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5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550
Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337 www.myindependentliving.org
Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget
NYAPRS ConferenceWednesday, September 14, 2011
Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center CoordinatorEmanuel Hemsi – Manager – Supportive Housing
Independent Living, Inc – Newburgh, NY
OVERVIEW
• History of Wellness Center• Developing Programming Over Time• Financing• Marketing• Challenges• What’s Working Currently
History of Wellness Center
• Two Existing Programs Melded to Create Wellness Center– Many Roads to Wellness– After Hours Drop In Center
• Original Vision – Transformation of Mental Health System– Handout – Wellness Center Vision
• Grand Opening– Handout - Grand Opening Flier
Developing Programming Over Time
• Original Vision of Programming– Handout - Weekly Schedule
• Started with Bryon’s Strengths– Tai Chi and Qi Gong
• Vision was a comprehensive Wellness Program
Developing Programming Over Time - Continued
• Preferences Noted:– Specific activities/workshops vs. overall program• Handout – Current Monthly Schedule
– Active engagement vs. lecture format
– Alternative to classes at a gym
Developing Programming Over Time - Continued
– You can bring in a variety of people if you offer a variety of groups
Financing
• General Programming Budget– Budget did not change from the After Hours Drop
In Center Budget – County Department of Mental Health
– We’ve had about $100/week to plan programming• Other Sources– Donations - Currently Receiving about $2000/year– Open House/Raffle– Smoking Cessation Contract with County
Department of Health
Financing - Continued
• Initial Investments– Karaoke Machine– Drums– Cooking Items
• Investments Over Time– Yoga Mats– Meditations Cushions– DVDs
Marketing
• Press Releases– Sample Press Release Handout
• E-Mails• Open Houses• Sign In Front of Building with Daily Schedule• Fliers• Word of Mouth• Facebook• Linked In
Challenges
• Money– For paid presenters, space and staff time
• Space• Participation (or lack thereof)– Childcare Issues for Potential Participants– Lack of Transportation– Timeslot of Program (M-F 5:30 – 7:30pm)
• Seasonal Lulls in Attendance
Challenges - Continued
• Certain Groups Didn’t Work
• Lack of Time for Outreach
• Challenges with Certain Presenters
• Coupons/Incentives for referring a friend
What’s Working Currently
• Donation Based Program (vs. Charging a Fee to Participate)
• Partnering with Other Agencies– Just began a contract with County Department
of Health to provide Smoking Cessation– Space at Cornerstone Residence – Safe Harbors
of the Hudson– Connections with Other Practitioners/Presenters
What’s Working Currently - Continued
• Bryon’s Expertise – Ability to Run Many of the Groups Himself
• Word of Mouth, Open Houses, Press Releases
• Longevity – Staying the Course– Regular Participants
Contact Information
• Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center Coordinator– 845-561-4061 x266– [email protected]
• Emanuel Hemsi – Manager Supportive Housing– 845-561-4061 x261– [email protected]
Independent Living, Inc5 Washington TerraceNewburgh, NY 12550