Taking care of your and your family’s health is important. Making sure we get what our bodies need can be very tough if we are depending on health care insurance for accessibility to the appropriate programs.
That’s where Lowell Community Wellness comes in.
Existing for about 15 years and mostly funded through Pink Arrow funds and community grants, LCW’s mission is to help the Lowell community by providing affordable activities to increase mobility, activity, and overall wellness.
By providing free or low-cost activities, LCW hopes to reach families and individuals who need motivation and resources to reach their health goals, whether those be physical, mental, or spiritual.
Lowell native Melissa Spino has been on the LCW board of directors for three years and says she hopes the community will become more aware of what is available to them.
“The LCW oversees a lot of things, and it’s unfortunate that many people have never heard of them or know what they do,” she says.
Spino says LCW provides assistance to those who need resources for almost any need that is tied to wellness. Cancer education, counseling, and other means of support are some examples of what the organization provides.
Some of the more popular programs involve exercise that almost anyone can join. LCW offers a yoga class, tai chi class, and a trail walking group, all with a suggested donation of $5.
LCW also sponsors the yearly 5K “Harvest Hustle.” This year’s race is Oct. 14.
Other programs offered in the past have been babysitter, anti-human trafficking, boater safety, and stop-the-bleed trainings. Spino says LCW would love the community’s input on what other programs and training they would like.
“We’re trying to have activities that can incorporate almost anyone,” she explains. “That’s the goal; it’s to be inclusive.”
Spino says while the summer months are more active, LCW is looking for more winter activities.
“We’re all about getting people to participate,” she says. “We want them to focus on their wellness, not just the physical, but also their mental health.”
LCW board members alternate writing the monthly website blog based on their area of expertise. The board is made up of volunteers from the Lowell community including educators, medical professionals, and law enforcement personnel.
Spino says any age group can participate in LCW programs as long as they can take instruction during the activity. Parents need to stay at the activity if their underaged children want to be involved.
Currently, LCW offers three weekly programs:
- Yoga on the Riverwalk – Mondays at 7pm through August 7
- Tai Chi on the Riverwalk – Tuesdays at 7pm through August 15
- Wellness Walkers – Wednesdays at 7pm through August 9
More details and information can be found on the LCW Facebook page.
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