Community Corner
YMCA Launches Free Health and Wellness Programs in the Lehigh Valley
YMCA currently enrolling for all free health and wellness Pathway programs in Allentown, Bethlehem and Nazareth
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WHITEHALL, PA — River Crossing YMCA is currently enrolling free spring health and wellness Pathway programs. These 12-week mind-and-body programs are free to the community and participants do not need to be YMCA members to join them. Participants receive membership benefits, access to certified YMCA health and wellness professionals, and valuable information and practices for enhancing and improving quality of life. Registration is open until March 30. Programs start April 6.
This spring the Y in the Lehigh Valley is offering the Veterans Wellness Initiative in Bethlehem, the Healthy Lifestyles Pathway program to prevent chronic illness in Allentown, the THRIVE Cancer Wellness program also in Allentown, and the new, RISE Pathway program to help manage every day stress.
RISE (Nazareth) is the free 12-week program focused on managing stress and enhancing well-being through self-care and self-compassion with the support of a caring community. Participants focus on managing and embracing stress to improve overall well-being and receive a two month adult membership to the Y upon successful completion.
“RISE was what I needed to overcome my hurdles despite my pain,” shared Candy, a RISE graduate from Bucks County. “I felt supported and part of a community. RISE is helping me live my best life.”
The Veterans Wellness Initiative (Bethlehem) honors those who served by offering the free 12-week programs for Veterans and their families. Designed to support health, fitness, and connection, this program provides a strong support network for veterans and their spouses/partners of all ages and abilities. Join us to begin or continue your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Participants receive family membership to the YMCA while in the 12-week program, followed by a six-month adult membership upon completion. The Veterans Wellness Initiative is open to honorably discharged veterans, reservists, active military and, or a spouse or partner.
“I joined the Y Veterans Pathway program and couldn’t believe how many Veterans were here,” shared Carol, a retired US Marine. “It’s been absolutely wonderful. I just feel at home.”
Stand Up (Bethlehem) is the free six-week program designed for young men (ages 12-15) to enhance their self-image through exercise, learning to cultivate positive relationships, and developing self-reliance. The 6-week Stand Up Program begins April 13 and includes fitness center workouts, group exercise, samplers and interactive programming to promote self-development, as well as a two month membership to the Y.
Empower U (Bethlehem) is the free six-week wellness program for young women ages 12-15, starting April 13, developed to strengthen self-esteem, positive relationships and self-reliance. Participation includes fitness center workouts, group exercise samplers, and interactive programming designed to instill a sense of confidence, empowerment, and overall well-being, as well as a two month membership to the Y.
Healthy Lifestyles (Allentown) is the free, 12-week program focusing on weight loss and chronic disease prevention in adults. This program empowers participants to improve their physical health and overall well-being by adopting behavioral change strategies through regular physical activity, nutrition education and social support. Each week a certified Y fitness professional coaches on implementing realistic and sustainable changes to adopt a healthy lifestyle while building relationships and a sense of community. Graduates receive a free two-month membership to the Y upon completion.
“For most of my career, I sat at a desk,” shared Charlotte, a graduate of the Healthy Lifestyles Pathway program. “During the program, I learned how to strengthen my body and keep moving. I’m stronger. I’m breathing easier. I’m able to do more of what I used to do.”
THRIVE Cancer Wellness (Allentown) is the free, 12-week program helping cancer survivors regain strength, endurance, and well-being through evidence-based wellness support. Participants focus on recovering strength, endurance and an overall sense of well being. With the guidance of specially trained personal trainers, participants build back muscle mass and muscular strength, increase flexibility and cardiovascular endurance to improve functional ability. Cancer survivors are anyone currently in or recovering from treatment. Graduates receive a free two-month membership to the Y upon completion.
“It is scary to have cancer,” shared Cheryl, a graduate of the Y’s THRIVE Cancer Wellness program. “To be around other women who had breast cancer gave me a sense of community and comfort, so I needn’t feel so alone.”
Those interested can click the links above, or visit ymcarivercrossing.org/pathways to learn more about all of the Y’s free, donor-supported community programs. Generous donors to River Crossing YMCA make these free programs available to the community. Last year over 2,400 individuals completed free River Crossing YMCA community health and wellness Pathway programs. To support these vital community access programs, please visit the Project Heart page on the Y’s website.
River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its 12 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.
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