YogaCare

- 1808 W Chicago Ave #2r, Chicago, IL 60622

Welcome to YogaCare, a unique and impactful yoga studio located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Our name, "YogaCare," embodies our core mission: to serve as a catalyst for health by spreading the healing benefits of yoga in under-resourced communities. We are not a typical for-profit studio; instead, we operate as a socially engaged yoga network, partnering with various organizations across the Chicagoland area to bring accessible, high-quality yoga programming to those who might not otherwise have access. We firmly believe that yoga is for all and that when people have a safe and welcoming space to connect with one another and engage in positive health behaviors, they can take proactive steps to improve their lives. This vision of a world filled with loving-kindness, where everyone treats themselves and others with compassion, is at the heart of everything we do.

Our work is centered on the principle of health equity, viewing yoga as a form of healthcare. We design our programs to be culturally responsive and led by well-trained teachers, many of whom are from the very communities we serve. This approach allows us to create a deeply authentic and impactful experience that resonates with our students. We are committed to lifting up marginalized voices and creating a safe and healing space for individuals of all ages, races, cultures, shapes, and sizes. We understand that the benefits of yoga go beyond physical postures, and our programs are tailored to help participants manage stress, pain, and chronic diseases. By making yoga accessible for all, we are working towards a more just and healthy Chicago.

YogaCare is located at 1808 W Chicago Ave #2r, Chicago, IL 60622, USA. While we have a physical address, our mission-driven model means our programs are often held in partnership with community organizations and medical centers throughout the Chicagoland area. This strategic approach allows us to reach people where they are and serve communities that have historically had little to no access to yoga. Our presence in the Ukrainian Village and West Town area of Chicago places us in a vibrant and accessible neighborhood, easily reachable for those in the city.

Our facility is designed to be functional and welcoming. We provide restrooms for the convenience of our students and staff. Because our primary work is community-based and off-site, our main space serves as a hub for our operations, including resource sharing and professional development for socially engaged yoga teachers. We believe in being a network that supports both the practitioners and the people they serve. While we may not have a traditional studio with a public class schedule, our work is felt throughout Chicago, bringing wellness and community to countless individuals. Our location on West Chicago Avenue is a central point for our mission, allowing us to serve as a catalyst to share the healing benefits of yoga with underserved Chicago communities.

YogaCare's services are not structured like a typical studio with a class schedule for public drop-ins. Instead, our offerings are designed to serve our mission of health equity and community-based wellness.

• Community Yoga Classes and Groups: We partner with neighborhood organizations to provide customized yoga programs for adults and families. These classes are often free or donation-based and are tailored to address the specific health needs of the community, such as managing stress, pain, and chronic diseases. Our programs are provided in both English and Spanish to ensure cultural responsiveness.

• Specialized Yoga Group Visits: We develop programs that are customized for adults to address specific health conditions with an interdisciplinary team approach. These programs are designed to support individuals dealing with issues such as substance use and mental and emotional health, integrating yoga into a broader health and wellness strategy.

• Scholarship and Training Program: We offer scholarships for community members to become certified yoga teachers. This program is crucial to our model, as it empowers residents from under-resourced communities to become teachers themselves, creating a sustainable and culturally responsive network of yoga practitioners and instructors.

• Self-Care for Health Care Sessions: We also provide workshops and strategies for integrating mind-body practices for healthcare and social service providers. These sessions are designed to help front-line workers manage stress and combat burnout, recognizing that their well-being is essential for the health of the communities they serve.

YogaCare stands out for its unique, socially-engaged model and a deep commitment to its core values.

• Mission-Driven Approach: Unlike a traditional business, YogaCare is a non-profit organization with a clear and powerful mission to increase access to yoga for those who need it most. Our programs are acts of racial and healing justice, bringing wellness to communities that have been systematically overlooked.

• Dedicated to Inclusivity: Our core values include diversity, inclusion, and access. We build a diverse and vibrant team, listen to and lift up marginalized voices, and work to create a space where everyone feels seen, honored, and respected. We believe that authenticity and integrity are essential in all our interactions.

• Positive Community Impact: Our programs have a proven impact on the health outcomes of our participants. From helping with backaches to reducing stress and making meditation more accessible, the testimonials from our community class participants speak volumes about the tangible benefits of our work.

• Focus on Collaboration: We do not simply "bring yoga to" communities. Instead, we "co-develop programs with" our partners, sharing power and working collaboratively to ensure our services are truly responsive to community needs. This model of partnership and power-sharing is a key feature of our organization.

• Professional Development: We also support the broader community of socially engaged yoga teachers through our Socially Engaged Yoga Network. This network offers professional development, networking, and capacity-building resources, ensuring that the work of community-based yoga is supported and sustained.

For more information about our mission and how we serve the Chicago community, you can reach out to us.

Address: 1808 W Chicago Ave #2r, Chicago, IL 60622, USA

Phone: (773) 245-6937

Choosing YogaCare means supporting a powerful mission that goes beyond a simple workout. By engaging with our programs or supporting our work, you are contributing to a movement that makes health and wellness a reality for underserved communities in Chicago. Our model is built on collaboration, authenticity, and a deep commitment to health equity. We believe that the healing benefits of yoga should not be a luxury but a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality. While we may not be the traditional yoga studio you might be looking for, we are a vital part of the Chicago wellness landscape, bringing peace, strength, and connection to thousands. We are a place that provides a beautiful, gentle, and peaceful space that brings purity, strength, and community. The genuine love and positive energy that our staff and participants share are a testament to the powerful impact of our work. We invite you to learn more about our mission and see how we are making a difference, one breath at a time, in the City of Chicago.

YogaCare

1808 W Chicago Ave #2r, Chicago, IL 60622, USA