Our neighbor, partner and landlord, The Bell Shelter, is one of the largest homeless shelters in the United States operating a comprehensive program that offers transitional care and housing for up to 500 homeless men and women. Our farm and 30’ x 48’ greenhouse operate to provide employment opportunities and training for shelter clients experiencing homelessness as well as a revenue stream to support garden-related programming.

GrowGood’s mission is:

• To provide organic fruits and vegetables to the Bell Shelter kitchen which serves upwards of 7,000 meals per week;

• To provide transitional employment and permanent job readiness skills and opportunities to shelter participants;

• To develop a revenue stream to support our endeavors;

• To offer outdoor programming designed to promote “holistic healing” through yoga, meditation, and reconnection to nature.

We are seeking a yoga and meditation instructor to facilitate classes for our Food For Life (FFL) classes. The classes are designed to promote “holistic healing” by combining soft yoga techniques, mindful meditation practices, and the therapeutic power of nature to support mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Class sessions may also incorporate breathing and relaxation practices, along with discussions ranging from basic neuroscience, methods and tips for developing a meditation practice, and the power of nature as metaphor for life.

All class participants currently reside at the Salvation Army Bell Shelter, which provides comprehensive programs for adults transitioning out of homelessness. Half of our participants, many of them veterans, come to us through The Salvation Army Bell Shelter Wellness Program, a residential treatment center for addiction and various mental health conditions, including PTSD.

FFL classes are held in our California native sensory garden. Our outdoor “studio” is wheelchair accessible. Weekly class schedule is TBD; we can work with your scheduling needs. During the warm months however, we prefer to hold morning classes between 8-10am.

While all class sessions should focus on gentle yoga, meditation, and connection to nature, how you choose to teach is very much up for collaboration. For example, you may choose to incorporate other therapeutic movement activities, music, guided discussion, etc. Please come with your ideas! Responsibilities:

• Take attendance.

• Facilitate 4 one-hour classes per week for ten participants each class.

• Each class session should include a combination of guided meditation, gentle yoga, and a guided discussion of mindfulness techniques. Discussion topics should incorporate themes of “reconnection with nature” or “lessons from the natural world.”

• Yoga movements must be trauma-informed and accommodating of disabilities. All yoga positions should be sitting or standing, as we do not use yoga mats.

• Create basic lesson plans in collaboration with the Programs Manager and other staff members.

•  Assist in developing surveys and metrics to aid in evaluating the efficacy of the program.

•  Document observations of class sessions and participants’ progress to help track program’s development.