Support Accessible Wellness: The Community Resilience Project with BAM Institute of Civic Biodesign

Bringing trauma-informed yoga and nervous system regulation to our most vulnerable neighbors

Every-Body Deserves Access to Wellness

In Sioux Falls, hundreds of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or incarceration struggle daily with the physical and emotional impacts of chronic stress and trauma. Traditional wellness services remain out of reach for those who might benefit most.

The Community Resilience Project brings evidence-based practices directly to where people already gather—shelters, libraries, community centers, and even the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

Your monthly donation makes this vital work possible.

Meet Our Lead Facilitator: Jordan Deffenbaugh

Jordan brings an exceptional blend of qualifications and experience to this initiative:

• Certified Community Healthcare Worker with specialized training in working with vulnerable populations

• Intermediate-level Somatic Experiencing Practitioner trained in this evidence-based approach to nervous system regulation

• Experienced yoga instructor currently teaching at the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Trail Ridge Retirement Home

• Specialized in teaching falls through his work in theatrical stage combat for youth and adults 

• Experienced breathwork facilitator offering accessible techniques for stress management and diction

• Extensive background in community organizing and public advocacy, with proven experience bringing community voices to policy discussions

With your support, Jordan will lead this initiative with plans to expand our team of facilitators to better reflect the diverse communities we serve as funding allows.

Program Structure & Approach

This initiative takes wellness directly to where people already are:

• Low-barrier drop-in classes at libraries and shelters

• Trauma-sensitive practices designed for individuals experiencing chronic stress and overstimulation

• No equipment needed – all practices can be done seated or standing

• Respect for autonomy – no forced participation, no rigid schedules

• Pop-up offerings in parks, transit hubs, and downtown areas

• Special programming at the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex

Understanding Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine based on research into how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma. It is not a miracle cure, but rather a practical approach to nervous system regulation that:

• Helps individuals identify physical sensations connected to stress responses

• Teaches practical skills for recognizing and addressing nervous system dysregulation

• Offers simple techniques for returning to a regulated state when feeling overwhelmed

• Builds awareness of personal triggers and effective responses

SE is backed by research in neuroscience and has been successfully implemented in various clinical and community settings. These approaches are especially relevant for those experiencing chronic stress associated with housing insecurity, where the nervous system rarely has opportunities to return to a regulated state.

What Your Support Provides

$100 funds one community class that offers:

• Trauma-informed yoga accessible to all bodies and abilities

• Nervous system regulation practices based on Somatic Experiencing principles

• One-on-one support for those who request additional guidance

• A bridge to essential resources like housing, healthcare, and employment

Beyond the class itself, your contribution supports:

• Preparation and planning time for tailored, trauma-sensitive programming

• Community building before and after classes to establish trust and connection

• Dedicated advocacy at city and county meetings where participant feedback directly informs policy change

Amplifying Unheard Voices

A core mission of this project is ensuring that unhoused and under-resourced individuals have a voice in the policies that affect them. Jordan will:

• Create safe, dignified channels for participants to share their experiences

• Document systemic barriers identified through community feedback

• Translate these insights into concrete policy recommendations

• Represent these perspectives at city council, county commission, and other public forums

• Build coalitions with other advocates to drive meaningful systems change

Community Partnerships

We will work closely with:

• Community health workers who can connect participants with housing, employment, and healthcare resources

• Harm reduction specialists providing essential services and supplies

• Local wellness studios that can offer additional volunteer support

• Advocacy organizations working on policy change related to homelessness

• Correctional staff to ensure program success within the penitentiary

Real Impact, Real Change

Unlike traditional charity models, this initiative:

• Creates access to practical stress management techniques

• Builds resilience by teaching self-regulation skills

• Amplifies marginalized voices in policy discussions

• Addresses systemic barriers through direct advocacy

• Measures success through quality of engagement and systems change, not just attendance numbers

Why Monthly Support Matters

Your recurring donation provides the stability this work requires. Consistent funding means:

• Building trusting relationships with vulnerable community members over time

• Maintaining reliable, predictable programming that participants can count on

• Supporting Jordan's ongoing advocacy work that transforms individual experiences into systemic change

• Ensuring this initiative remains community-led rather than grant-restricted

• Eventually expanding our team of facilitators to reach more people in need

Join Our Community of Supporters

Whether you can give $25, $50, or $100 monthly, your contribution directly supports accessible wellness practices for those most often excluded from traditional services. Together, we're building a more resilient, compassionate, and connected Sioux Falls.

Become a monthly donor today and help ensure that wellness resources, resilience building, and representation are accessible to everyone in our community.

The Community Resilience Project is a fiscally sponsored initiative of the Beverly Ann Miller Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.