TeenKula teens, a branch of Kula for Karma, were inspired by Ali Stroker, a Ridgewood born and raised actress/singer, who traveled from her new home in L.A. to give an inspirational talk in spreading the message of healing and hope at a TeenKula kickoff event on Wednesday June 8, 2011.
When Ali was two years old she was involved in a car accident and became paralyzed from the chest down and is now in a wheelchair. This was in no way going to stop Ali from doing everything she ever dreamed of. Stroker shared her life experiences with teens to motivate and inspire them to create positive change within our local community.
“Through the art of yoga, TeenKula works towards healing the broken spirits of teen victims of illness, abuse, neglect, addiction and other life obstacles. Today, I am thrilled to be able to share my story and encourage younger people to take action and dare to be different in order to make a difference,” explained Stroker.
TeenKula co-presidents, Sydney Topfer and Annabelle Kaplan discussed community service, mentoring programs, educational outreach, TeenKula Idol and leadership initiatives among other topics. TeenKula members Katherine Krzoska and Derek Dobutovich spoke about Extreme Kula Adventures with the announcement of a new program, Extreme Kula Activists. In addition to the program there will also be the launch of a National Body Image Campaign to be announced later this year.
“TeenKula motivates and inspires teens to develop their individual potential and provides an environment for teens to be themselves while giving back to the community,” reports Geri Topfer, Founder and President of Kula for Karma. “Our goal is to harness the power of therapeutic yoga, mindfulness meditation and the selfless service of passionate volunteers to relieve suffering and promote wellness among society’s most vulnerable populations.”
