YMCA of Pawtucket kicks-off free programming for Central Falls Residents

NEWS RELEASE

YMCA of Pawtucket kicks-off free programming for Central Falls Residents

Collaboration with the City of Central Falls as part of the Neighborhood Health Station initiative

CENTRAL FALLS, RI (June 16, 2015) – This Monday, at Jenks Park, the YMCA of Pawtucket and the City of Central Falls kicked-off a partnership that will offer free transportation and programs to the Central Falls community. A group of community partners and city officials including, Mayor James Diossa, YMCA of Pawtucket General Director Esselton McNulty, Blackstone Valley Community Health Center COO Christine Hansen, Progreso Latino Executive Director Mario Bueno, and State Representative Shelby Maldonado were on hand to send-off almost seventy city youth for an afternoon at the MacColl YMCA pool in Lincoln.

“This partnership is one of the first steps towards the creation of the first Neighborhood Health Station in Rhode Island,” said Mayor James Diossa. “I’d like to thank Esselton McNulty and the YMCA of Pawtucket for their efforts in making Central Falls a healthier community.”

Running through August 20th, the YMCA of Pawtucket is offering free demonstration programs to Central Falls families at both the MacColl YMCA in Lincoln and the Family YMCA in Pawtucket. This program is made possible through proceeds generated from the All Star Benefit held at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. The annual event benefits the Y Support-A-Child program, which provides free summer programs for neighborhood children.

“We’re looking forward to serving as many kids as possible through this partnership,” said Esselton McNulty. “We want to make this as fun of a summer as possible for local families.”

The YMCA of Pawtucket is offering the following complimentary programs to Central Falls residents:

• Family open swim at MacColl YMCA’s community pool on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm – 7:30pm, and on Saturdays from 12pm – 5pm.  Free bus transportation will also be provided, with pick-up from Jenks Park in Central Falls to the MacColl YMCA in Lincoln
• Zumba group exercise class for adults and teens ages 14+ at the Pawtucket Family YMCA on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm
• Cardio Latin Beat group exercise class for adults and teens ages 14+ at the Pawtucket Family YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am
• Aqua-Fit group exercise class for adults and teens ages 14+ at the Pawtucket Family YMCA pool on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am

“I’m happy to witness on behalf of Blackstone Valley Community Health Center, this next step in bringing health and wellness to the citizens of Central Falls,” said COO Christine Hansen.

Other local community leaders echoed similar support: “Progreso Latino is excited to work with all of the organizations that are a part of the Central Falls Neighborhood Health Station project,” said Executive Director Mario Bueno. “We are very appreciative of the contributions the YMCA has made towards this endeavor.”

Dr. Michael Fine, M.D. Health Policy Advisor to the Mayor of Central Falls believes partnership is the key to this program’s success: “We are very lucky to have a whole city of people who have come together to make Central Falls an incredible community,” he said. “This is the best collaboration I have ever seen.”

All interested parties must register in advance by calling the Central Falls Recreation Department at 727.7455.

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About the YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Pawtucket is comprised of five branches across the state: Pawtucket Family YMCA and Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning Center in Pawtucket, MacColl YMCA in Lincoln, Westwood YMCA in Coventry and Woonsocket YMCA.

About the Central Falls Neighborhood Health Station

Under the leadership of Mayor James Diossa, a coordinated team of health professionals and community organizations have joined forces to create RI’s first Neighborhood Health Station in Central Falls, RI. Members of the coalition include: Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc., Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Care New England, the Central Falls School District, the YMCA of Pawtucket, Roger Williams University School of Architecture, The Rhode Island School of Design, Rhode Island Housing, The Rhode Island State Council of Churches, with more to be added.