Whether it's contributing funds for women and children in orphanages or supporting local events where the community can have access to free yoga, Yoga Bliss is involved.
Support for Local organizations
We donate classes and merchandise valued at more than $12,500 every year for silent auctions that benefit many local organizations, including:
Akron Canton Food Bank
Akron Children’s Hospital Holiday Tree Festival
Akron Symphony
American Cancer Society
Bath Volunteers for Service
Battered Women’s Shelter
Boy Scouts
Crown Point
Elevate Akron
Hattie Larlham
Humane Society of Akron
Kimberly Walton Foundation
Kylie Rose’s Run
Local Schools, Fundraisers, and Churches
March of Dimes
RAHAB
Victim Assistance
Victory Gallop
2023
During 2023, we raised $4,450 for the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, in honor of our dear friend and teacher Amy Boswell.
Our Teacher Trainees taught donation classes that raised $1,500 for Hope Meadows, a therapeutic equestrian center.
In addition, we hosted weekly yoga classes for clients of RAHAB.
2022
During 2022, we held several events that raised more than $3,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of our dear friend Matt Handshue.
In addition, we hosted weekly yoga classes for clients of RAHAB.
2019
RAHAB (Reaching Above Hopelessness And Brokenness)
RAHAB is devoted to rescuing and restoring victims trafficked into sexual slavery and exploitation in NE Ohio. They provide drop-in centers, mentoring programs, a safe house, and community outreach volunteers who reach victims in jails and on the streets.
In 2019 we have once again pledged significant funds towards the construction of a minor safe house for girls ages 11-16. In addition, both Fairlawn & Green studios provide space for weekly donation-based classes.
2018
RAHAB (Reaching Above Hopelessness And Brokenness)
RAHAB is devoted to rescuing and restoring victims trafficked into sexual slavery and exploitation in NE Ohio. They provide drop-in centers, mentoring programs, a safe house, and community outreach volunteers who reach victims in jails and on the streets.
In 2018 we donated $10,000 towards the construction of a minor safe house for girls ages 11-16. In addition, Gracie Gronowski has donated additional significant funds raised from teaching a bi-weekly donation-based class for teens. She spreads the word about the prevalence of trafficking in NEO in her classes and through her Instagram page, @gracefullyoga_.
2017
Huntington Center for Hope and Healing
In 2017, our studio continued to raise money for the Huntington Center for Hope and Healing, donating an additional $10,000. In addition, we have periodic collections of items that they need, such as toiletries. When their new facility opens, we plan to bring yoga to them on a regular basis.
RAHAB (Reaching Above Hopelessness And Brokenness)
RAHAB is devoted to rescuing and restoring victims trafficked into sexual slavery and exploitation in NE Ohio. Their facilities include a drop-in center, a safe house, and community outreach volunteers who reach victims in jails and on the streets. In 2017 we matched $1,500 of funds raised by a student at Yoga Bliss for a yoga program.
2016
Huntington Center for Hope and Healing
In 2016 proceeds from the Friday Happy Hour / Community Yoga Class benefited The Huntington Center for Hope and Healing (which houses the Battered Women's Shelter and the Rape Crisis Center in downtown Akron).
We donated $10,000 to sponsor an Empowerment Room at their brand new facility that will be opening in February 2017. Our room has been named Shanti, meaning peace, rest, calmness, tranquility, or bliss.
The room will house a crisis intervention specialist who will be working with individuals and families. Click here for more information about our contribution and the center. Individually, teachers and our Teacher Trainees (TT's) led community classes to raise money for causes close to their hearts such as The Upside of Downs, breast cancer awareness, and purchasing latrines for those without access to proper sanitation in Asia.
2015
Kenya Seva Challenge
With Off the Mat Into the World: The Global Seva Challenge 2015 was focused on raising awareness and providing support to women facing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Childhood Marriage (ECM) in Kenya. The money raised at the studio supported local organizations whose primary objectives are to rescue girls from child marriage, circumcision, domestic violence, and physical/sexual abuse in Kenya
2013
Seva Smile
Located in Akron, non-profit organization ACCESS provides an amazing opportunity for mothers trying to get back on their feet. They don't "warehouse" the families; rather, the ladies must stick to a rigorous program that will enable them to successfully find employment, live independently, and take care of their children. The $10,000 that Yoga Bliss pledged to ACCESS paid for dentistry for women with damaged teeth as a result of neglect and abuse.
2012
India Seva Challenge
With Off the Mat Into the World: The Global Seva Challenge 2012 aimed to raise awareness of the root causes and impact of the global sex trafficking industry in India. The $21,000 raised at the studio supported organizations in India that provide refuge, rehabilitation, and economic opportunities to survivors.
2011
Haiti Seva Challenge
with Off the Mat Into the World: The Global Seva Challenge 2011 assisted in eliminating the challenges of chronic poverty and natural disaster through service work with local organizations in Haiti. The $25,000 raised at the studio was used to build a community center, finance community projects, plant 1,000 trees, install a water filtration systems in an orphanage and school, construct an Eco-efficient center for children as well as a dental clinic, and install solar panels for light and electricity in tent cities.
