenging situations for these families, are instant proof that we are making a positive difference. We have kids that are there for many weeks clamoring to do yoga, to moo and mieow, or simply to take some slow breaths and fall asleep even as they start the session feeling cranky or anxious. Kids from ages 3 to 18 learn and benefit from yoga and breathing techniques, which they also use during their procedures and care.

The Sean O'Shea foundation is a great non-profit ...teaching our future generations to be more mindful!! I am behind their intention 100%!

I have been a board member and volunteer with the Sean O'Shea Foundation for 3 years. I've had the privilege of seeing first hand how the yoga, mindfulness and nutrition programs the Foundation provides for at-risk youth and the highly engaged teachers and volunteers have an incredible positive impact on the population they serve. I've seen first hand, increases in empathy and compassion, developing habits of pausing and reflecting before reacting to stress and negative situations and a deep understanding of how the nutritional choices kids make impact their short and long term health.

SOSF is an organization of impact. The success of their work is trackable through data but most apparent in the children themselves. SOSF is changing lives by helping children quiet their bodies and their minds. Children who go through SOSF programs become responsible in school, their grades go up, they become healthier and they become leaders. I can't say enough good things about this organization and Gloria who works tirelessly serving SOSF kids.

SOSF is a fantastic organization that brings yoga to kids and communities all across San Diego!

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a quality organization that I have had the honor to observe the positive effects on our youth. Students who have participated in the program have experience wealth of benefits including physical health, self control, and tactics to deal with anxiety. All these skills are important in dealing with trials associated with being child in the complex society.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a unique trail-blazer of empowering youth through mindful interactions, healthy nutrition, and yoga exercise. Not only do they change the lives of young students with their free programs provided to at-risk and low-income populations, but they reach beyond that initial success by extending their empowerment to another demographic in need of care - youths with cancer (and their family). Again, this is a trailblazing organization, inspired by the passion of a family seeking to memorialize their son's life-work by continuing his legacy of serving the communities who need it most. Not only do youths gain empowering experiences through these programs, but their families are often impacted to support healthier choices and lifestyles involving behavior, diet, and exercise.

If you're considering an innovative leader of the youth empowerment space, then absolutely consider SOSF, and maybe you could use some empowerment through mindful actions, healthy nutrition, and yoga exercise, too!

This organization is a beautiful testament to the great impact a grass roots organization can have with a simple idea to make children's lives better. We all need at least a little more mindfulness in our lives and the sooner we teach them nutrition the healthier they will be. There is so much to learn and so little education. The impact for many of these socioeconomically challenged children could be life changing. It is so effective because it comes right to the children in their schools. The Sean O'shea Foundation is a gift from God and his angel Sean.

Azusa Cal SAFE is a high school program for pregnant and teen parents. Our students are considered "at risk" because of difficult responsibilities and challenges specific to being premature parents. The Sean O'Shea Foundation's INTEGRATED YOGA and WELL-BEING curriculum offers a support service that makes such a difference in their lives. As they master the yoga poses and breathing, they are learning to be strong, flexible, to be self-awareness, meditate and control their mind. This has such a positive impact. We are so grateful to be recipients of their legacy. Imagine they are not only affect the parents but their babies as well, that's two generations at a time.

It is incredible to watch the power of the Sean O'Shea Foundation continue to be a vital part of the community at large and our youth. As the teens at risk continue to grow, the Sean O'Shea Foundation members work diligently and directly with the participants to provide that essential education, source of wellness and refuge in their times of critical need. Those looking to connect to a fulfilling yoga class are sure to find positive experiences through these services. I am so honored to be a part of the foundation. Sean's spirit is always with me as a Yoga Teacher in my life, the same way his light reaches the hearts of our young yogis and yoginis. Thank you to all who support, contribute and offer whatever they are able to provide for this well deserving organization. Namaste.

Kamlesh Singh, MA, NMT, Published Yoga Author
www.yogavortex.com, www.kamsthaimassage.com

I have been a part of SOF for going on 5 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I specifically work with teenage parents, and the students I see every week are not only changing their own lives but also improving the quality of their babies. Without SOF, they would not have the opportunity to experience yoga and nutrition on a weekly basis. I love being a part of this movement!

My students and I were fortunate to be served by the Sean O'shea Foundation. Each week my students and I looked forward to participating in yoga and learning about healthy alternatives to sugary snacks. The Sean O'shea foundation has provided my students with an invaluable opportunity which most would be unable to afford.

The Sean O' Shea Foundation holds a dear place in my heart for sentimental reasons, as Sean was one if the kindest & most charismatic persons I have met. To see the foundation grow from a thought to what it is now is a testament to dedication, passion, and perseverance. Listening to the participants of the program tell their experience gives it great validation, as they are all transformed by the experience.

when I watch the children and at risk teens ask for more after our free programs, it is amazing from the transition of "why are we doing this and poking and grousing, to, can you bring this back, we like yoga that we have never experienced as it relaxes us and helps us be more focused in our studies. also the nutrition info helps us understand there are different options to make us feel better and understand what processed and fast food does to our bodies! these children and teens see what sean tried to do and respect at the end the teachings we provide, asking for more. it is so heartwarming to see, after only 7 weeks of free after school programs the transformation and desire to improve more. we are limited based on funding to offer this to more, yet in over 5 years, we have grown, touching more lives. we grow slowly now with more contributions yet there is such a need to touch and empower more lives! we have gratitude for the change we give these children and teens and are slowly growing with more programs with rady children's hospital and short awareness programs. honor our children with more

What impresses me most about SOSF are the results. Not just anecdotal results, but real data demonstrates the benefits SOSF and their programming are providing for the kids they work with. These kids improve their grades, have lower disciplinary incidents, become leaders to their peers and are healthier than those who don't have the opportunity to participate. They learn the most valuable lessons, like self-discipline and respect. They are loved unconditionally while on the safe space of their yoga mats. The dedication of Gloria and her team of teachers is an impressive labor of love. They put the kids first and it shows. I can't think of a better way to help at-risk schools or kids than to support this organization.

The Sean O'shea Foundations does wonderful work with students. I have hosted the program at my school and whitened first hand the powerful transformation students can go through when practicing yoga with this program. The program does not only provide much needed strength and flexibility for students. It also helps with body control, mental strength, and stress management. All area where today's youth can struggle. I also enjoyed the focus on health eating and living a healthy lifestyle. It is a very worthwhile program for all who participate.

I can't say enough about this organization. It's well-organized, professional, but also personal, extensive, friendly and educational, all at the same time. They are extremely dedicated and the results speak for themselves. It's rare to find such a win-win situation, but this is one of them! I know the Sean O'shea Foundation has changed so many kid's lives. Hands down the best program I have ever participated in. This is a great way to immerse yourself in such a positive, healthy, vibrant, life-changing charity that directly helps our youth.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is doing some of the most important work in the world - sharing yoga with those who might never otherwise have access. Their school programs incorporate nutrition, stretching and mindfulness, all important components for children to realize their full potential. Additionally, I have taken part in some of their workshops, and they are amazing events with the best yoga instructors in the San Diego Area.

The Sean O'Shea foundation is an inspiring group of individuals dedicated to bringing mindfulness and yoga to at-risk youth across Southern California. I have previously acted as Secretary of the Board and I am currently doing research on the effects the program has on mindfulness and self-compassion. I am so grateful to have become involved in this truly philanthropic community.

Brings a world of good to kids. I help the organization in the Yoga for Kids with Cancer program at Rady's Childrens Hospital, and I see each time how much the organization brings to the kids and their families through its program. Stressed, sick or tired kids, and their moms and dads and loved ones, taking some welcome stretches for their sore muscles, taking on deep breath for relaxation, and a relaxation practice that helps kids fall asleep no matter their mood or condition - it's an amazing thing to see.

I have been a donor to the Sean o'Shea Foundation for approximately five years now. The Foundation has made such a difference in our community and for our youth. SOSF continues to grow and to reach out to our children --teaching them good nutrition and overall wellness. In addition, SOSF is involved with Rady's Children Hospital reaching out to children with cancer; individuL yoga sessions in between cancer treatments. What a blessing for these children to have this support! All I can say is that I plan to continue my financial support to this Foundation in the coming years.

When you see first hand how rival gang members are in the same room doing yoga with each other, acting calm, it is such a transformative experience. I think this is what makes the Sean O'Shea Foundation stand out from other non-profits. Yoga, perhaps more so than team sports, instills discipline, prevents violence, improves GPA, reduces drop-out rates, improves employability, reduces health care costs. Add to that the nutrition education that the Foundation teaches to at-risk youth and the program literally has the potential to reduce health care costs, gang violence and boost employment rates...all this adds up to enormous benefits for dozens of communities and schools around San Diego County that benefit from the Sean O'Shea Foundation.

I am a resource coordinator for a small school district with a high free/reduced lunch population. Our district has been the lucky recipients of scholarships from the Sean O'Shea Foundation for the last few years. This program is amazing! They work with us to fit the needs of our students. The student population is 17% Native American and they do not have access to many extra curricular activities. My own son has been able to participate and he loves yoga so much now! One of the best programs I have ever worked with!

I have been a donor of this wonderful Foundation for five years now and I believe in what it stands for wholeheartedly. The Foundation has made a difference in the lives of the children and it teaches the children the fundamentals of yoga, in addition to learning good nutrition and practices. The children will learn life long skills and these skills will make a difference in their lives for the future.

Good Morning. I am the counselor at our K-8 Charter School, this is our 3rd year working with the Sean O'Shea Foundation and I am so happy to say that our kids LOVE yoga! Our middle school boys show up and participate with pride. I have witnessed so much peaceful growth in our students that receive yoga training. I strongly believe this helps to empower the boys as well as spread the peaceful perspective to other students on campus. I look forward to continuing to work with the foundation next year and in the years to come!

The O'Shea Foundation has been great to Los Altos High School. First, they did a class with our counselors, and some students. When the counselors schedule filled up, and could not keep the class, the Football Team has got involved. We have 60 kids a week being taught yoga by the Foundation. They have been spectacular. The kids have been really receptive to the teachings, and the instructors have gone above and beyond to be great teachers. I never imagined yoga could capture the minds of 60 teenage meat-heads, and the O'Shea Foundation has done for our program. They have provided mats, and everything the kids need to be successful, Without the foundation, maybe one or two of these kids would have the opportunity to experience on their own.

The Sean O'Shea foundation is such an amazing community of caring, intelligent, inspiring humans. So happy I had the experience of being a part of the foundation.

I have been a member of the Sean O' Shea Foundation Board since its inception. Fortunate to have known Sean personally for a short time, I continue to be inspired by all he embodied. It is that spirit that drives the foundation. The programs the Sean O' Shea Foundation offers have impacted- 9,000 kids and counting! What is amazing is that not one child has had to pay a single penny! Through the efforts of a driven and charismatic leader and role model, Gloria O' Shea, the foundation continues to grow. As a small business owner, it is an honor to serve and represent an organization that does so much with so little. I love that the foundation focuses on our communities youth, so that we can make a difference for generations to come.

I knew Sean O' Shea personally. He was a "golden" personality. He embodied the highest character, discipline and service. Gloria, Sean's mother, continues to carry his spirit through the work of the foundation. I have seen it grow in it's impact with the sole purpose of bringing well-being to the youth with an emphasis on low-income and under-privileged youth. The knowledge to maintain health is priceless and should not be confined to those who can afford it. Bringing the knowledge of well-being to all people is truly divine work. The Sean O' Shea Foundation is a beautiful organization that provides a wonderful and necessary service to the community. Thank you.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a remarkable organization that reaches out to educate and empower thousands of youth in San Diego and Los Angeles, CA. As a volunteer and board member for the last 3 years I have seen first hand the positive difference they have made to our at-risk youth and patients with Rady's Children's Hospital. They offer a 7 week, year round or custom program that teaches optimistic mental awareness, yoga postures and proper nutrition. They currently teach elementary and up to high school students. The organization is made up some of the most kind and generous people I have ever met along with an incredible amount of education and experience. I found this organization through an article in the newspaper featuring their work in San Diego schools. Every since I have been involved and watched the foundation grow and improve every year. They do great work and I will always support them! Stephanie D P

I first heard of the Sean O'Shea foundation when a family member of mine suggested I get involved. I wanted to take part in bettering my community and combining my interest of yoga and child development. Never before have I met so many intelligent people, passionately committed to helping children and teens in their community. The Sean O'Shea foundation is such a wonderful foundation to be a part of, everyone is beyond friendly. No one has their own personal agenda, rather each member is there in hopes of improving the world in their own way. Everything operates so cohesively, and Gloria is an extremely organized and approachable leader which is deeply appreciated. I am so grateful to be a part of the foundation and I would suggest it to anyone looking to become part of something biggest themselves. Along the way you will meet some amazing people and feel the excitement of putting your wonderful empathetic traits to use.

This is great organization with most of the donations going directly to providing services to children who really need these programs. From what I have seen, all of the administrative functions are covered by volunteers and all donations go directly to providing yoga equipment and instructors at no cost to well deserving youth. Keep up the good work.

I became aware of the Sean O'Shea Foundation through a mutual friend who has volunteered for this organization for many years. His excitement and passion for the Sean O'Shea Foundation was very motivating for me, expecially since it supports our local children and schools.

As a Board member and yoga teacher, my personal goal is to support the effort of elevating the yoga experience to everyone I teach. I am a registered nurse by background, and have worked in the health care and healing industry for more than 30 years. It has only been recently that major medical centers across the country are offering yoga to its patients, parents and employees as an extension and adjunct to healing and stress control. The opportunity to teach these well-founded yoga techniques, as well as good choices in nutrition to our children, provides them tools they can use for the rest of their lives to support good health.

I've been a volunteer yoga instructor through the Yoga for Kids with Cancer program for over a year, and it's just a wonderful program. It's amazing to see how receptive the children and families are to the yoga and meditation. Without SOSF, these kids most likely wouldn't be exposed to or experience the benefits of a yoga practice.

Yoga is a lifestyle that is a harmony of spiritual and physical practice. It brings to our awareness personal well-being, and a universal awareness to support the well-being of others. Through the practice of yoga, the The Sean O'shea Foundation empowers at risk youth so that they are better equipped to make healthy choices. Students learn to nourish their bodies with good food, nourish their minds by approaching each day with optimism and to nourish and support each other with a kind heart. Participating in this organization an advisor and yoga teacher has been a joy.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is at the forefront of a new "Yoga Service" movement, which takes yoga out of the studio and into the world. People who practice yoga are well aware of its physical, mental and emotional benefits. The cost of attending classes, however, means that yoga is out of reach for people who may need it the most. For 5 years the Sean O'Shea Foundation has been sending an incredible group of dedicated teachers into San Diego County's disadvantaged schools, bringing a yoga and nutrition program more than 7000 kids, 8-18, whose schools have had to cut physical education programs and extracurricular activities to the bone. Recently they have begun year-round programs at several continuation high schools, teaching yoga and mindfulness to teens considered severely at-risk of dropping out of school or entering the juvenile justice system. Through yoga these kids are learning to take control of their bodies and their minds; to respect themselves and others; and to make choices that are empowering and life-enhancing. The most amazing thing is that, thanks to community support, this program has been offered at no charge to the school or participants. I hope that SOSF can build on its incredible work and expand to reach more schools and children in the region.

I have been part of the Sean O'Shea Foundation since it's conception. I am amazed at the work the volunteers and O'Shea family have done and all the children in our community we have helped. I beleive very strongly in the cause and encourage anyone to get involved in helping and supporting this founadtion. The foundation has helped underpriveledged kids, gang memebers, pregnant teens, kids with cancer and so much more. I am proud to volunteer for the this foundation and am very touched with the love and support of the volunteers.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation provides life-changing experience for at-risk youth. SOSF offers nutrition information in a way that these children can understand and begin to incorporate into their daily lives by making healthier choices and realizing it is not as overwhelming or unpalatable as they thought. More importantly, the SOSF introduces yoga to the audience that needs it most - children. Yoga empowers the mind, body and spirit. Yoga develops a sense of focus, providing these children with a space that is their own to practice through their frustrations, calm their minds and have fun challenging their bodies. I can see it in their spirit when they find their connection, accomplishment through an asana or find peace with themselves. San Diego is fortunate to have the Sean O'Shea Foundation supporting its youth.

I have been involved with yoga in our community for over 15 yrs. and have personally seen it's many benefits. I have also been involved with the Sean O'Shea Foundation for many years and have seen it's positive impact on the youth of our community as well as their families. Recently we ( the SOSF) have been working with the cancer patients at Rady Childrens Hospital and again I have personally witnessed the positive results in the children and again their families. I am happy to be involved with both organizations and feel a great need to continue and expand these programs. The SOSF helps many members of our community and I feel as a non-profit org. they are sincere and committed to a wonderful cause and deserve all the support available to this type of program.

The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a nonprofit organization with heart and soul. The mother of Sean and president of the organization, Gloria O'Shea, is completely dedicated to the students the foundation serves.

I have been involved with the Sean O'shea Foundation for three years and a friend of the O'shea family for most of my life. The organization is true to its purpose to reach out to underprivileged children and provide life changing guidance through yoga and nutrition. The people involved are some of the most compassionate and caring that I have known. It is only fitting that Sean's life and passion for caring for others would be carried on in this way. This organization has a unique mission to provide yoga and nutrition to children giving them education and practical skills to impact the rest of their lives. Thank you to Sean, the whole O'shea family and those involved in the foundation for being models of what love is all about.

This organization provides free yoga instruction to at-risk & disadvantaged youths. To those unfamiliar with yoga, this may sound like a waste of time & money. However, they've proven that yoga can be quite an effective means of anger & stress management for kids who lead very stressful lives and often don't have any other means to deal with their problems. The Sean O'Shea Foundation makes every dollar count and has almost no overhead costs, making it a highly efficient and deserving charity.

One of the greatest gifts to give to children is teaching them that of empowerment. The Sean O' Shea Foundation fulfills this and even more. It far exceeds just yoga and nutrition, for it taps into a place in the child that they did not know was there before. It gives them strength of spirit and calmness of mind which transfers beautifully off the mat to home, school and community. It has been a pleasure to work with the founders as they continue to carry on Sean's spirit of compassionate strength.

Stress relief, increase in focus, increased self-control and happiness have been reported by students who have participated in this program. I have collaborated with The Sean O'Shea Foundation in implementing this program in the elementary school, middle school and high school level. The program has helped students, parents, school staff and other community members gain access to the practice of yoga and insight in living a healthier life. Individuals with emotional/behavioral difficulties, developmental disorders, learning disabilities and others living stressful lives in an area where high rates of homicide, gang activity and poverty exist. The results have been nothing less than spectacular. Individuals are provided with a safe place to take a break from everyday stressors and work towards reaching a physical, mental and emotional balance in their lives.

The greatest trauama any parent could ever be expected to endure would be the loss of their son or daughter. On December 28th of 2006 we were contacted by the SD Medical Examiner in regards to our yougest son, Sean O'Shea. The devestation of his fatal car accident was beyond comprehension but the powerful love we all had for Sean help to create the Sean O'Shea Foundation and allowed us to carry on Sean's work and vision with the at-risk community of San Diego County. In the past two years we have already reached over 2000 children and the outcome has been heart warming and life transforming for many of our young participants. I can not tell you how rewarding it has been working with all the volunteers and yoga teachers from the Sean O'Shea Foundation. The participants of the Sean O'Shea Foundation have been incredible to work with as well as the school representatives. It gives me great honor to dedicate our work to the good life of Sean O'Shea and the children of our communities.

I am the site supervisor of an elementary afterschool program. This year has been the second year that I have had the pleasure of having the Sean O'Shea foundation come to our program and teach our at risk 5th graders Health and Yoga. They were phenomenal! My fifth graders are making better choices in what they eat, and have learned the basic steps in YOga. They taught them how to destress with stillness and breathing tecniques as well as Yoga moves. My students loved it and have shown more calmness as they progressed! I can not thank th Sean O'SHea program enough for what they are doing to help support our youth in making positive choices in their lives while building their self worth! Thank you Sean O'Shea Foundation!!

The Sean O'Shea Foundation has been an important non-profit for many students. I have volunteered for them and even launched one of their pilot programs. I have seen it grow into more than even we expected. I hope that our mission and our work continues to expand and we are able to reach all students in our community by providing them with experiences and teachings that they otherwise would not be exposed.

For over thirty years I have been involved in education as a teacher for AT RISK students and University Professor- This summer (2010) I was approached by one of my former University students, asking me if I knew of the SEAN O'SHEA YOGA FOUNDATION- Well, my reply was no, but that soon changed and so have myriad things in our classroom. Each Monday since the start of September Susan and Miho( come to class to work with our 24 juvenile offenders- The initial reaction amongst colleagues and probation officers was, to be polite, skeptical- And now the skeptics have been converted to advocates- These two trainers come in with focus and energy and I have seen our class transform into a remarkable room where in our expectations have been enhanced The children in my class need a lot of energy and the SOS foundation has shown them that the answers for their energy lie within themselves I have seen several of our students get excited with a positive anticiapation for the class and their enthusiasm has been contagious to classmates There are hundreds of cliches that are floating around as I type this - " YOU NEVER KNOW" = And obviously, we do not- But what i do know is that the folks from SOS have lifted us both literally and figuratively to a better place and my hope is they continue to come to our space and share their energy We are better for their efforts Thanks Bill McGRATH, Ph.D. wmcgrath@nu.edu 760-510-3064

Imagine a family taking the vision of a loved one and reaching out to disadvantaged youths to teach them skills needed to cope, thrive and break the cycles of poverty, teen pregnancy, violence and substance abuse by simply teaching them to breath. This foundation makes yoga easily accessible to a group of kids who need the stress reduction and personal clarity that yoga offers, but are not those able to afford or even be introduced to this practice. This group has carried on Sean's mission!