Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget

1. 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 V ideophone: (845) 565-0337 www.myindependentliving.org 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

2. OVERVIEW History of Wellness Center Developing Programming Over Time Financing Marketing Challenges Whats 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 Bryons 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 Weve 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 Didnt Work Lack of Time for Outreach Challenges with Certain Presenters Coupons/Incentives for referring a friend

12. Whats 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. Whats Working Currently - Continued Bryons 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