The Veres Society
Named in honor of Shanthi Project’s visionary founder Denise Veres, The Veres Society is a membership program designed to transform lives by helping to sustain our essential mindfulness programs.
In harnessing the power of Shanthi Project’s passionate and dedicated donors, we will collectively support the mental health and well-being of children and adults throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley. Together, members of the Veres Society will:
EMPOWER CHANGE
in schools, workplaces, the Juvenile Justice Center, and beyond, empowering individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
EXPAND ACCESS
in underserved communities, ensuring that mindfulness education is accessible to all.
DRIVE INNOVATION
by supporting cutting-edge programs and resources that meet the evolving needs of our communities.
OUR CHILDREN NEED MINDFULNESS
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), students face rising rates of mental health conditions, including unprecedented levels of stress. Increased stress may result in:
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Anger
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Negative Externalizing behaviors
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Lowered self-esteem
Research suggests that anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can negatively influence students’ school performance by disrupting their thinking and hindering their learning.
THE GOOD NEWS?
Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of mindfulness on mental health and well-being. Here’s a glimpse of the compelling data highlighting the benefits of mindfulness:
In 2023, data collected from our in-class mindfulness programming found:
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97% of teachers rated their students as having moderately to extremely benefited from our in-class mindfulness programming
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89% of students participated in class all or most of the time after our programming
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79% of students improved moderately to extremely in behavioral and emotional control