“I realized I haven’t breathed since I was 16 years old.”
When we met Principal Coble in Bridgeport Public Schools, she told me something that stopped me in my tracks:
“I realized I haven’t breathed since I was 16 years old.”
A teen mom turned career educator, she said we were teaching her to pause — to breathe deeply and feel peace — for the first time in over fifty years. Now, she’s showing up for her students and team with more energy and compassion, and bringing our programming to them, too.
DONATE FOR GIVING TUESDAY
This year, thanks to the generous support of donors, CMP led our first-ever 8-week mindfulness training for educators in Bridgeport Public Schools. We were able to empthatically say yes to expanding our years long partnership in the face of their growing budget cuts and shifts in leadership. Participants moved through a balanced structure that included scientific learning, mindful practice, and community building. Eleven school leaders at Geraldine Johnson Middle School completed the program — the first of its kind in BPS history.
100% rated it “Excellent.”
100% reported using CMP tools to reduce unhealthy stress, build connection, and feel happier.
At the same time, we deepened our partnership at Mercy Learning Center and BPS Adult Education, training teachers and offering weekly mindfulness programs for dozens of 17+ ‘adult’ learners each semester — many of them recent immigrants and young parents — navigating major life transitions and fear of the unknown.
One participant shared:
“For the first time, I can slow down my thoughts. I can breathe. I can keep going.”
Your support allows us to meet people where they are working and learning — no copays, no appointments, just more ease, connection, and relief.
This year has reinforced that growth thrives in partnership. Partnership is where trust, consistency, and shared mission allow mindfulness to take root.
Because of you, CMP can:
Build resilience in communities most affected by chronic stress and inequity
Adapt to changing environments with clarity and creativity
Maintain our commitment to equitable access, community connection, and lasting impact
SPREAD THE LOVE; TODAY IS GIVING TUESDAY!
Watch Lynn share her story → 📽️
Your gift sustains and expands these kinds of partnerships — ensuring that teachers, parents, and students have the tools to pause, breathe, and lead with presence.
Join us today, on Giving Tuesday, to keep this healing ripple going → DONATE
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Ella Crivello
Community Mindfulness Project
Ps. Every donation over $100 before midnight will be matched up to $1000! That means just 5 of you reading this can get us there today 🙌