Crestonian Receives International Award for Humanitarian Service at the Border

As featured in The Crestone Eagle Vol 33 No. 7

On Saturday June 9, 2022, at the SYSTAR (Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research) Conference in Chicago, Crestone, Colorado and Conway, Massachusetts resident, Gina Barrett, was awarded the 2022 International Association of Yoga Therapist SEVA award for holistic trauma support at the border of Texas and Mexico.

Barrett founded Casa de Paz SLV in January 2019. She had been hearing about the complex trauma experienced by families coming into the US for asylum and felt she could help. Gina has been a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist for over 20 years, with a specialization in assisting clients with regulating the symptoms of sexual assault trauma.

The teams of practitioners that Gina brought to the border served mostly young families, some elders, and those in the LGBQTIA+ community. Most were from countries In Central America. Services included trauma-informed yoga classes, chair massage, art therapy, play a narrative therapy and other holistic private sessions for trauma and wellness.

Casa de Paz SLV provided seasonal week-long trips to various centers in Texas and Mexico. During the pandemic, an online support program was created that includes “support chats” with a licensed social worker, a private Facebook group and a YouTube channel with over 20 practices for trauma self regulation. All programs are run by volunteers and private donors. Casa de Paz SLV has also received some small grants for art supplies and yoga programs.

Seva Award and grant from International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) recognizes therapists bringing yogic practices to unserved populations. This award offers seed funding and publicity for well-defined and well-planned service projects. In addition, Casa de Paz SLV received yoga mats donated by Give Back Yoga Foundation in partnership with Lululemon and Gaiam in support of their work at the border.