TRAC Autism (Cohort 8) x Haus of Ananda (Cohort 7):
A Synergistic Partnership Bringing A Positive
Impact to the Autism Community in the North Bronx and Yonkers
A successful business often includes having an
organization built on strong foundations. Usually, this solid foundation is
created by having a great culture and a team aligned with shared goals and a
vision. “During the initial stages of TRAC, our goal was to create a culture of
hardworking people who wanted to make a difference in the world. Our vision was
to also partner with companies who shared in our mission to create an
environment that could be supportive to our clientele.” — Lucas Addo Founder
& Executive Director of TRAC Autism.
As an organization dedicated to providing
quality services through recreational therapy, we were honored and humbled by
the opportunity to partner with Neville Green and Haus of Ananda LLC (HoA) to
provide yoga for our community of individuals diagnosed with intellectual
disabilities. Here at TRAC, we were encouraged to learn that Neville had
created a company that provides yoga as a form of therapy to the Black and
Brown community. We felt that his core values aligned with our mission of
providing resources and support to those diagnosed with any form of
disabilities. This synergy has helped us in building a core foundation at
TRAC.
TRAC was not the only beneficiary of the
partnership. Haus of Ananda was founded in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, and took off as an online resource for BIPOC and Queer folx to find
groundness and access relief through holistic modalities from an unprecedented
time of uncertainty and stress. As lockdown mandates lifted, and communities
began to reconnect increasing numbers of people longed for in-person
interaction including yoga classes. Since 2021, TRAC has offered a consistent
in-person weekly class taught by Haus of Ananda. This partnership granted
access to a new community which benefits from the teachings of HoA.
Embrace Diversity
When we look at the benefits of workplace
diversity, it becomes clear how much representation really matters. Not every
member of your team will have the same personality, skill set, age, gender, or
race, so it is important that there are many diverse backgrounds and unique
perspectives on matters. If you are in a position of power, it is important to
prioritize diversity as you continue to build a successful business team.
At Haus of Ananda, we are aware of how rare it
is to find a black male yoga teacher in the wellness space. This is one
example of how TRAC embraces diversity. When you pair such an instructor with
clientele that is predominantly Black and Brown, you have a recipe for magic.
Parents often testify about the results of the yoga sessions, stating their
children are attentive, at ease, and generally in a better mood after classes.
One thing you cannot underscore is the connection between Neville and each
individual student. He sees himself in them, and they see themselves in him.
Representation matters, and for the clientele of TRAC because their instructor
looks like they do, they can envision and actualize themselves doing the
movement and meditation. Implementing diversity can help your business become
stronger, smarter, and reach deeper into the community towards those that are
often overlooked.
Understand Your Business’ Strengths and Viewing your Weakness as an Opportunity
TRAC’s strength is designing a program of
functional activities that have been proven to develop learning skills,
cultivate relationships, and actively enhance community participation for those
enrolled. However, TRAC is not a specialist or expert in all activities
offered. Haus of Ananda is an expert in compassion-led, trauma-informed hatha
yoga, but does not own a physical studio or location. This is where opportunity
presents itself. The TRAC x HoA partnership is a great example of how you can
view your weakness as an opportunity. By providing a service or product
for another company in a way that is mutually beneficial to both parties,
together you are likely to make a greater impact on the community.
We encourage you to look within your cohort and
beyond into the Communitas America family and ask yourself the question: “Who
could I partner with to magnify our impact in the community?”
This is just the beginning of the TRAC x HoA
partnership. Stay tuned, there is much more in store!
- For more information about TRAC visit https://www.tracautism.org/
- For more information about Haus of Ananda visit https://www.hausofananda.com/
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