Yoga studio offers free classes to survivors of domestic violence

Date: 1/30/2014

FLORENCE – River Valley Yoga Center, a therapeutic yoga studio, is pleased to announce that Co-Director Susan Elena Esquivel is the recipient of a grant from the Iyengar Yoga Association of New England (IYANE) to provide free yoga classes to survivors of domestic violence.

As part of B.K.S. Iyengar’s mission to alleviate the suffering of others, IYANE provides grants to teachers of the Iyengar method to bring yoga to under-served populations in New England.

River Valley Yoga Center is dedicated to the hatha yoga tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar. Its small classes provide students with individual attention and instruction, promoting a supportive and personal learning experience. The studio also has a strong commitment to serving the community.

Esquivel is currently working towards certification in the Iyengar method in Boston and along with certified Iyengar Teacher Peentz Dubble is developing a program for survivors of domestic violence.

“We hope to serve the survivors of domestic violence because we believe Iyengar Yoga would be a strong aid in putting their lives back together,” she said. “We also feel that this is a population forgotten or overlooked quite often. We hope to serve a need that is greater than most can imagine.”

These classes will mark a beginning for survivors to reclaim their bodies and their lives. “Through yoga we hope to ease their stress and anxiety while building confidence and strength,” Esquivel said. All classes are free and confidential; schedule information can be obtained from River Valley Yoga Center.

Anyone who has experienced physical or emotional abuse is encouraged to attend. Call 584-1414 or email Susan Elena at elena@rivervalleyyoga.com to register.

The River Valley Yoga Center is focused on yoga as a therapeutic tool to improve structural strength, flexibility, balance and an overall feeling of good health. The studio is open seven days a week and provides a variety of daily classes, specialty series, workshops and private lessons.

For more information, contact River Valley Yoga Center at 584-1414 or contact@rivervalleyyoga.com.