There are many ways to practice mindfulness — it’s not always the silent meditation that is often associated. We were thrilled to have Shannon Sinclair, a Certified Mindful Schools Instructor who specializes in teaching young people, lead our group in exploring a variety of practices.

We began with a 5-minute sit. Teens and mentors planted their feet to bring awareness to that sensation and then noted others, like breath, air temperature, support of the chair, etc. Shannon also explained the “name it to tame it” technique. It’s a simple but incredibly helpful act of noticing a strong emotion and giving it a name. This can reduce the overtaking effect of emotions as they flood and help maintain rational mental processing.

The group also had the privilege of participating in a brief mindful movement session by Michael Crespo, health coach and owner of CrossFit Novato. This involved maintaining awareness through physical actions like lunges, squats, and on-the-floor twists. Michael explained that mindful activities also include physical exercise as well as being in nature.

We finished with a gratitude practice where each participant wrote something that they are grateful for. The entire group smiled when a teen revealed his mentor’s name. The powerful practice of focusing on what’s working (versus what is not working) stimulates gratitude and overall mental well-being.

Mindfulness can be particularly beneficial to people who have experienced trauma. Every youth from foster care experienced the trauma of being removed from their home and whatever event(s) led to that removal. With the right supports, like healthy relationships and strong coping techniques, the effects of trauma can be reduced and even eliminated. We’re grateful that Shannon and Michael shared their journeys of overcoming struggles through mindfulness and self-compassion.

Our UPshops are specifically designed to be hands-on workshops that develop and enhance life skills. We often focus on “soft skills” because of the long-term benefits that communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills provide.

Funding for this UPshop was gratefully provided by Ticket to Dream Foundation’s Take Flight program. We are thankful to be among Ticket to Dream’s nonprofit partners in providing transition-aged youth from foster care with the skills and support they need to be successful.

Aging UP Commits to Serving Youth in Foster Care Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Invites the Community’s Support on Big Day of Giving

Sacramento, Calif, May 1, 2020 – Youth in foster care served by the nonprofit Aging UP continue to find support, resources and mentorship during the coronavirus pandemic. With proceeds raised on Big Day of Giving, May 7, Aging UP is committed to helping more youth in foster care connect, grow and succeed, even during this crisis.

Youth in foster care often lack the emotional and educational supports necessary to grow into happy, healthy and successful adults. They disproportionately face homelessness, physical and mental health problems, criminal involvement, low educational attainment, and other disadvantages. “We know that too often youth in foster care lack a consistent, positive adult relationship. As an organization, we remain committed to the youth we serve and, especially because of the mental health challenges caused by this crisis, we are continuing with plans to connect more youth with safe and caring mentors. Of course, we need the financial support from our community to do so,” said April Johnson, Aging UP Co-Founder.

Aging UP serves youth in the Sacramento region stretching from Galt to Roseville, where according to The University of California at Berkley, California Child Welfare Indicators Project, there are more than 1,900 youth in foster care.

In 2016, Aging UP was founded by professionals with child-welfare, mentoring, and nonprofit experience. As friends who saw unmet needs for local youth in foster care, they combined their passions and professional skills to develop Aging UP’s trauma-informed service model. “Aging UP’s services are unique for the Sacramento area. We recruit volunteer mentors from the community who must pass a rigorous screening process and undergo more than 20 hours of training. And yet, we continue to grow and see more and more interest,” said Kecia Sakazaki, Aging UP Co-Founder.

“The weeks and months ahead will continue to be a challenge for our region, for our youth — who are the most impacted by this crisis — and for our organization. However, we are ready to lead and able to serve our region’s youth in foster care,” said Enrique Ruacho, Aging UP Board President. While many nonprofits are considering cuts to their programs due to the crisis, Aging UP’s Board approved a scalable plan to grow and expand its service model during this crisis. “This is the time when we are called to action. And we are lucky to have a dedicated leadership team who volunteers their time and is passionate about our mission and overcoming the challenges ahead,” said Ruacho.

Aging UP will continue to provide one-on-one mentoring, positive activities, and independent living skills education virtually, while following state and county guidelines related to the coronavirus pandemic. “The heart of our program is based on one-to-one mentoring. Typically, this involves the mentor and youth enjoying activities together throughout the community. As soon as the coronavirus affected school districts, we began adapting our program so mentors would have the tools and resources to continue connecting with their youth,” said Sakazaki.

“This crisis will not define us. How we lifted and supported each other will be the legacy of this challenging chapter. That’s why I am inspired by Aging UP’s mission and its commitment to youth in foster care,” said Delaine Eastin, former California Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Now, more than ever, young people need the support, guidance and friendship of adults. For the youth we serve, this need is even greater as teens in foster care have experienced past traumas that are being triggered by this pandemic. They are trying to cope with the current situation, which is a challenge for the most mentally healthy and resourced among us. A mentor provides teens with a healthy, adult relationship to help cope with the uncertainty and isolation they may feel,” said Sakazaki.

Aging UP is one of 615 nonprofits participating in Big Day of Giving, a 24-hour, community-wide day of philanthropy that takes place online and is organized by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Aging UP acknowledges the economic challenges caused by this crisis yet encourages the community to support its mission, and other vital nonprofit work, by either donating or volunteering. “Nonprofits rely on the generosity of our community to provide critical services that make our city a happier, healthier and safer for all. The support we receive through Big Day of Giving will be a large indicator of the increased number of youth Aging UP can serve during this crisis,” said Johnson. The funds raised by Aging UP will provide more youth from foster care with necessary mentoring relationships. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, administrative and other professional services.

About Aging UP

Aging UP is a nonprofit with a mission to empower youth with experience in foster care to successfully transition into adulthood. Founded in 2016, Aging UP offers one-to-one mentoring, positive recreation and independent living skills education to Sacramento region youth, ages 13-19, who have any experience in foster care. To support Aging UP through Big Day of Giving or to learn more about volunteering, please visit agingup.org or email info@agingup.org.

Media contact: April Johnson 916.267.7359 ext. 2 or april@agingup.org.

About Big Day of Giving

Big Day of Giving is a program of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to raise unrestricted funds for nonprofit organizations that strengthen the capital region. Since 2013, the giving day has generated nearly $40 million for more than 600 local nonprofits!