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Ms. Walendzinski from Chicago IL is requesting professional development through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Professional development

Breathe for Change for Teen Moms

I need mindfulness training to support my school and community in healing from trauma.

  • $1,970 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

My Students

I teach at a special public school just for girls who are pregnant or parenting. 100% of our population is economically disadvantaged. In addition to the challenges surrounding parenthood, some deal with homelessness, moving between foster homes, issues surrounding addiction, domestic violence, and just about any other hardship you can imagine.

There's a story behind every instance of misbehavior, work refusal, defiance, or falling asleep, and 9 times out of ten, the story won't make you angry--it will break your heart.

Our girls have often been exposed to an amount of trauma that is difficult for many people to comprehend. And still, despite everything that says they shouldn't, they find the hope to keep going--and they rise.

My Project

I have been awarded a $1000 scholarship to Chicago's inaugural cohort of Breathe for Change, a community-focused, 16-day training specifically designed to support educators in transforming themselves, their relationships, and their communities. We will study powerful mind-body wellness practices like yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, and learn strategies for self-care, social-emotional learning, and community building that positively impact our lives, classrooms, schools, and communities.

Upon completion of the program I will be certified as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and a B4C Wellness Champion, which will qualify me to lead wellness programs for my entire school and community.

These programs could be full-staff introductory workshops, on-site weekly wellness classes, and/or implementation of a holistic wellness practice and age-appropriate classroom integration for students. Any funds raised over my goal will support me in bringing mindfulness workshops to community organizations. I am committed to providing equity in education and equipping my students and community with the tools they need to heal.

Mindfulness can and does change lives--I know because it changed mine. Thank you for supporting me in bringing this powerful practice to kids who need it most. Your investment in me supports critical work; thank you for believing in them and in me.

Ms. Walendzinski
Grades 9-12

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Walendzinski is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Component Company Total
Activity Breathe for Change $1,620.00

Trip cost

$1,620.00

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$24.30

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,674.30

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$295.46

Total project goal

$1,969.76

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$1,969.76

2 Donors

-$1,952.12

Donations toward project cost

-$1,674.30

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$277.82

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$17.64

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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