YMCA & Fogarty Foundation Team Up to Provide Adaptive Programming for Developmentally Challenged
YMCA & Fogarty Foundation Team Up to Provide Adaptive Programming for Developmentally Challenged
A John E. Fogarty Foundation grant has provided more than 30 individuals with memberships to the Y, which was selected to host the individuals because of the organization’s reputation for promoting healthy lifestyles and its long history of improving community health.
Senior leaders at the YMCA of Pawtucket made special accommodations to help community members take advantage of Fogarty Foundation’s generosity.
Telfer spoke to the story of “Mary.”
“She was a woman who had done absolutely no exercise in her entire life, so it was really a struggle. Once we got her there, it was huge," said Telfer.
"One of the biggest pieces is the fact that her medical doctor noted a big change in her health at her annual report, that her diabetes numbers were down, all of her numbers were down, plus she was excited and she was engaged — he was like, ‘What’s different? What are you doing?’ And it turned out she was going to the MacColl (YMCA) and exercising and she went from like two minutes on the treadmill to three miles.”
“Mary’s story is an inspiration to all of us at the YMCA. She reminds us about the important work that our staff perform on a daily basis, and we are hopeful that she can motivate others to lead healthier lives,” said Clifford.