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Healing in Motion
See how the power of dance can heal and change lives.
Dance brought my daughter back to life
(Contains sensitive material regarding SA)
Avery’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of children and the healing power of dance. At just 2½ years old, Avery faced unexplained health issues and emotional withdrawal. When her family discovered that the babysitter’s brother, who had been unknowingly present at the home daycare, was later arrested for molesting children, Avery was identified as one of his victims. Alejandra made the brave choice to leave her job, dedicating herself entirely to Avery’s recovery and healing.
Adding to the pain, the holiday season was fast approaching, and the family’s resources had been completely drained by the necessary recovery costs. As a fighter, Alejandra did the bravest and most vulnerable thing she could - she asked for help.
A plea on a local mom’s Facebook group led Alejandra to me. I was proud to encourage her that our community would ensure her entire family had presents under the tree. Alejandra shared her painful story and learned about Move With Purpose and immediately applied for a scholarship.
Avery and her loving family were dedicated to therapy and justice, but Alejandra said that it was her first dance class that “turned on a lightswitch in my daughter - Dance saved her and brought my daughter back to life.”
Your donation is tax deductible
You may also send a check to:
Move With Purpose
1111 Chapala Street, Suite 200
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
According to a recent UCLA study, conducted by Dr. Prabha Siddarth, 81% of participants in a dance program self-reported depression, anxiety or history of trauma. Participants said “I feel more present in my body” and “I have a greater sense of purpose.”
Move with Purpose uses the transformative power of dance to heal, empower, and inspire vulnerable children and families. For children like Avery, dance is a life-changing opportunity to reconnect with their joy, and reclaim their body.
Your support helps us provide safe, nurturing spaces where children can experience hope and healing through dance. Your gift fuels our work with families and partners like DVS, CALM, and Transition House—resources that identify and uplift those most in need.
This holiday season, and beyond, join us in being the LIGHT for children in our community by making a tax deductible donation to MOVE WITH PURPOSE*.
Together, we can make a difference.
-In community,
Alana Tillim
YOUR IMPACT
Fall ‘24, Spring ’25, Summer ‘25
DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
141 youth served with almost 25,000 hours of dance education
305 classes and camps
$62,000 awarded with $25,000+ matched by corporate partners
We have already awarded over $23,000 for Fall ‘25 alone
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
3 teachers-in-training, 14 assistants
23 choreographers-in-training
80 philanthropists-in training
21 Team Scholarships raised from youth-led showcase
$8,556 for over 1400 hours of mentorship & opportunity
INCLUSION COALITION
Youth making social change through art and dance
Over 30 active youth participants & 3 local nonprofit partners
Historic reach for video project: over 10,000 viewers
CATALYST: Inclusive Dance Company
5 dancers participated in Catalyst Dance Company