Center for Resilience (formerly known as ResilientKids™) is a wonderful non-profit organization that started in Providence, Rhode Island with the mission of Building Resilience and making a difference in Rhode Island’s next generation. The organization was founded by Vanessa Weiner who wanted to help foster social, emotional, and academic growth through mindfulness-based curricula integrated into schools. Vanessa, an avid believer in the practice of meditation and yoga at an early age, used these mindfulness methods with her own children. When one of her children’s teachers saw the benefits of this practice in the classroom, Vanessa realized that meditation and yoga was a proven stress reliever in classrooms. Thus, she integrated this method to support the school communities at all levels – students, teachers, administrators, and families. I have known Vanessa, her husband Dr. Lewis Weiner, and their wonderful children for many years and they are certainly proof of these practices.
On Friday, October 21, 2016, The Center for Resilience held their Resilience in Action Conference and Reception at the Omni Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. The conference portion was held from 1:00pm – 5:00pm and included experts in the field such as: Christopher Willard, PsyD, Chief John M. LaCross, Barrington Police, Kip Hollister, Hollister Staffing & The Hollister Institute.
Discussions included shared stories of resilience and opportunities to experience mindful practice in schools. The statistics within local schools practicing mindfulness is outstanding – 30% reduction in stress and anxiety, 30-50% drop in behavior referrals, and 83% drop in school violence.
After the conference, a reception included Academy Award-winning SPOTLIGHT Team Members: Screenwriter Josh Singer and Actor Anthony Paolucci. This was followed by a superb panel discussion with Mr. Singer and Curt Columbus, Artistic Director of Trinity Repertory Company. All proceeds at this event benefited at-risk students in Rhode Island schools.
We have been supporters of Center for Resilience from the very beginning and we were thrilled to be a part of this year’s Conference and Reception. We are excited to see the growth of this organization as they further assist children in Rhode Island for years to come.
If you want to learn more about Center for Resilience, an incredible organization that we support, please visit their website at: www.CenterforResilence.org.
