Transcript 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
Phone: (845) 565-1162  Fax: (845) 565-0567  Videophone: (845) 565-0337  www.myindependentliving.org
OVERVIEW
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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
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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, Inc
5 Washington Terrace
Newburgh, NY 12550