Spirit Awakening Foundation

Spirit Awakening Foundation (SAF) is an arts-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved youth and systems-impacted young people realize their authentic identity, value, and self-worth. SAF addresses the internalized racism that produces self-hatred, low self-esteem and violent behavior stemming from systemic structures that oppress and harm youth and communities of color. Since 1995, SAF has been a pioneer in developing and offering restorative, transformative, trauma-informed, arts-, and healing-centered programs for underserved, systems-involved and incarcerated youth in Los Angeles County. By providing instruction in meditation, self-reflection, creative writing, visual and performing arts, mentorship, service activities, and leadership training, SAF accomplishes its mission to help underserved youth build character and raise self-esteem.

To provide safe spaces where young people can unmask their authentic voices and use creative outlets as modalities for healing, transformation and success.

Source: Nonprofit submitted responses

Goal One: One of SAF's goals is to significantly expand its existing community-based programs and services so it can continue to support LA County's efforts to divert youth away from incarceration.

Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.

Goal Two: "Spirit Awakening" feature film (which is about healing and transformation). This film will advance wellness, generate a new source of long-term revenue and help SAF reach populations globally.

Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.

Goal Three: More full-time staff and a headquarters are needed to fill SAF’s administrative and programmatic management positions. With this structure in place, SAF will be prepared for exponential growth.

Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).

Describe an investment in leadership

SAF's staff frequently participated in a number of leadership development workshops, training sessions and retreats led by industry experts over the past 12-18 months. SAF's staff also participated in 1:1 consultation with an executive/leadership/business coach who specializes in working with clients in C-Suite roles as well as in working with creative professionals. SAF also provides Professional Development Training Workshops to its own staff and Artists.

This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:

• Strategic Partnerships

• Networks of Collective Impact Efforts

• Thought Leadership

• Raising Awareness

• Community Building

• Policy Advocacy

What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?

Since its inception in 1995, SAF has externally furthered its mission through maintaining several collaborative partnerships with a variety of other nonprofit community-based organizations, government agencies, philanthropic foundations, community centers, schools, and juvenile facilities. As a leading nonprofit, SAF is frequently asked by Los Angeles County to provide training to other grassroots nonprofits so their financial systems are more transparent. SAF's Founder/CEO/E.D. is also regularly invited to present at community events and conferences and serves as a member on several committees and advisory boards whose purposes and efforts align with the organization's mission. SAF also externally mobilizes its mission through disseminating information about its programs, services and current initiatives via various online platforms (e.g., social media, newsletters, website, etc.). SAF also advocates for bills and policies that eliminate harmful, racist and oppressive systems.

In the last year SAF has adapted its programs and services to return in-person. Due to the shutdowns resulting from the pandemic, SAF had to modify all of its programs and services to be offered completely virtually. However, once schools and facilities began to resume in-person, SAF also adapted its programs and services to also safely return in-person. SAF is continuing to work with each site it serves to modify and adapt its programming as some sites occasionally require virtual or hybrid services.