Red Kite Rising got its start in the shelters of West Philadelphia. Originally, it was created as an intervention for CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative, to be utilized with the residents at Jane Adams Place, a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. We would use somatic therapies like yoga, and other processes that were aimed at helping participants to re-embody, and reconnect with their bodies to assist them in living healthier, happier lives. Martial arts and circle processes were a large part of the trainings, and after only a short period of time, fighting in the shelters had stopped among the participants of the program.
RKR was then taken to Chester Arthur Elementary school for an eight-week program before being implemented at the Crefeld School- a 6-12 educational facility located in Chestnut Hill.
A short time after this, RKR would find its way to the Perimeter, and start to work with Veterans of the armed forces. A focus that it continues to hold to this day.
