Photos Courtesy of Benevilla
Benevilla received a $50,000 grant for their newly opened Benefitness Adaptive Gym. The funds in part will provide membership scholarships for older adults in the community who would benefit from the programs and resources of the gym but need financial assistance to do so.
“Benevilla extends a heartfelt, “Thank You” to the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation for their generous support,” says Benevilla President and CEO Joanne Thomson. “This gift will allow us to help even more members of our community struggling with the effects of aging, living with a temporary or permanent disability, or who’ve had a stroke or fall or are differently abled.”
The Benefitness Adaptive Gym ensures physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle is no longer out of reach for anyone. Launched in July, the gym is already exceeding membership projections. Lorrie Karn, the director of Benefitness and her team of specially trained “coaches” provide specialized group and individual fitness programs and classes helping strengthen those with early onset diagnoses and physical ailments (e.g., Parkinson’s, dementia, MS, and more). They also improve a member’s physical efficiencies, mental acuity, strength, balance, and overall wellbeing. Unlike a typical gym, Benefitness provides modified equipment for individuals in wheelchairs, people who have limited motion, and those who are differently abled.
“We are so excited to be the first location in the Northwest Valley offering an adaptive gym and Rock Steady Boxing to those in our community facing the challenges of aging and early stages of dementia,” says Karn. “Our programs will help improve the quality of life of our members, improve their strength and balance, and improve their ability to perform routine tasks of daily life.”
A healthy food and smoothie bar, Birt’s Café, is also now open in the gym as well as the “Caregiver Retreat.” This is a unique caregiver relaxation space with massage chairs, aromatherapy, a water feature, and a conversation area.
If you would like more information on Benefitness or their membership scholarship program, call Benefitness at 623-584-0065.
