When I stepped away from my role as a nonprofit executive, I needed to find outlets to keep my head healthy and to challenge myself physically. One of the best decisions I’ve made in the past couple of years was to return to hot yoga classes, and I couldn’t have found a better studio to practice at than JUST BE HOT YOGA.
For me, the 65-minute hot yoga session is a chance to pause my mind and escape from stresses that have clogged the brain. The physical exertion and sweat force me to concentrate on movement and achieve a sense of accomplishment, stretching muscles while keeping myself both physically and mentally healthy. What I didn’t know when I signed up at JUST BE was that the heart of its owner, Dayna Henig, has created a deep sense of community shared by all the yogis who attend classes.
I’ve written in the past about the importance of corporate philanthropy, about how a sense of giving back to help others is a cornerstone of successful businesses. Dayna has latched on to this concept by using her enterprise to support a variety of charitable causes. As a pet lover, JUST BE has supported Desert Tails, a no-kill animal shelter, for many years with fundraisers and pet adoption programs. After relocating earlier this year, Dayna connected with her new neighbor, Cortney’s Place, and this partnership has already made an impact on many lives.
Cortney’s Place provides a community-based day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The nonprofit provides participants with opportunities for increased physical, mental and emotional wellness. Just Be has begun hosting yoga classes specifically geared to these adults. This program has brought great joy to the participants, and a sense of satisfaction to Dayna and her team of teachers, knowing that the ancient practice of yoga can heal and help in so many ways, and seeing the constant smiles on the faces of the men and women during the program is a beautiful reward for all involved.
On September 29th, JUST BE hosted a grand opening celebration at its new location in Scottsdale. This was another opportunity that Dayna and her team used to give back to the community. Through donations, raffles and more, JUST BE raised more than $12,000 to support the programs of Cortney’s Place!
I’ve approached Dayna a number of times with potential charitable activities, and every time her response has been to give it a try, knowing that the yogis of JUST BE have a heart to help. Clothing and supply drives have benefited Harvest Compassion Centers, and a new birthday program will celebrate children who are transitioning out of homelessness through another local non-profit, Saving Amy.
The philosophy of giving back and helping others is set by the leadership of any company. Dayna has made charity an important cornerstone of her business and I’m proud to be a regular at JUST BE HOT YOGA, where I have an opportunity to combine healing myself with a good dose of helping others!
JUST BE Hot Yoga is located at
7000 E Shea Blvd,
Suite B1470,
Scottsdale, AZ 85253.
Visit www.justbeyoga.fit for more information.
Dan Shufelt, the former CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, has been involved in the charity world as an executive and grant maker for many years.
If you enjoy learning of caring people and the amazing work they devote their energy to advance, be sure to sign up for Dan’s blog (see sign-up form below).
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