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 will be 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 Linde McDonough @ 570-282-2210.
PROGRAMS:
REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED FOR ALL PROGRAMS
Sound Therapy Workshop
Experience the power of sound with this special workshop designed to help you quiet your thoughts, deepen your breath and feel more present in your body. Sound therapy uses sound, music, and specialized instruments to promote deep relaxation. This is a great way to feel the benefits of meditation for people who may struggle with sitting in silence. Sound therapy fills the mind with music, so you can let go of stress and feel more at ease. The workshop will be facilitated by Kailin Bouse, 500-Hour Yoga Instructor, Certified Sound Therapist, & Reiki Master Practitioner. Next class TBA
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, 12:15-2:00pm
NAMI Momma Bears Support Group
NAMI’s Maternal Mental Wellness program is an education program designed to educate and empower individuals on how to recognize and manage maternal mental health complications. It is intended not only for mothers, but also the entire community. Research has found that one in five birthing people will experience a maternal mental health complication. Participants will gain knowledge and understanding on maternal mental health conditions, what they are and who could be affected. They will learn about the warning signs and symptoms, in addition to gaining local and national maternal mental health resources.
NAMI Hearts + Minds
NAMI Hearts + Minds is a wellness program designed to educate and empower individuals to better manage their health; mentally and physically. This program provides current research and information on how mental and physical health are connected, with a focus on how to effectively address symptoms and conditions. Participants in the full course will gain information on managing medications, chronic pain and improving sleep. Additional health topics and areas of interest are discussed, along with actionable ways to improve health and wellness with tools, strategies and simple steps that make sense and aren’t overwhelming. The program is designed to grow and build on each class. It runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm (time flexible according to participants involved),
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.
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. This class is for children ages 6 months-6 years old. Weekly classes begin May 17th at 5pm. (You may register for one class or all of them.)
Healing the Heart Guided Meditation Workshop
This guided meditation is designed to help you connect with your heart, ease grief and sadness, soothe anxiety and anger, transform negative self-talk into positive ones, embrace compassion, and tap into your inner well of self-love. Sit comfortably and listen to a certified meditation instructor guide your mind and breath through words and music to bring you closer to yourself. The next workshop TBA
– Connect to your heart
– Ease grief and sadness
– Transform negative self-talk
– Begin your journey with self-love
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. Next session TBA
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 beginning May 20.
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 starting May 15th.
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. Classes are held on Wednesdays starting May 17th!
