Amala Foundation

The Amala Foundation unites people from all walks of life and inspires them to grow as individuals and as leaders in service to humanity.

Most of Amala's programs are focused on young people, including refugee and immigrant youth. Our youth come from many countries, ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Some have grown up in refugee camps and are struggling to adjust to life in a new country, while others have been raised in middle and upper class families. Many have experienced war, abuse, neglect, extreme poverty, child labor, and gang violence. Yet no matter where we're from or what hardships we've faced, we ultimately want the same things: love, acceptance, human connection and peace. Amala offers these young people a place to connect with a diverse community, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills needed to rise up as leaders in their communities.

Founded in 2001, Amala has grown to offer programs in 5 countries and 4 states, serving over 3,500 youth from 50 countries and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for over 3,000 people.

Our programs are open to all youth, regardless of their ability to pay. We rely on the generous support of our community to ensure that no one is turned away who wishes to attend. About 80% of our participants receive some type of scholarship.

The Amala Foundation is involved in a number of local, national, and international humanitarian service projects. Camp Indigo was started in 2001 and is entering its 15th year of offering a week-long camp experience to Austin area children. Camp Mana, now in its eighth year, offers a similar experience over two days in Hawaii. Our One Village Project, including the Global Youth Peace Summit, is entering its 9th year and serves more than 140 local, immigrant, international and refugee youth each year. Our Young Artists in Service program provides art instruction to at-risk children and youth ages 6-18. The Gui Village Living Water Program was a humanitarian service project we successfully completed in 2005, installing two water wells in a Nigerian village, saving 3,500 people (including 2,000 children) from disease. Our partnership with the Bhatti Mines School in Delhi, India helps ensure 200 Indian children a day are receiving meals and an education instead of being forced into child labor.