MAINE AFRO YOGA Project
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Joyful Movement for Mind and Body
Maine Afro Yoga Projects are a dedicated space for immigrant women and families.
If you are interested in a public class open to everyone, click here to see our public schedule →
WHO WE ARE
Maine Afro Yoga Project
The Maine Afro Yoga Project is a community wellness program offering free and low-cost yoga, mindfulness, outdoor healing, and healing circles for immigrant women and families in Maine. Through movement, nature, and community connection, we provide practical tools for stress relief, emotional wellbeing, healing, and belonging in spaces where everyone is welcome.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our programs
Studio Classes
Classes at our South Portland studio two days a week. Mats and props provided free. Pay-what-you-can.
- – Community yoga — open to all
- – Trauma-informed yoga for survivors
- – Breathwork and emotional grounding
- – Embodied movement and dance circles
Community Outreach
We bring 45 to 60 minute practices to organizations, schools, and workplaces right where people are already gathering.
- – Workplace and school sessions
- – Community organization partnerships
- – Culturally responsive staff wellness
- – Book us for your community
Outdoor Healing
Taking our practice into Maine’s natural spaces to reduce isolation and connect African immigrant women to the land.
- – Guided nature walks and conversations
- – Outdoor healing circles
- – Nature-based mindfulness and breathwork
- – Seasonal day gatherings
Healing Circles
Culturally informed peer support circles for African immigrant women. A safe space to share, be heard, and heal together.
- – Monthly women’s peer support circles
- – Circles for immigrant and refugee women
- – Grief and loss facilitation
- – Survivor support spaces
HOW THE PROJECT BEGAN
Born from a circle of survivors
In 2021, Nuna was hosting healing and storytelling circles for immigrant women who were survivors of sexual and domestic violence. As the women gathered to support one another, Nuna was introduced to yoga through a local class as part of her own personal healing journey. As she explored movement, breathing, and mindfulness for herself, she slowly began bringing those practical tools into the group. Together, the women started with simple stretches, one breath at a time, and conversations about what yoga could mean for healing. Over time, one woman brought another, and the circle continued to grow. Many of the women could not access or afford traditional wellness spaces, but together they discovered healing practices that felt more welcoming, culturally connected, community-centered, and grounded in collective healing. Since then, Nuna has continued offering free and low-cost yoga, healing circles, mindfulness, and outdoor wellness experiences for immigrant communities across Maine.
“When I first joined the circle in 2021, I was carrying so much — the pain of violence, the fear of starting over in a new country, the loneliness of not belonging. I didn’t think yoga was for me. But when Nuna introduced us to simple breathing and gentle movement, something shifted. For the first time, I felt a little lighter, a little safer in my own body. That’s why I keep coming back.”
— Mukatia, from Congo
MISSION
Why this project exist
Our mission is to improve health, wellbeing, and belonging for immigrant communities in Maine through culturally grounded movement, mindfulness, and community healing spaces.
VISION
What we are building toward
A future where wellness is universal, equity is lived, and all people are free to thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
Joy Lives Here.
We laugh.
We breathe.
We sweat.
We rest.
We move to music.
We learn from different cultures and from one another.
We make room for our bodies and our stories.
It’s about being fully here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
There's always something happening.
From movement by the ocean to community gatherings, outdoor experiences, special classes, and celebrations, our events take movement beyond the everyday.
GET INVOLVED
Join us, support us, or bring us to your community
Classes are free or pay-what-you-can. Your support helps keep it that way.
Attend a Class or Circle
Sign up to join an upcoming studio class, healing circle, or outdoor session. All are welcome. No experience needed.
Support our Project
Your contribution helps keep programming free and accessible for immigrant women and youth who need it most.
Made possible by generous partners
We are deeply grateful to the organizations whose support makes our programs free and accessible for immigrant women and families across Maine.
Your generosity keeps our programs free, our doors open, and our community growing. If you or your organization would like to support the Maine Afro Yoga Project, we would love to hear from you.
Donate or Become a Supporter →