Yoga program to help address coping skills and new lifestyle initiatives for domestic violence survivors

This week marks the first of its kind yoga-based collaboration between actor-filmmaker and yoga teacher Rich Tola's nonprofit organization, The Boulevard Zen Foundation Inc., and survivors of domestic violence residing at The Good Shepherd Shelter. The foundation brings yoga to shelters and was conceived by Tola upon completion of his film "Boulevard Zen," a story of one man who touches the lives of many through the practice of yoga.

"We are delighted to bring the positive powers of yoga to the families of The Good Shepherd," Tola says, "and our goal is to establish a fun, educational, and challenging yoga program for all mothers and children; one that can be duplicated in shelters throughout the world. We're working with the shelter to implement a truly unique program that addresses coping skills and new lifestyle initiatives for all residents."

Tola's inspiration for the foundation began with his deeply rooted belief: yoga changes lives. It was through the creation of the film's spirited protagonist and child of domestic violence, Bobby D'Angelo, that Tola realized the importance of yoga specifically for survivors. It was not until Tola visited The Good Shepherd Shelter, to drop off clothes donated by the cast and crew, that his inspiration took hold and propelled him to start The Boulevard Zen Foundation.

The foundation will begin teaching three distinct classes for The Good Shepherd's children of varying age groups, while the mothers will be taught a weekly class specifically addressing their needs. Once a month the kids and their moms will come together and participate in a unifying class that will further strengthen their familial bond.

Bringing yoga to survivors of domestic violence is a global effort and the foundation can use your help. Donations to The Boulevard Zen Foundation can be made via the web site (www.BoulevardZen.com), where you can also watch the film's trailer and purchase the soundtrack - 10% of all sales benefit the foundation.

SOURCE The Boulevard Zen Foundation