WELLBEING INITIATIVE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The YMCA is known as a place where an individual can seek community, connection and physical wellness. Through the Wellbeing Initiative, we seek to add to that legacy by also making the YMCA a place where individuals, families and the community can go in order to cultivate and strengthen their emotional and mental health and wellness.
We believe in the pursuit of health, happiness, recovery and a full and satisfying life in the community. We acknowledge that each individuals path will be different, but by addressing every aspect of one’s wellness we can help improve a person’s life. Since we believe that cultivating and strengthening an individual’s emotional and mental health and wellness is a critical component to one’s overall health and wellness. All programming through to the Wellbeing Initiative is FREE to participants.
The Wellbeing Initiative will offer the YMCA and community a myriad of opportunities to enhance and support their emotional and mental health and wellness. We will do this through a combination of educational and awareness programming, specialized instruction, social-emotional learning, workshops and seminars, community collaborations, as well as connection to community resources and services.
For more information, please contact Sarah Airgood @ 570-282-2210.
Visit the face book page and Instagram @wbi.carbondale.ymca
PROGRAMS:
REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED FOR ALL PROGRAMS
Art of Connection
Spirited Art ® is an optimistic, creative painting class for folks who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting in the company of great friends. In each class, we will show you step-by-step how to create your own masterpiece that you can be proud of and take home. Spend some time and relax with us. You may learn how the creative arts can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Classes will be facilitated by Katharine Schkloven, owner of Spirited Art! Classes on held on Tuesdays, 10:00- 12:00pm and 12:15-2:00pm
NAMI Momma Bears Support Group
NAMI’s Momma Bears Support Group is a FREE 90–minute recovery support group for moms who are pregnant and/or postpartum and struggling with their emotional wellbeing. Momma Bears is led by moms who have also experienced these struggles. Takes place 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 10:00 – 11:30pm at the CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Program is a peer-led support group program for any adult (18+) with a mental health condition. Group meetings last for up to 90 minutes. This program offers participants the support of peers who understand their point of view and celebrate their successes. See monthly calendar
Groove and Grow with Me
This class provides parents and/or caregivers an opportunity to join their child’s world through musical play. We will approach music as a medium for play and exploration that will promote developmental growth. Not only does this class provide opportunities for children to grow in their language, social, emotional, and cognitive skills, but it also provides opportunities for children to develop closer relationships with their parent and/or caregiver. This class will provide children with a safe space for self-expression and learning, as well as the tools to groove and grow together. Held once a month. See monthly calendar
Little Kids, Big Feelings
This group is an 8 session educational group that utilizes “A Little Spot” books and curriculum to offer thought provoking lessons, discussions, and fun activities to help children identify their own emotions and feelings. Children will learn how to handle overwhelming feelings, develop a positive self-image, and learn how to improve social and emotional skills needed to show empathy, compassion, and kindness, all while having fun! These classes are brought to you by the Wellbeing Initiative however are not therapy, but a group to develop and build upon skills to manage feelings and emotions. This group is for children ages 5-8 years old. Held Thursdays at 4:30pm
Yoga for Beginners
This is a beginner yoga class that incorporates Vinyasa style yoga practice. Vinyasa yoga links the breath with movement in a flow to help quiet the mind and body to create overall wellbeing. It is designed for all levels of students and becomes a moving meditation creating strength, freedom and fluidity. This class is designed for anyone who can sit on a yoga mat. Comfortable clothing is recommended. You can bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of ours! Classes are on Saturdays at 10:00am
Compassion Yoga (chair yoga)
Yoga is a great way to connection with others, show self–compassion, and practice breathwork. Join us in releasing tension and stress while strengthening your body. Chair yoga uses gentle poses to build emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. This class will be facilitated by Kailin Bouse, 500–Hour Yoga Instructor, Certified Sound Therapist, and & Reiki Master Practitioner. Classes are held once a month. Call for days and times
Meditation Class
Breathwork, Pranayama, and Meditation are some of the most powerful tools to improve your mental and physical health. Scientific studies have proven mental benefits like stress reduction, insomnia prevention, and emotion control as well as physical benefits like pain relief and a boost to the immune system. In this class, we will use different breathing techniques that will remind you to breathe fully and deeply, boost your energy levels, help to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, all while healing mind and body, and bringing us to a higher state of Meditation. An open mind and an open heart are recommended for this practice. Class will be led by 200-hour RYT Bob Ruddy. Classes are held on Mondays 6:00 – 7:00p.
Mindfulness Music Classes
This group utilizes music to reinforce skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation. By participating in this group, you will learn how to respond to your environment rather than react, and gain the tools to enhance the quality of your everyday life. No music experience is necessary. This class will be led by Kirsten Gillern, a Music Therapy student from Marywood University. Held once a month. See monthly calendar
Mediterianean Fusion Fitness (Belly Dance)
This class provides a great and targeted workout, regardless of gender, age, or skill level. We focus on breathing techniques to help align the body and spirt then incorporate isolated movements to warm the body. Class led by Dawn Quinones. Class is offered biweekly on Wednesdays at 5pm.
Line Dance
This is an upbeat class, fun for all ages and capabilities. The movements taught help to strengthen the core, muscle, and cognitive memory. Class is aimed at reducing stress levels while learning different dance and fitness techniques. Class led by Dawn Quinones. Class is offered weekly, Fridays at 2pm.
Movement is Medicine
This class is designed to empower you to harness the healing power of movement both for your body and mind. Every step, stretch, and sway contributes to your overall well-being. Our skilled instructor modifies each class to ensure that each participant feels comfortable and challenged at their own pace. Class is led by Patricia Dickert-Nieves, HHP, INHC. Class will be held every Thursday at 6pm.
