The Yoga For The People! program, established in 2008, is the first New Orleans-based yoga community outreach program. Inspired by a group of yogis from NYC led by Katie McDonald, Yoga For The People! currently offers classes at a variety of locations throughout the greater New Orleans area including Catholic Charities, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Red Cross.

"Yoga is thought to release stress, and facilitate an accelerated rate of healing of the physical body and psyche, so that we can all more fully enjoy our lives with a sense of ease, support, and delight in our community," notes Michele Baker, who is the founder, co-owner, and director of Swan River Yoga Teacher Training School. "Health and happiness is our birthright. This is what the Yoga For The People! program hopes to provide. The classes are an opportunity for our teachers to experience Seva - compassion in action and selfless service. A supportive community is the foundation of a yoga practice. We thank the Yoga For The People! outreach partner agencies for giving us the opportunity to experience such diverse depth of relationship within our great city and region by allowing us to teach."

Yoga class participants will learn simple breathing techniques, meditation tools, and basic poses for releasing discomfort and increasing health, benefiting the neighborhood, community, and beyond. The Community Center has 20 yoga mats on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own. The classes are open to the public and beginners are welcome to attend. No registration is needed and there is no charge for the sessions. For more information about Swan River Yoga's many programs and services, please visit www.swanriveryoga.com.