Tampa Bay, Florida – Yoga 4 Change (Y4C) received $13,000 from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) to offer programming to Veterans in the Tampa Bay area. This funding allows the opportunity for two Veteran classes per week to be added to the Y4C existing schedule serving Veterans, active duty and their caregivers. Yoga 4 Change will partner with two organizations to offer these classes both in-person and virtually; The Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners and STEPS to Recovery Veterans Residential.
Yoga 4 Change expanded to the Tampa Bay region in 2019 beginning programs in recovery facilities and serving individuals living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. “As a Veteran-founded nonprofit, we make it a priority to offer free physical and mental health resources to veterans, their families and their support systems,” says Program Director, Victoria McCargar, “ The funding from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation is critical and allots the holistic, evidence-based yoga programming we offer to circulate the Veteran community.” Yoga 4 Change will collect self-reported data from individuals who partake in these classes to show the significant impact that the program has on decreasing stress level and physical pain, as well as improving mood.
Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation said, “We are proud to support Yoga 4 Change (Y4C)”, as they continue to make a positive impact in veterans’ lives. We would like to congratulate and thank them for their commitment to assisting the men and women who served in defense of our country.”
Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom. DVNF achieves this mission by:
1. Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
2. Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
3. Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
4. Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community and educating the public accordingly.
To learn more about Yoga 4 Change, please visit www.y4c.org or follow along via their Instagram (@y4c_tampabay). For more information on the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, visit www.dvnf.org.
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Yoga 4 Change is a 501(c)(3) organization that achieves meaningful change for veterans, incarcerated individuals, youth, and those living with mental health conditions through a purpose-driven yoga program. Y4C aims to heal and empower these underserved populations, creating healthier, safer communities, one class at a time.
