Our Story
PREMA began as a heartfelt response to the growing mental health challenges faced by young people. Recognizing the immense pressure and emotional toll on college students, we started hosting free wellness workshops at USC and UCLA. These sessions provided a sanctuary for students to manage stress and anxiety through meditation and mindfulness practices. The overwhelming positive feedback inspired us to expand these workshops, creating consistent community gatherings that extended beyond college campuses.
As we grew, we saw an even deeper need to support youth outside traditional academic settings, such as children at risk, in foster care, and in underserved inner-city neighborhoods. These young individuals often face trauma and limited access to mental health resources. Determined to address this gap, we tailored our programs to provide these children with tools to build emotional resilience, find inner peace, and navigate life’s challenges with strength.
Today, PREMA stands as a beacon of hope, with a mission to provide mental health tools and resources to create a happier and healthier society, one youth at a time. From college students to children in vulnerable communities, we empower young people to find balance and strength through meditation, mindfulness, and community support. At our core, we believe that change begins from within, and together, we are nurturing a future where every young person can thrive.
Our Leading Directors
Julio Vargas
Julio Vargas pursued Eastern philosophy during his university years, earning a degree in philosophy and exploring spirituality, Vedic philosophy, and meditation in India. This passion led him to create projects focused on mental health and mindfulness for the youth of Los Angeles. Now an educator, Julio blends his philosophical background with his expertise in art and design to host engaging workshops and seminars on mental wellness, creatively introducing yoga and meditation through visual storytelling and innovative programs. As the director of the Mantra House Project, he remains dedicated to making mindfulness practices accessible and impactful for all.
JC Das
JC Das is a meditation teacher and entrepreneur committed to bringing mindfulness to children and families. He spent six years as a monk, immersing himself in spiritual study and practice, which instilled a deep understanding of inner peace and self-awareness. As an interfaith chaplain at the University of Southern California, he supported students from diverse backgrounds, leading meditation workshops to help them manage stress and build resilience. Inspired to reach younger audiences, JC combined his spiritual roots with a modern approach to create Good Luck Yogi, an initiative that makes meditation accessible, engaging, and transformative for kids and their families.
