Maison Allen from the Shanthi Project presented at The Rotary’s December 11th luncheon.

The Shanthi Project is a nonprofit organization providing evidence-based mindfulness education services to more than 5,000 children and adults annually across the Lehigh Valley. For 15 years, they have worked within schools and the community to share mindfulness practices proven to support mental health and well-being.

Mindfulness is the opposite of autopilot—it is the act of paying attention to the present moment and accepting it as it is. This practice trains the brain to respond rather than react.

The largest portion of their clients are school children. They serve both the Easton and Bethlehem Area School Districts. Programs include:

• Transition to Kindergarten – A 16-week program reaching every child to help them adjust to new interactions and environments as they enter school.

• Refresher Course – An 8-week program for 1st and 2nd graders.

• Bridge to Middle School – Presented to all 5th grade students to help them cope with the challenges of moving to a larger school.

Additional programs include after-school sessions at the Boys and Girls Club and Third Street Alliance. At the Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center, they work with young people who have experienced trauma.

Adult programs are available for workplaces and can be tailored to meet specific needs. They also host mindfulness workshops such as Mindful Mondays, Moonlight Meditations, and Mindful Making for Kids. Their Business Buzz program trades website links with businesses that promote their workshops. The Shanthi After Hours program occurs quarterly at various locations.

The organization is always looking for new volunteers. You can sign up for their newsletter at www.shanthiProject.org.