5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone:...

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5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (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

Transcript of 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone:...

Page 1: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550

Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337 www.myindependentliving.org

Developing a Wellness Center on a Shoestring Budget

NYAPRS ConferenceWednesday, September 14, 2011

Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center CoordinatorEmanuel Hemsi – Manager – Supportive Housing

Independent Living, Inc – Newburgh, NY

Page 2: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

OVERVIEW

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

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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

Page 4: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

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

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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

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Developing Programming Over Time - Continued

– You can bring in a variety of people if you offer a variety of groups

Page 7: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

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

Page 8: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

Financing - Continued

• Initial Investments– Karaoke Machine– Drums– Cooking Items

• Investments Over Time– Yoga Mats– Meditations Cushions– DVDs

Page 9: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

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

Page 10: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

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

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Challenges - Continued

• Certain Groups Didn’t Work

• Lack of Time for Outreach

• Challenges with Certain Presenters

• Coupons/Incentives for referring a friend

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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

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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

Page 14: 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550 Phone: (845) 565-1162 Fax: (845) 565-0567 Videophone: (845) 565-0337  Developing.

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, Inc5 Washington TerraceNewburgh, NY 12550