KALA Wellness SEL & Wellbeing Curriculum

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Los Angeles schools attendance rates are in decline, with less engagement, and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Under-resourced communities show the greatest need for effective, engaging wellness in schools. These communities carry a greater incidence of trauma and decreased access to support in addressing the long-term impacts of trauma on physical and mental health. Our work in schools uniquely addresses the need for access to mental health and wellness education for underserved and trauma-impacted youth. In 2023, 17% of high school students reported having considered suicide. 75% of students describe their school experience negatively, citing stress and boredom, leading to anxiety and depression. KALA Wellness’s curriculum is based in Lineage Medicine™, which strengthens the connection between the physical, emotional, and mental self to release stress and anxiety, prioritizing total wellbeing.

KALA Wellness uplifts underserved youth in often-overlooked communities throughout Los Angeles with the commitment to shifting narratives and creating lasting impact. Lineage Medicine™ combines breath, movement, and SEL activities (interactive and creative). Students learn self-awareness and tools to regulate their emotions, resulting in agency, belonging, and having a voice. Through our science-backed ancient practices and SEL programming, we bring wellness into public schools in collaboration with Our Own Wellness Spaces. KALA’s work with Our Own directly addresses the critical issues of mental health, substance use, and emotional well-being in systems-impacted youth and under-resourced schools. KALA Wellness tailors custom SEL and wellness curriculum in schools with students ranging from K-12. We work with Our Own to implement this curriculum and to oversee its efficacy. This program also will include rigorous data capture and analysis that can apply to other agencies and institutions delivering physical fitness and mental wellbeing services. By collecting data and fine tuning throughout the academic year, we create the greatest impact on student agency, well-being, and educational outcomes.

Our approach acknowledges that solving complex issues requires a multifaceted strategy that directly aligns with the communities we serve. By focusing on both individual and collective mental health, we aim to cultivate a healthier Los Angeles. Our wellness program is designed not only to provide essential SEL tools and resources but also to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of seizing opportunities and navigating challenges. This holistic approach equips students with the skills they need to pursue various post-secondary pathways, empowering them to shape their futures positively. Ultimately, our goal extends beyond immediate impact to foster a resilient community over generations, leveraging students' lived experiences to strengthen both the Our Own ecosystem and the broader community of Los Angeles.

KALA Wellness & Our Own measured the impact of our pilot year program through surveys and by analyzing data provided by the schools. These surveys gather feedback directly from program participants. After the first year of implementation, test scores, school attendance rates, and program attendance rates have remained consistently high. 85% of seniors received offers from 4-year or 2-year colleges. Instances of behavior-related incidents, including self-harm, have significantly decreased, with partner schools reporting a reduction in suspension and expulsion rates from just below 6% to less than 1%. In 2 years, there have been no reported suicides or incidents of self-harm, showing positive impact in students' mental health and wellbeing. Students' self-worth increased 66%, ability to concentrate improved 63%, ease of decision making increased 45%, and 56% reported an enhanced sense of joy.

Our Own Wellness Spaces and KALA Wellness align deeply in our vision for Los Angeles youth. Our Own provides spaces that foster wellbeing and mental health inside of public schools throughout Los Angeles. They employ yoga and mindfulness practitioners that KALA Wellness train to understand the depth of Lineage Medicine™ curriculum, ensuring that the work is taught effectively. Our Own's team works with KALA Wellness to collect data and document program outcomes. KALA Wellness analyzes the data and adapts the curriculum for a highly tailored movement and breath-based SEL program, modified for the individuals and communities we serve within Los Angeles. KALA Wellness works with Our Own to provide equipment and supplies to enhance the wellbeing of both students and school communities.