• Bahala

PROGRAMMING at different stages of life

Bahala’s mission is to strengthen our collective feeling of connection by fostering community-based learning initiatives.

Our programs connect people of all ages by establishing spaces for supportive, mutually beneficial projects, pursuits and play.

EARLY YEARS

PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-FOCUSED

Playground Playdates: A program designed to promote physical activity and community connection for families with children. Held bi-weekly at local playgrounds, these events provide structured activities for kids and opportunities for parents to connect.

MIDDLE SCHOOL to EARLY CAREER

Pathways to Purpose: Matching middle & high school students, and early career professionals to volunteering, mentorship, and internships to gain real-world experience. The program is designed to provide students who are enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from middle school to high school to undergraduate level post-graduate, with opportunities to gain real world experience and explore careers while still in school. Excursions and guest speakers for students to hear firsthand from experts in various fields of interest. 

PROFESSIONALS, PARENTS & RESIDENTS

Coffee & Connections: A weekly neighborhood gathering held every Friday from 10am to 1 pm at the Colorado Center in Santa Monica. This program aims to break down the invisible walls that divide our daily lives by providing a space for genuine connections and community building.

INTERGENERATIONAL

Gardening Club: A weekly program that supports environmental sustainability and healthy living through community garden maintenance. Participants learn about sustainable gardening practices and contribute to the creation and upkeep of community gardens. Program design will include activities for older neighborhood residents and families with younger children. Every Friday from 9am-9:45am at Park Drive Park Community Garden.

community stories

Featured
Harvesting stories
Harvesting stories

Each person I met was a fount of stories.

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The Plot Thickens
The Plot Thickens

And so the Bahala community garden was born, a site of learning and gathering, open to anyone who wants to get involved.

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SAGES IN THE CITY
SAGES IN THE CITY

When we discover gatherings of people in a new location who welcome us, we feel the stirrings of homefulness.

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What People Mean When They Say "The Algorithm"
What People Mean When They Say "The Algorithm"

What do people mean when they say “The Algorithm”?

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Meet the Team

Bahala staff are your friendly local experts ready to help you discover and enjoy the best of Santa Monica as your ultimate playground!

  • Volunteer with US

    Want to make a difference? Volunteering at Bahala is a great way to contribute your skills, meet new people, and help build a stronger community. Whether you want to help on a project remotely, need community service hours for school, let’s start by having a conversation.

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  • Support Our Mission

    Your support helps us keep our programs running and our community thriving. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a recurring gift, or an in-kind contribution, every bit makes a difference. Let’s build something great together.

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