CDR Partners to Promote Inclusive Fitness

In my last blog we talked about next steps for the CDR’s Inclusive Fitness Initiative. Well, the time for next steps has arrived, and this step is taken together!

We are proud to announce a partnership has been created with three major community fitness organizations—the YMCA and the Jewish Community Center, and Pieter’s Family Life Center.

The Greater Rochester YMCA, an iconic symbol of community, which just celebrated its 160th birthday, designs programs that encompass building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA will offer three of its branches as pilot sites for participants of Custom Fit. The branches that will be participating this spring are: Bay View (Webster), Maplewood (Driving Park) and Westside (Elmgrove).

Additionally, to serve the Southeast communities, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester (JCC), which offers an array of fitness opportunities, has joined our partnership initiative. The JCC has served the Rochester area for more than 100 years as people of all ages and backgrounds, affiliations and practices, come together, to learn, play, and grow.

The Pieter’s Family Life Center (PFLC), a premiere program of Heritage Christian Services, is a universally designed wellness center that supports people of all abilities in taking their next step towards better health.

With the help of these organizations, this Initiative is on its way to develop more inclusive policies and practices for both people with disabilities and fitness communities. Representatives from these groups will receive training from CDR on how to better communicate and adapt their fitness models, to improve everyone’s needs. People with disabilities who strive for a greater sense of wellness (whether through fitness, nutrition, socialization, or emotional health) will receive support through CDR classes in preparation for participation at our partner facilities.

Anyone interested in participating in the Custom Fit program, or interested in more information on these partnerships should attend our Open House (May 13, from 1-3pm). Inclusive Fitness Initiative is funded by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, and coordinated locally by Emma Woodward, Fitness Coordinator, who can be reached at 585-546-7510, or email her at ewoodward@cdrnys.org.