April 3, 2023
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is launching the Veterans Wellness Initiative, a
popular YMCA Pathway program, for the first time at the Deer Path branch in Flemington, NJ. Beginning April 10 and running through June 30, the free Veterans Pathway program will meet weekly for in-person exercise and wellness, led by a personal trainer, as well as virtually, online to discuss their health in mind, body and spirit.
Open to active military, military veterans, and/or a spouse or partner, the free 12-week Veterans Pathway program provides participants access to health and wellness opportunities, as well as meaningful social connection with those who share the bond of military service. Participants benefit from free access to the Y Wellness 24/7 virtual platform, family membership to the Y during the 12-week session, and an additional six-month individual adult membership following successful completion of the program.
“I have seen first-hand the impact the Veterans Pathway program has had on so many military families,” explained Megan McCuen, coordinator of the Veterans Wellness program. “I have worked with vets from all walks of life and military branches, as well as their partners. Many not only need a hand getting back into wellness routines, but the support of friendship and camaraderie achieved through coming together in the group. Graduates of the program maintain the friendships and wellness skills they gain from the program, enriching their quality of life for years to come.”
The Veterans Wellness Initiative began in 2015 at the Doylestown branch of the Y as a way to create community and wellness opportunities for Bucks County veterans. Since then, the free, donor-supported Pathway program has expanded to Quakertown, Newtown, Warminster and Fairless Hills branches. This April will be the first time the Veterans Pathway program will be offered on the Jersey side of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. Through 2022, the Y has served over 650 veterans and their families in the pathway
program.
“During the 12 week course, we were involved in class on balance, nutrition, tai-chi, mental health, working out with the [tension] bands, stretching and the circuit course, as well as other weight machines,” said retired Marine John Papson, a graduate of the Veterans program. “The program not only gives you the proper form for the exercise but you learn from others via the zoom calls and become a small family. Personally, I unlocked the determination that had somehow disappeared over the years and it feels great!”
YMCA Pathway programs are free, 8-16 week programs for groups who share particular wellness needs. Pathway programs are funded completely by donors within the community, offering health and social connection that cannot be found outside the Y. YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties currently offers a number of Pathway programs, including the 7th Grade Wellness Initiative, which provides free branch membership to teens; THRIVE Cancer Wellness, open to those currently in, or having survived, cancer treatment; Healthy Horizons, a wellness and connection program for qualifying individuals recovering from a mental health diagnosis; Empower U, a wellness and self-esteem building program for adolescent and young women; Healthy Lifestyles, a lifestyle/behavior modification program for adults at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes; We All Wheel, youth wheelchair basketball for children of all abilities; along with the Veterans Wellness Initiative.
“Being with other veterans and their families provided me strength and comfort. I needed to be around supportive people who understood a little what I was going through,” said Kathy Clisham, wife of the late Mike Clisham, a retired 35-year Command Sgt. Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Clisham joined the Veterans Pathway program in Quakertown while her husband was ill as a respite from the everyday challenges of his care. “Megan and the friends I made in the veterans group helped me and my family get through it.”
“One of the most important aspects of our mission at the Y is to be there for our communities where we are most needed,” stated Zane Moore, president/CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “Donor supported Pathway programs like our Veterans Wellness Initiative bring people together for the kind of connection and wellness only the Y can provide. It has been exactly one year since we combined the skills and talents of YMCA leaders in both Bucks and Hunterdon counties. I am thrilled to be bringing this vital program to the honored members and retirees of our military community in Hunterdon County as a result.”
Weekly in-person classes for the program will be held at the Deer Path branch of the Y at 144 West Woodschurch Rd. in Flemington, NJ. For more information about the free, donor-supported Veterans Wellness Initiative, visit https://www.ymcabhc.org/wellness/pathways/veterans-wellness , or reach out to program
coordinator Megan McCuen, mmccuen@ymcabhc.org , (215) 536-8841.