.jpg)
About Us
Since 2004, the Amala Foundation has helped people reconnect with themselves, each other, and their communities. As more and more of our interactions, at home, at school and at work, take place on screens, Amala remains committed to creating opportunities for intentional, in-person, human connection. Our mission is to foster and sustain community-led wellbeing.
We train facilitators, our Community Specialists, to guide transformative experiences that support people of all ages in developing practices for self-care, building strong communication and relationship skills, and creating welcoming communities. These experiences take place in schools, workplaces, recreation and senior centers, and at our community center in South Austin.
We train facilitators, our Community Specialists, to guide transformative experiences that support people of all ages in developing practices for self-care, building strong communication and relationship skills, and creating welcoming communities. These experiences take place in schools, workplaces, recreation and senior centers, and at our community center in South Austin.
Our Story
Amala was founded in 2001 by Vanessa Stone, who initially offered personal growth opportunities for adults. As part of this work, she invited participants to design a program for children. This assignment sparked a lasting culture of service and community engagement.
Over the next two decades, Amala launched many programs that brought people together for self-reflection, connection, and community building. A generous gift of property from long-time volunteers gave us a permanent home in Central Austin, where our work could deepen and grow. Rooted in the belief that we must first focus on ourselves in order to be in healthy relationship with others, a unique model emerged blending self-reflection, movement, and sharing. We create safe, supportive spaces where participants feel seen and heard.
Over the next two decades, Amala launched many programs that brought people together for self-reflection, connection, and community building. A generous gift of property from long-time volunteers gave us a permanent home in Central Austin, where our work could deepen and grow. Rooted in the belief that we must first focus on ourselves in order to be in healthy relationship with others, a unique model emerged blending self-reflection, movement, and sharing. We create safe, supportive spaces where participants feel seen and heard.
Our Impact
Amala has continued to evolve over the last 20+ years to answer the needs of our community. What started in a small community setting was eventually invited into schools, neighborhoods, organizations, and businesses across Central Texas.
Youth served
10,000
Since our inception, our youth programs have touched over 10,000 lives
Facilitators Trained
72
We train facilitators, our Community Specialists, to guide transformative experiences that support people of all ages in developing practices for self-care, building strong communication and relationship skills, and creating welcoming communities
Facilitated circles in schools
1200+
Each year, our in-school Circle Up program reaches over 900 students
