Alain has been working with at-risk youth programs within marginalized communities to empower our future generations with practices and tools to help process their emotions and make better decisions regardless of their context.

VITAL INTERVENTION & DIRECTIONAL ALTERNATIVES (VIDA)

VIDA is a structured 16-week program for non-violent, at-risk youth between the ages of 11 and 17. Through collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, community-based organizations, volunteers, schools and families, the program teaches youth the value of effective decision-making and taking responsibility for their futures.

Alain volunteers with the VIDA program offering these youth mindfulness practices, motivational mentorship and wellness based tools to empower them to make healthy decisions regardless of their context and circumstances.

WATTS BEARS SUMMER SCHOOL

The Watts Bears was started as a program to serve the youth residing in one of the most gang affiliated and recurrently violent communities of South Central Los Angeles. The Watts Bears were created by LAPD officers from the Southeast Division, with these officers coaching student-athletes in football and track & field.  The teams were created to give underprivileged youth in Watts a chance to play organized sports but on a larger scale, and to positively change the historically strained relationship between the police and the community of Watts. 

Alain is a mentor in the summer school program, guiding these youth through mindfulness and empowerment practices. He is the bridge builder between these communities and law enforcement to create more solidarity, compassion and harmony.