Local Yoga Studio, Hope Yoga is giving back just in time for the new school year. Hope Yoga has been in the community since 2015. It was recently taken over by a new owner Gina Rafkind, who previous was a teacher at the studio.

Hope Yoga has a history on giving back to the community whenever possible. They start a new mission called, Operation Helping Hand. They teamed up with current customers to help give back to a local school in the area.

Hope Yoga donated over $1,000 in goods and services. The studio donated 37 free classes to the teachers of John F. Kennedy Elementary School. Hope Yoga and their customers bought in numerous school supplies just in time for the new school year to the Jamesburg Elementary School.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School told us there need for Sharpies, expo markers, crayons, pencils and erasers. Rest assures, Hope Yoga came in to save the day with two bags full of supplies.

Starting back to school can be stressful time, Gina Rafkind, the owner and keeper of Hope Yoga tells me, “I hope the extra supplies and yoga classes for the teachers bring them Zen for the new year ahead.”

Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamesburg shares a warm appreciation for her kindness.

Hope Yoga always wants to be the solution for anyone no matter big or small the problem, they even previous ran a campaign last year to two organizations Women Aware and Sammy’s Hope to help bring in a positive donation their way just in time for the holidays.

Hope Yoga is currently having an opportunity for anyone who might have thoughts about becoming a Yoga Teacher and or a Yoga practitioner who would like to deepen their practice, with Hope Yoga’s 200 Hour Teacher Training Program starting October 20th, 2023. The program is accredited with Yoga Alliance.

Visit the studio’s website to learn more: https://www.hopeyoganj.com/hope-yoga-200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-program

(L to R) Gina Rafkind, Stephanie Dunk and Stephanie Probert showing the supplies that came from Hope Yoga's operation. - Credit: Gina Rafkind/HopeYoga