13th Annual Children of the Lotus

For 12 years, families from across South Florida have gathered at the Children of the Lotus Retreat—a one-of-a-kind back-to-school experience that does more than hand out supplies. It nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of over 5,000 families who have walked through our doors.

Many of the children who come to us face more than the usual jitters of a new school year. They struggle with stress, trauma, anxiety, and the heavy burden of circumstances far beyond their control. Their parents, too, arrive carrying exhaustion—juggling work, bills, rising rents, and the everyday challenges of raising children in an often unforgiving world.

The retreat is where that weight begins to lift. Children dive into art therapy, storytelling, poetry, creative movement, and mindfulness practices that spark confidence, resilience, and self-expression. Parents receive healing through massage, Reiki, and sound therapy, leaving restored and re-centered for the journey ahead.

One parent reflected: “This was more than backpacks and school supplies. My child walked out believing in herself again, and I walked out feeling seen and renewed. We were both ready to start the school year with hope.”

Over the past 12 years, Children of the Lotus has grown into a lifeline for thousands. And as we look toward our 13th year, the need is even greater. Mental health challenges are rising among children and families. More parents are asking for support. More children need safe spaces to express themselves and learn tools that help them succeed in school and in life.

Your investment makes this possible. With your support, we can:

• Continue serving families at no cost to them.

• Bring in expert facilitators, healers, and educators.

• Provide thousands of children with not just backpacks, but the inner tools to thrive.

• Offer parents the renewal they rarely receive but deeply need.

The lotus is a powerful symbol—it rises beautifully out of the mud. That is exactly what happens at this retreat. With your partnership, we can ensure that even more children and families rise, grow, and flourish.

This is more than a retreat. It is a movement for healing, equity, and transformation. Together, let’s make year 13 the most impactful yet.