• Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home Programming

Reaching the Community Through Livestrong

John Reecer by John Reecer
April 24, 2023
in Programming
0
Livestrong

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Through its partnership with the YMCA of the USA, the Livestrong Foundation is helping to improve the lives of countless cancer survivors across the country. The collaboration has thus far served nearly 80,000 people at 791 YMCA locations across 400 communities.

One of these locations seeing the benefits of the partnership is the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. There, Melissa Gyuraki, the wellness director at the Northeast Family Branch, said they have seen interest in the program continue to grow.

“It’s a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their health,” said Gyuraki. “We have connected with cancer care professionals in our community to both spread the word about the program to their patients and collaborate in serving them. We realize the need our community has for a program for cancer survivors.”

Livestrong at the Y Details

The following characteristics makeup the regime and routine of Livestrong at the Y:

  • 12-week program with two 90-minute sessions per week.
  • Small group, supportive environment.
  • Includes cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises.
  • Evaluation includes fitness and quality of life assessments before and after participation.
  • Facilitated by YMCA-certified instructors.
  • Requires referral and medical clearance from a physician.

Gyuraki said having staff in the program trained to work safely in helping survivors regain their strength is beneficial. Because of this, participants can feel more confident in joining the YMCA. The offering is open to adults 18 years or older who are members and to non-members at no cost.

“We have all been impacted by a cancer diagnosis in some way,” said Gyuraki. “Livestrong at the Y focuses on the whole person and not the disease. It’s helping people move beyond cancer in mind, body and spirit. Every participant, when asked what they are expecting to gain from the program answers, ‘my strength.’ We are glad to help them.”

Benefits and Community Fundraisers

Another way for rec centers to get involved with Livestrong is by hosting a Community Fundraiser. These events can follow any structure and are open to anyone who wants to join the fight against cancer. They directly benefit the Livestrong Foundation’s programs and services and there is no minimum goal to meet. While the organization does not pay for the cost, Livestrong does provide advice, help and fundraising assistance prior to the event.

Through partnering with Livestrong, Gyuraki said she has seen noticeable benefits for both the Y and members. “Programs like this have a life-changing effect on our staff,” she said. “Their morale is boosted, and they feel good about coming to work knowing they are helping others. When members find out about the services we offer, such as Livestrong at the Y, it helps them feel like they are a part of a community that cares for and supports one another through healthy living, regardless of their circumstances.”

Gyuraki advised for all rec centers to create partnerships and collaborations with organizations in their local communities and beyond. “It allows us to broaden the impact that we can have on our community,” she said. “Each comes with their own knowledge and resources. There is only so much we can do alone, but together, we are better. With our partners, the Northeast Y has been able to reach a larger number of cancer survivors and provide them with services such as nutritional advice, mental health support and financial assistance.”

 

Want more resources like this sent straight to your inbox each week? Sign up for a digital subscription here.

 

Tags: CancerCommunity Reccommunity recreationfeaturedFeaturedfundraiserGreater Philadelphia YMCALIVESTRONGNortheast Family YMCAStrength Training
Previous Post

Episode 6: Creating a Fitness Community with Justin Dominick

Next Post

Tips for Youth Sports Fundraising

John Reecer

John Reecer

John Reecer is an assistant editor at Peake Media.

Related Posts

Safety Around Water Education
Aquatics

Safety Around Water Education at the Akron Area YMCA

May 10, 2023
Youth Fitness
Ask The Expert

Youth Fitness Q&A with Ben Engelbrecht

May 4, 2023
managing risk around water
Aquatics

Best Practices for Managing Risk Around Water

May 4, 2023
Spec Tennis
Programming

Spec Tennis Offers New, Accessible Sport for Rec Centers

May 1, 2023
creating a fitness community
Fitness

Episode 6: Creating a Fitness Community with Justin Dominick

April 19, 2023
ROAR
Programming

ROAR at YMCA Roberts Ranch Makes the Outdoors Accessible

April 3, 2023
Next Post
youth sports fundraising

Tips for Youth Sports Fundraising

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

May/June 2023 Issue

May/June 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

May/June 2023

The Latest from CO

  • Employee Engagement and Retention Best Practices
  • Finding Success Through Creative Fundraising Ideas
  • 10 Tips for Safe Swimming at Camp
  • Rec Centers Receive Trauma Therapy for Gun Violence

© 2023 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast

© 2023 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist