Calmer Choice, a local nonprofit that provides mindfulness educating, training, and mentorship to children and those that support them, recently received $70,000 from the office of state Sen. Julian Cyr to develop and support anti-addiction and mental health mindfulness programs in school districts.
Using their innovative, research informed curriculum, Calmer Choice works in classrooms and community spaces to support students and individuals in reconnecting with the inner capabilities they need to feel grounded, resourced, and capable of leading lives of kindness and compassion toward themselves and others.
“I’m grateful to have secured funds in the FY24 budget to continue to support Calmer Choice’s innovative and effective mindfulness work in schools,” said Cyr. “In a world with abundant sources of stress for young people, Calmer Choice helps students learn ways to navigate difficult emotions and challenges in life with mindfulness techniques. The organization is a vital resource for young Cape Codders.”
Calmer Choice originated out of crisis amid the fallout of the opioid epidemic on Cape Cod.
Over the years, this volunteer-based, grassroots mindfulness program partnered with experts and leading mindfulness programs to produce its own innovative and robust eight-week mindfulness curriculum incorporating cognitive science, social-emotional learning methodologies, a trauma-informed instructional approach, and a suite of resources for classroom teachers. It was clear from the beginning that, to provide the most immediate and tangible support, this practice needed to be offered where kids spend most of their time: in schools. Delivered live in classrooms, this program has touched tens of thousands of students on Cape Cod and beyond.
Calmer Choice is currently embedded in three school districts serving thousands of children, educators, and families in to reconnect and develop the resilience needed to live life with kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.
To learn more about Calmer Choice visit www.calmerchoice.org
