This issue we spoke with Michelle Gorham, the chief advancement officer at the YMCA of Rock River Valley about the Y’s JOYNT program.
How is the JOYNT program making a difference in your community?
MG: The YMCA of Rock River Valley created the JOYNT program to meet a need we didn’t even know existed. JOYNT is a program that helps people in need of a joint replacement qualify for the surgery. Often, physicians are reluctant to operate when a person is carrying extra weight that might make a successful surgery less likely. The program seeks to help these individuals develop habits and implement changes that will reduce their weight, build healthy habits and improve their overall health.
JOYNT offers a 12-week program and support person for the participant and includes twice-weekly aqua exercise, weekly support groups, nutritional counseling, and regular weigh-ins and food journal reviews. Often, participants will complete more than one 12-week session to support their health goals. Many graduates continue to participate in aqua exercise even after their surgeries as it’s an excellent, low-impact workout frequently encouraged after joint replacement surgery.
Why do you believe this program has been so successful? What’s the reaction from the community been like?
MG: The program is successful because of strong partnerships and the ability to fulfill a need that ultimately improves the quality of life for those who participate. The partners for the program include an orthopedic medical practice and a counseling practice. Each has explicit responsibilities and is committed to helping the people being served. Most importantly, they recognize participants need the program so they can reclaim their lives.
Those who need a hip or knee replacement often feel as though they’re all alone in the situation and no one else understands the pain, challenges and sometimes the shame involved. They also struggle with doing the very things that’ll help bring about positive change because those are both difficult and physically painful.
When we can bring in the help of a dietician, therapist, an instructor for aqua exercise and the medical professionals serving the person, they feel supported and understood and can begin making needed changes with caring people by their side.
Detail how you hope this program grows in the future.
MG: More than 200 people have completed the program since it began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a lull during the pandemic and it restarted in 2022. More than 40% of people have had a successful surgery and more have qualified for it. Some can wait to have their surgery because they’re in less pain after losing weight — a good sign since new joints have a somewhat limited lifespan.
We hope the program can continue to grow to support anyone in our community who needs it and even will be supported by insurance and other third-party payers, helping to remove any barriers to participation.
What should other industry leaders know about starting their own philanthropy program at their rec center?
MG: This is specifically a health improvement program supported by philanthropy as no one will be turned away for the inability to pay the program fee. Further, successful programs like JOYNT give YMCAs important impact stories they can share with their donors. When we talk about developing fully in mind, body and spirit, we recognize we have a role in building a healthy, happy community. When our community members are healthier and happier, the Y is accomplishing our mission.
