The history of funding of the American public school system is beyond the scope of this page (though Inner Strength instructors learn about this as part of their classroom preparation). Suffice it to say that local tax-based revenues have been insufficient to keep school buildings up to code, (61% of schools in Philadelphia have dangerously high levels of lead in the water), provide for technology to keep students up to speed, and compensate sufficient staff to serve students’ aspirations and needs.

Inner Strength is providing access to wellness skills generally only available to more affluent individuals. These tools, once learned, are free and can be used by students anytime, anywhere.

The pandemic has had a harsh impact on young people, especially those already experiencing financial, food, and housing instability, and those already isolated or experiencing a lack of access to mental and physical health supports, educational tutoring, or other aides. These issues have added significant strain to an already stressed social system. A year of virtual school exacerbated experiences of isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, addiction, gang influence, and other serious mental and social health issues.

During the year of virtual school, Inner Strength doubled the number of classes we taught, supporting students and teachers. We launched our free mental wellness app Inner Strength VIBE, accessible to all teens without a paywall of any kind.

Since 2019, Philadelphia has seen a 47% rise in gun violence. In 2021, nearly 1 out of every 5 shootings harmed a young person between the ages of 13 and 19. Many schools have been directly impacted, and students and staff remain scarred by fear, grief, and anger that doesn’t just disappear as life goes on.

Inner Strength has sadly had to assist schools following the loss of a student, providing support to classmates, friends, and teachers. In too many of our classrooms, we are giving students tools they can use to help with the anxiety, sadness, and numbness that often follows a loss.

If you haven’t been in a classroom since you were a student, the pace is relentless. Teachers teach 5 even 6 classes a day, with 3 minute breaks between each group–barely enough time for a bathroom break or a little snack. They work with up to 150 students a week, functioning as educator, coach, and often social worker, nurse, and counselor.

In Philadelphia where 76% of students come from families of poverty, teachers often hear stories of deprivation, trauma, and violence from their students. These accounts weigh heavy on their hearts and mind.

In a 2022 poll of nearly 3 million educators, 90% of participants responded that feeling burned out is a serious problem. Burnout is no longer a sign of weakness or immaturity on the job, it is an indicator of mental, emotional, and physical need which must be taken seriously and responded to.

Inner Strength has served 2,686 educators with Stress Reduction supports and training sessions for their support and wellbeing. Teachers learn how to defuse triggers, how to embed small actions of stress management into their regular routine, and in our sessions, they experience some lightness and laughter.