Accomplishments
August 2019
Adult Yoga and Meditation
with Create Kind Karma
TSVF provided a free introduction to Yoga and Mediation to adults as a way to reduce stress; build inner strength, and increase focus. The participants were taught in various yoga poses; breathing techniques; positive affirmations and healing gongs.
July 2019
Free Mindfulness Series for Grades K-5!
with Create Kind Karma
The children were able to experience meditation, yoga, gong and sound healing to use in their daily routine to reduce stress, increase concentration and focus and they were able to create positive self awareness and self esteem!
Oh, Shift!
led by empowerment coach, Keith Senzer
TSVF was proud to sponsor the OH Shift workshop for Teens to 35 counselors in training at Oasis Summer Day Camp at LIU and Mid Island Y JCC summer camp at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. Over the course of six weeks, the teens and their empowerment coach engaged in various interactive discussions and activities to become more self aware, confident, and able to manage their reactions to various situations in a positive manner. The workshop was a huge success and received very positive feedback from all participants and camp directors!
Yoga
with Create Kind Karma
TSVF provided a free introduction to Yoga for students 6th grade to 12th grade as a way to reduce stress; build inner strength, and increase focus. The students participated in various yoga poses; breathing techniques; team-building exercises and positive affirmations.
Scholarships
Summer camps are an important part of childhood, so we find it important to empower young adults and children to do what they love. Through our scholarship program, we sent 2 more young adults to their summer camps of choice!
GSA Grants
TSVF offers GSA Grants! This year, we have already funded 4 local GSA Clubs across Long Island. Our GSA Grant program is ongoing. Find out more information in our Programs section!
June 2019
Be Time Meditation Bus​
TSVF partnered with the BeTime Mobile Meditation Bus to provide a relaxing meditation experience to the students of Half hallow Hills High School. The experience helped to teach the students how to relax in times of stress, and the importance of taking time to care for their mental health. We were glad to help to make a lasting effect on the lives of young people and give them a chance to rest their minds during the stress of their finals.
May 2019
TSVF Paint Night Fundraiser
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This program was a creative night of painting and self-expression! We provided the paints, canvas, and brushes, and our attendees provided creativity! TSVF Paint Night Fundraiser was the 3rd of its kind, and we look forward to holding more Paint Nights in the future!
April 2019
March 2019
Based on the book by Jen Powers, this interactive
6-week workshop helped teens become more confident, build self-awareness and learn how to take control of their actions/reactions. Each week the teens and their coach explored a different area of focus and participated in various activities and conversations. The Sophia Valsamos Foundation was proud to sponsor this special youth empowerment program. We are glad to know that we positively affected the lives of so many teens and families!
Oh, Shift!
led by empowerment coach, Keith Senzer
February 2019
This is was a great program where tween/teens came together to discuss issues or challenges they were facing and share ideas collectively as a group to work through them. This program was completely FREE!
The Tank:
What Comes Into The Tank, Stays In The Tank!
with LCSW Trish Travaglione
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January 2019
We Are All A Little "Crazy"!
with founder Eric Kussin
The Freeport School District is committed to educating its students on the importance of mental health and wellness. The district hosted two We Are All a Little “Crazy” assemblies at Freeport High School and J.W. Dodd Middle School. We Are All a Little “Crazy” is a nonprofit organization founded by Eric Kussin, former sports executive, with a mission to highlight the significance of mental wellness. These assemblies were funded by The Sophia Valsamos Foundation.
Through the organization, Kussin also developed the #Samehere movement, where people hand gesture “same here” in sign language to show others that they’re not alone in any struggles they are facing.
Kussin shared his life story with students about his struggle with mental health and how he overcame the battle. Another presenter, Eric Kelly, former four-time national boxing champion and former member of the U.S. National Olympic team, also shared his story as well.
Kelly advised students to act as a sponge by taking in what positively affects them and filtering out what negatively affects them. “You may get knocked down a few times, but the fight isn’t over,” Kelly said. “Everyone has struggles but don’t give up.”
Kussin provided students with helpful strategies to relieve stress, such as breathing techniques, meditation, and exercise.
Bounce For a Good Cause!
TSVF was glad to partner with Bounce Trampoline Sports to hold a fun and interactive fundraiser. All proceeds went to the foundation, and everyone had a great time on the trampolines!
September 2018
I Love Kickboxing!
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BEST WORKOUT TO RELIEVE STRESS! The Sophia Valsamos Foundation sponsors free kickboxing classes. Click on our events tab and follow us on social media for future classes.
August 2018
Based on her inspiring book, Motiv8: 8 Ways to Rock your own world, Sheira Brayer delivered a dynamic, interactive, multimedia program to help moms and their daughters reduce stress, boost confidence, improve communication, and ultimately feel better in their own skin. Participants were given useful techniques to reduce stress; become more mindful, and communicate better.
Motiv8
with author, singer, songwriter, Sheira Brayer
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July 2018
Scholarships
Summer camps are an important part of childhood, so we find it important to empower young adults and children to do what they love. Through our scholarship program, we sent 2 young adults to the Usdan Summer Camp Program.
May 2018
GSA Grants
TSVF offers GSA Grants! We funded 2 local GSA Clubs at Half Hallow East and West! This Grant program is ongoing. Find out more information in our Programs section!
Yoga
led by Arielle Geller from Lifetime Fitness
TSVF provided a free introduction to Yoga for students as a way to reduce stress; build inner strength, and increase focus. The students participated in various yoga poses; breathing techniques; team building exercises and positive affirmations.
After learning about PS 32 in Bronx, NY loss of a 5th-grade student to suicide, we immediately wanted to help them fill their request to build a social-emotional library in their counseling room so that their students could learn to process their emotions that they were experiencing. Through Donorschoose.org we also provided their counselor with posters, workbooks, and inspirational wall décor to make the counseling room an inviting, comfortable space where students would feel welcomed to visit and express their thoughts, concerns, and feelings on various issues that they are struggling with ie: bullying, behavior challenges, anger management, etc. Ms. K and her students were thrilled to receive these learning tools and we were equally excited that we were able to provide these important social-emotional learning books and supplies to them.
Donorschoose.org
Fall 2018
TSVF Social & Emotional Learning Book Program
This program spreads the concepts of social and emotional learning to classrooms and schools across Long Island and the tri-state area. By donating selected books covering kindness, confidence, empathy, and anti-bullying to various teachers, schools and social workers, we have helped children and adults alike to better themselves and their interpersonal relationships. The program is open to elementary and middle school teachers, counselors and social workers in the New York area. Thus far, we have donated over 50 packages, but we are still giving! Go to our Programs section to learn more!
