One of the most rewarding aspects of Jericho Road’s volunteer consulting program is seeing months of hard work culminate in meaningful outcomes for local nonprofits. That was recently the case for SCHOOL, Inc. (Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning), a Pasadena-based nonprofit dedicated to helping students and teachers create focused, harmonious classrooms through its innovative yoga mindfulness programs.
After many months of collaboration between SCHOOL, Inc.’s Founder and CEO, Kelly Wood, and Jericho Road volunteer consultant Mitch Boretz, a former Technical Communications Specialist for the University of California, Riverside, SCHOOL, Inc. was recently awarded a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation, creating new opportunities to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
SCHOOL, Inc. has spent more than two decades pioneering yoga mindfulness programs specifically designed for K-12 classrooms. Its SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness program has earned ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Tier 4 evidence recognition through an instructional design review conducted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Research and Reform in Education. Through its research-informed approach, the organization helps students develop social and emotional learning skills that strengthen focus, emotional balance, caring attitudes, and prosocial behaviors while also supporting teacher well-being. Through classroom instruction, educator training, and curriculum development, SCHOOL, Inc. equips students and teachers with practical tools that foster healthier learning environments and caring communities.
For Kelly, the grant represents more than just funding. “This application will impact our organization in very beneficial ways, allowing us to expand our resources and our reach,” she said.
The successful grant award was the result of a long-term partnership between Kelly and Mitch. Together, they worked to strengthen SCHOOL, Inc.’s grant applications, fundraising strategy, and organizational positioning.
“Mitch Boretz is incredibly helpful and supportive,” Kelly said. “He is committed to our success.”
Mitch views grant writing as more than a funding exercise. While securing resources is important, he also sees the process as an opportunity to build long-term organizational capacity.
“Long-term, it will build new relationships that can lead to funding, collaborations, and evolution of the nonprofit,” Mitch said. “Kelly is so committed to what she does and so willing to listen and work with me on my suggestions.”
Like many nonprofit consulting projects, the work required patience and persistence. While grant funding often takes time to materialize, Mitch remained focused on the larger goal.
“Short-term, I wish it had generated funding more quickly,” he said. “I’ve been working with SCHOOL, Inc. for a couple of years. I’m really hopeful that there will be a big payoff before too long.”
Throughout the process, both Kelly and Mitch highlighted the support they received from Jericho Road.
“Jericho Road staff are organized, supportive, and exceptionally helpful,” Kelly said.
“Kelly and I were trusted to do what we needed to do,” Mitch added. “We didn’t ask for a lot of support, but we got what we needed.”
The recent Pasadena Community Foundation grant is an encouraging milestone, but it is also part of a larger story. Through partnerships like this one, Jericho Road helps nonprofits strengthen their capacity, build sustainability, and position themselves for future growth.
For SCHOOL, Inc., the new funding will help expand its mission to more students, teachers, and classrooms, creating Calm Hearts, peaceful learning environments, and caring classroom communities for years to come.
Congratulations to Kelly, Mitch, and the entire SCHOOL, Inc. team on this exciting achievement. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work throughout Pasadena and beyond.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena and opportunities to volunteer your professional expertise, visit JRPasadena.org.
Want this kind of support for your nonprofit? Request a volunteer through our website.
Thanks to volunteer Wes Robinson for writing JRP Project Highlight posts!