Soul Models

The work we do with our Soul Models each session is based on evidence-based practices proven to raise confidence, increase focus, and develop resiliency. The effects of these benefits ultimately affect the girls’ abilities and desire to attend and engage in the classroom. In fact, according to the George Lucas Educational Foundation, meditation in schools alone has decreased school absence by up to 65%. Incorporating yoga and positive body image activities, are known to exert positive effects on cognitive efficiency, anxiety, negative thought patterns, and emotion regulation. We engage with our communities through service to connect and ground these young girls with the world around them. A connection to school and community is a preventative measure for many deterring factors in life such as school drop-out rates and the likelihood that someone will use or abuse alcohol and drugs later in life. We engage in self-expression exercises such as journaling, creative arts, music lyric writing, and zentangle that build a sense of self, and are known to be meditative and calming in their own right. We bring in skilled facilitators and tailor our work to the individuals in each group. We will walk them through goal setting and vision board creating to help them envision a positive future that doesn’t lead them to world filled with stress and anxiety, but with joy.

Soul Models is a nonprofit organization serving middle school aged girls in Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire. Our mission is to empower girls to discover their authentic selves as they become mindful, confident, creative and engaged leaders. We do so by administering a 10 week afterschool program in partnership with local middle schools. Our program curriculum follows the central themes of self-care and takes a holistic approach to mentoring young girls. Experienced facilitators provide hands-on activities and mentoring that focus on the practices of mindfulness, meditation, yoga, creative expression through art and music, community service and leadership. Activities emphasize overarching goals of maintaining a present mind, strong body, positive spirit, generous heart and nourished soul.By the end of our 10 week program, participants are better suited to succeed in the world around them. Our Soul Models develop a new skillset that is tremendously needed for this vulnerable population which include tools such as self-confidence, resiliency, and stress-reduction techniques.