BROOKLINE, MA, September 19, 2023 – Healthworks, Brookline Housing Authority and Women Thriving, Inc. are proud to announce the successful completion of the 30-Day Wellness Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of 30 women living in public housing in Brooklyn. This transformative challenge culminated in the awarding of free gym memberships to participants at two notable Brookline-based gyms, Healthworks and GymIt.
The launch of this initiative was inspired by a community health assessment conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health last year. The assessment shed light on the health disparities faced by residents in communities with fewer resources and the lack of access to recreational facilities. Recognizing the urgent need for action, several BIPOC resident leaders associated with Women Thriving, Inc., a local Brooklyn-based nonprofit, devised a comprehensive strategy. The strategy included a month-long fitness program complete with a dedicated mobile app, community health events, peer support and, of course, enticing prizes. Healthworks and GymIt quickly signed on to contribute 30 free gym memberships, as well as on-site classes in public housing.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us,” observed Kimberley Richardson, Vice President of Women Thriving, Inc. “I know for me, it’s been a struggle to practice self-care amidst lockdowns, stress and trying to survive. This challenge was an opportunity for women to improve our physical and mental health together.”
The women wholeheartedly embraced the challenge, with one saying: “The challenge motivated me to put myself out there, meet new people and stick to my goals. Now I feel more confident about myself.” Many participants are eager to continue building relationships and maintaining healthy habits with their newly acquired gym memberships.
Healthworks Group President Mark Harrington Jr. expressed his commitment, stating, “We are constantly looking for new opportunities to create a safe space and a strong community for those who have experienced health equity gaps. Our nonprofit Healthworks Community Fitness serves women in Dorchester and we were honored to serve the women of Brookline through this fantastic partnership.”
Danielle Mendola, Director of Resident Services at BHA expressed her appreciation. “Gym facilities are out of reach for many low-income residents. This partnership not only meets identified needs but makes our community stronger.”
Collectively, challenge participants tracked nearly 700,000 steps during the challenge and recorded more than 500 health-related achievements.
The challenge’s triumphant conclusion was marked by a final training session and awards ceremony held at the Brookline Teen Center, where participants celebrated their impressive achievements.
The wellness initiative received additional support from several local nonprofits, including the Brookline Community Foundation, Brookline Community Development Corporation and Friends of Brookline Public Health.
About Women Thriving, Inc.: Women Thriving, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to co-creating opportunities for low-income women to thrive through learning, leadership development, and community engagement.
About the Brooklyn Housing Authority: The Brooklyn Housing Authority is committed to providing safe, decent, accessible and affordable housing to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. BHA works with government and civic organizations to improve the well-being and economic self-sufficiency of BHA residents and foster a diverse community in Brookline.
About Healthworks:
Healthworks and what we stand for has been woven into the fabric of Boston’s fitness community since 1977. That longevity and success has always been driven by a single focus: empowering women through wellness and connection with one another and their inner selves.
Healthworks has three gym locations. Back Bay, Coolidge Corner and Porter Square.
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About GymIt:
With one location in Brooklyn and one in Watertown, our members come in, push their limits, see profits and get going. And they want to do it at an affordable price without sacrificing the quality of the equipment, the friendliness of the staff or the cleanliness of the facilities. Our members like to keep it simple.
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