5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York Phone: (845) Fax: (845) Videophone: (845) 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

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

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

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

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

Developing Programming Over Time - Continued – You can bring in a variety of people if you offer a variety of groups

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

Financing - Continued Initial Investments – Karaoke Machine – Drums – Cooking Items Investments Over Time – Yoga Mats – Meditations Cushions – DVDs

Marketing Press Releases – Sample Press Release Handout s Open Houses Sign In Front of Building with Daily Schedule Fliers Word of Mouth Facebook Linked In

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

Challenges - Continued Certain Groups Didn’t Work Lack of Time for Outreach Challenges with Certain Presenters Coupons/Incentives for referring a friend

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

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

Contact Information Bryon Abrams – Wellness Center Coordinator – x266 – Emanuel Hemsi – Manager Supportive Housing – x261 – Independent Living, Inc 5 Washington Terrace Newburgh, NY 12550