Programs and Services - YWCA West Central Michigan

Programs and Services
Health Fitness Services
The benefits of health and wellness
are significant, not just for the
population at large, but particularly
for individuals working through the
trauma of victimization. In 2003-04,
18 percent of clients in YWCA counseling
programs reported utilizing
Health Fitness in conjunction with
their traditional treatment. When
Health Fitness Center Photos Courtesy: John Corriveau Photography used as a complement to the YWCA’s
other programming, the goal is to
reduce stress, isolation and increase self-esteem, body image, and overall feelings of well-being. In
total, the YWCA served 386 families (703 individuals) through our Health and Fitness Services.
The Health Fitness Center also underwent a major
renovation in the Summer of 2004. As a result of continued
financial struggles brought on by the significant
expenses associated with operating our 83 year-old pool,
the Board of Directors voted to shift the Health Fitness
Center’s focus from aquatic programming to land-based
programming. This was done in order to help better
The YWCA relies on private support to continue
offering critical, often life-saving services,
to victims of violence. In 2003-04, a number
of YWCA friends organized events to benefit
those we serve. Some of these included: the
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan-
Western Region, the Honorable Order of
the Blue Goose International, Leon Plastics,
and the Vagina Monologues. Along with the
YWCA’s own annual fundraisers - Circle of
Women, Run Jane Run, and TRIBUTE!, over
$140,000 was raised for the YWCA.
stabilize the financial picture
within the Health Fitness Center
and to better allocate
resources organization-wide. The renovations more than doubled the
space available for equipment and provided permanent homes for group
exercise classes. The shift has also opened new opportunities for the
YWCA to partner with downtown businesses and organizations as an
adjunct to their employee wellness efforts.
Private Community Support/ Events
Trim Quest employees volunteered for a full week to spruce
up the YWCA’s Domestic Crisis Center. Throughout the
year, Trim Quest has donated care packages, bunk beds,
privacy hedges, and funding to repair windows throughout
the Center.