Transforming Lives in Philadelphia

One Child and Community at a Time

Greetings!

As we welcome the season of giving, we are reflecting on the incredible growth and joy that our students, teachers, and learning communities have experienced through the transformative power of mindfulness.

This month, we invite you to celebrate Hope Partnership for Education, a school where students like Nolan, the 6th grader we introduced last month, are truly thriving. We also want to highlight the wider ripple effect your support of MTM can create, nurturing resilient learners, compassionate educators, and engaged families.

The Ripple Effect of Mindfulness at

Hope Partnernship for Education

Nestled in the vibrant Fairhill-Hartranft neighborhood of North Philadelphia, Hope Partnership for Education is a beacon of opportunity. Serving grades 5-8, this independent middle school is dedicated to providing a high-quality education through small class sizes, individualized attention, and a focus on nurturing the whole child. It’s here that the MTM program—offered weekly to every 5th to 7th grader—helps students build the resilience and emotional regulation they need to succeed in school and life.

Every Wednesday, the classrooms at Hope Partnership School are filled with calm as Karen Dempsey, our dedicated MTM instructor, leads 45-minute sessions. Through mindfulness, breathing techniques, and movement, she helps students improve focus, manage stress, and build emotional awareness. This practice helps them stay grounded, even during stressful or chaotic times. The benefits extend beyond the students, creating a positive impact on teachers, staff, and families too.

Spotlight on Virgil: President & CEO of Hope Partnership for Education and MTM Board Member

Virgil Sheppard, the President and CEO of Hope Partnership for Education, has dedicated his life to breaking down opportunity barriers for students in his community. Growing up in West Philadelphia, his journey into education began as a volunteer youth football coach while attending Temple University. Inspired by the mentors who shaped his life, Virgil is now leading Hope Partnership School with a vision to provide high-quality education to students while fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. As CEO, he focuses on empowering students to reach their full potential, no matter the challenges they face.

As a board member for Mindfulness Through Movement (MTM), Virgil sees a deep alignment between the missions of both organizations. "The connections between Hope and MTM are endless," he shares. "Both are committed to giving students the tools they need to grow into the best versions of themselves."

"The impact of MTM at Hope Partnership School is profound, not just for the students but also for the teachers. MTM has created a space for students to reflect and be present, helping them manage their emotions and make better decisions."

Teachers, too, have embraced these mindfulness practices, incorporating them into their daily routines to create a more focused, compassionate classroom. The result is a school culture that values emotional well-being alongside academic success, benefitting everyone in the Hope community.

A Hope Teacher’s Perspective:

Maureen’s Experience with MTM

Maureen Oblea, a 5th grade teacher at Hope, has been part of the school for over 16 years. Her dedication to her students is evident in everything she does. Here’s her perspective on how MTM has transformed her classroom:

“MTM has been a game-changer. Every time we do a mindfulness exercise, there’s an immediate shift in the room. My students become calmer, more focused, and better equipped to handle the challenges of the day.

They even teach the exercises to their siblings and parents at home! It’s amazing to see how much they’ve embraced these tools and how it’s improved the overall classroom culture.”

Maureen shares a particularly special moment from last spring when Nolan (one of her students) used MTM techniques to overcome his nervousness before speaking at a public event. With the support of his classmates, Nolan paused for a "power breath” before stepping onto the stage. He spoke with confidence and poise, representing his classmates and making us all proud.

“It was a turning point for Nolan,” Maureen says. “He was able to take a step back, recognize his feelings, and use the mindfulness tools he’d learned to reset. I saw a new side of him that day, one filled with confidence, resilience, and a sense of calm.”

The Ripple Effect of Your Support

This month, as we think about how far Nolan and his classmates have come, we’re also thinking about the power of your support. Your generosity makes all of this possible.

When you give to Mindfulness Through Movement, you’re not just supporting one child or one class, you’re supporting an entire school community. You’re providing teachers with tools that help them manage their own stress and create a healthier classroom environment. You’re empowering students to better understand and regulate their emotions. And you’re helping to foster empathy, kindness, and resilience, skills that will last a lifetime.

Give the Gift of Mindfulness

Double Your Impact with a Matching Gift

Did you know that you can double the impact of your donation through your company’s matching gift program?

Many employers offer this opportunity, allowing you to match or even triple your contribution at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple and powerful way to amplify your support and help even more students experience the transformative benefits of mindfulness.

Take it from Maggie Dempsey, a generous supporter of MTM:

“I had the opportunity to join two of the MTM classes and see firsthand how they provided a much-needed mindfulness break in the middle of a busy school day. Using my company’s matching gift program was a simple way to double my contribution and increase the impact of my support.”

You can make an even bigger difference this year! Ask your company to match your end-of-year gift, and together, we can create lasting change for students and educators. It’s easy, impactful, and the perfect way to close out your year with generosity.

Join Us in Creating More Moments Like Nolan's

This holiday season, we invite you to help us create more moments like the one Nolan experienced, a moment of courage, calm, and self-regulation. Your support of Mindfulness Through Movement will empower students like Nolan with the mindfulness tools they need to thrive, both in school and in life.

We believe in the power of mindfulness to create lasting change, and with your help, we can reach even more students in need. Every donation goes directly toward bringing mindfulness practices into classrooms, helping children build resilience, focus, and emotional well-being.

Please consider making your gift today. Together, we can create a ripple effect that transforms not just classrooms but entire communities.

Thank you for your support and for believing in the transformative work of MTM.

Warmly,

The Mindfulness Through Movement Team

P.S. Know someone who might be interested in supporting MTM? Please forward this message to them and invite them to join us in making a difference this season!

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