ARE YOU WILLING?
Hello Loves,
How are you?
I've been on an incredible journey this past month, connecting with inspiring non-profits and philanthropists, seeking ways to align The Adara Collective with potential donors, grants, and sponsors. As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, I've experienced the highs and lows of navigating this path alone, feeling the excitement of progress, the sting of defeat, and every emotion in between. My mission to find my place in this world, pay the bills, and bring transformational, life-changing classes to prisons and at-risk youth has been a wild ride.
I've poured my heart into applying for grants, only to receive rejection letters for all eleven applications. Each grant is a unique process that takes weeks or even months to complete. Recently, I attended a gathering hosted by Impact Austin, a non-profit dedicated to group philanthropy to become a member and give back to our community. I was also curious to know who they were since my application for their current grant was turned down. It was there that I crossed paths with a seasoned non-profit professional and grant writer. She shared a vital insight with me: for The Adara Collective to be considered for grants, we must demonstrate stable financials. Her words left me both disheartened and fueled with determination❤️
So, my dear Friends and Family, I am reaching out to YOU, seeking YOUR HELP to give The Adara Collective the winning chance it deserves to secure future grants!
Until now, I've been in survival mode, but I've come to realize that in order to thrive and expand our reach, I must shift gears. That's why I've launched a GOFUNDME campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 before the year's end to support our transformational classes.
Right now, I am urgently seeking $1,500 before the end of September to sustain this invaluable work!
Currently, I am the sole instructor at The Adara Collective, but my vision is to build a team and grow, allowing us to touch more lives. With the new school year underway, I'm adding more classes to my schedule, working with youth and incarcerated communities. I'm currently facilitating 8-10 workshops per week, with each session requiring 4 hours, including travel time.
THIS IS A FULL-TIME COMMITMENT.
Non-profits rely on the support of our community to continue the vital work we do. Our Sound Healing and Self-Awareness classes provide incarcerated adults, children, and at-risk youth with opportunities to shift their focus toward positive and supportive practices, enabling them to become productive members of society. These classes are also offered for the officers and service providers when requested to support everyone in these spaces.
Remember, the majority of those incarcerated will eventually return to our communities, becoming our neighbors once again. By offering them a second chance and equipping them with the tools for success before they leave the facility, we can make a lasting impact. Additionally, many teenagers roam the streets with limited resources, constantly in survival mode.
Shouldn't we support them now, providing new direction and preventing future incarcerations?
HERE'S HOW WE DO IT:
· We share rehabilitative practices like sound healing, meditation, emotional regulation, breathing techniques, movement, and more, empowering individuals to express their truth without reacting impulsively.
· We provide essential resources for successful reintegration, such as mentorship and education on healthy relationships.
· We create opportunities for growth and transformation, enabling individuals to forge new lives with improved communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
· We actively work to reduce recidivism rates by addressing the root causes of involvement in the system, offering resources and support to promote well-being and success.
I AM REACHING OUT TO YOU, MY BELOVED COMMUNITY, TO HELP AND SUPPORT OUR FELLOW HUMANS. PLEASE HELP US GROW ❤️
A donation of $50 covers the cost of gas for the 600+ miles I drive monthly to offer classes.
A donation of $75 provides a month's worth of supplies and writing materials for our participants.
A donation of $100 covers the cost of paper and ink to print class lessons for 150-200 individuals each month.
A donation of $150 supports a month of satellite service, allowing us to offer virtual classes to officers and formerly incarcerated individuals.
A donation of $250 helps compensate our dedicated facilitators for the transformative classes they share with participants.
A donation of $1000 helps us expand our reach, offering even more life-changing classes in additional facilities.
If you're unable to contribute financially, please support The Adara Collective by spreading our message within your community. ❤️
With love, gratitude, and appreciation, I thank you for your unwavering support.
Jess
Founder | Sound Healing Practitioner