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Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget

Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget. NYAPRS Conference Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center Coordinator Emanuel Hemsi – Manager – Supportive Housing Independent Living, Inc – Newburgh, NY. 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550

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Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget

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  1. Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget NYAPRS Conference Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center Coordinator Emanuel Hemsi – Manager – Supportive Housing Independent Living, Inc – Newburgh, NY 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 • Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  www.myindependentliving.org

  2. OVERVIEW • History of Wellness Center • Developing Programming Over Time • Financing • Marketing • Challenges • What’s Working Currently

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Developing Programming Over Time - Continued • You can bring in a variety of people if you offer a variety of groups

  7. 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

  8. Financing - Continued • Initial Investments • Karaoke Machine • Drums • Cooking Items • Investments Over Time • Yoga Mats • Meditations Cushions • DVDs

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Challenges - Continued • Certain Groups Didn’t Work • Lack of Time for Outreach • Challenges with Certain Presenters • Coupons/Incentives for referring a friend

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Contact Information • Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center Coordinator • 845-561-4061 x266 • babrams@myindependentliving.org • Emanuel Hemsi – Manager Supportive Housing • 845-561-4061 x261 • ehemsi@myindependentliving.org Independent Living, Inc 5 Washington Terrace Newburgh, NY 12550

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