Keep Friendship Alive

UPLIFT Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides youth with the tools of movement, mindfulness, and peer connection to support their wellbeing, create community and nurture growth.

Behind every non-profit is a story of the heart, a deep knowing there is a better way. Our Founder's brother Joey died due to an accidental drug overdose. Because of this experience, Erica traveled the country, speaking to college and high school students about drug and alcohol awareness. Her brother's story saved lives. But she knew there was more to do.

UPLIFT Co-Founder Camilla, experienced bullying in middle school and witnessed a family member fight substance abuse addiction. She found yoga as a way to support her mental wellness during an incredibly challenging time. She became a mentor for high school students and taught yoga in a rehabilitation center after watching a family member struggle with addiction issues.

Through endless research and passion, UPLIFT was born in 2014. Erica and Camilla developed UPLIFT's one-of-a-kind approach which gives teens the tools to support their whole wellness through peer connection, movement, and mindfulness.

In 2023, 1,400+ were served by UPLIFT programs and partnership events. 98% of participants "felt empowered by UPLIFT to love themselves more," 100% of participants "gained tools they didn't know before," and 91% of participants returned for additional UPLIFT programs.

Our growth is essential to serving more teens. In addition to adding more 8 week series, we are now working with public, private, and charter schools. We need to hire and train mentors to meet the needs of our school partners.

In person, Southern California
Online, worldwide

Over the last several years, we have faced unprecedented challenges in the field of mental health, particularly among young individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues and introduced new ones, leaving many teens feeling isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed. In these trying times, our dedication to improving the lives of young people is incredibly important.
We are the first teen-led wellness community of its kind, born from a great need for teens to find connection and meaning in our modern world. Encouraging teens to lead their peers not only benefits the individuals involved but also promotes a culture of youth empowerment and active engagement in society. By fostering leadership skills and providing opportunities for teenagers to lead, we can nurture the potential of the next generation and create a positive impact in their communities.
Let's cultivate mindfulness and compassion, not only for our own well-being but for the betterment of our youth and the world at large. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless young individuals, empowering them to overcome challenges and create a life they love.

I am writing on behalf of UPLIFT, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to providing youth with the tools of movement, mindfulness, and peer connection to support their wellbeing, create community, and nurture growth. We are excited to bring to your attention our School Program, which aims to bring research based Social Emotional Learning to student in underserved communities.

According to the Psychology Today, Research shows a strong link between social isolation and an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Social isolation can be voluntary or involuntary, short-term or long-term—and the longer isolation lasts, the harder it can be to overcome.

With endless research, dedication, and passion, UPLIFT was founded to provide a solution to the growing issue with teen mental health. UPLIFT’s one-of-a-kind holistic approach gives youth tools to aid their mental health through peer connection, movement, and mindfulness to prevent risk factors. At UPLIFT, we believe in amplifying teen voices, empowering them to lead one another, and making teen mental health resources available to all.

As a mother, grandmother, and retired educator, I believe UPLIFT School Programming is a solution to support our youth. Our program addresses the teen mental health crisis, and through our past successes, we have demonstrated a commitment to creating positive and lasting change in our community.

Thank you for considering our request. As a small, yet growing, organization, we need the support of our community and leaders like you.