Wellbeing Initiative

Wellbeing Initiative

The YMCA is known as a place where an individual can seek community, connection and physical wellness. Through the Wellbeing Initiative we seek to add to that legacy by also making the YMCA a place where individuals, families, and the community can go in order to cultivate and strengthen their emotional, mental, and social wellness.

We believe in the pursuit of health, happiness, recovery and a full, satisfying life in the community. We acknowledge that each individual’s path will be different, but by addressing every aspect of one’s wellness, we can help improve a person’s life. Since we believe that cultivating and strengthening an individual’s emotional and mental health and wellness is a critical component to one’s overall health and wellness.

All programming through to the Wellbeing Initiative is FREE to EVERYONE! (Non-members & Members)

The Wellbeing Initiative will offer the YMCA the community a myriad of opportunities to enhance and support their emotional and mental health and wellness. We will do this through a combination of educational and awareness programming, specialized instruction, social-emotional learning, workshops and seminars, community collaborations, as well as connection to community resources and services.

For more information in Pittston, contact Courtnie Perri
For more information in Wilkes-Barre, contact Kevin Whelley

Art With Self

Pittston
11/30/23 - 12/14/23
VIEW

Come join Marywood University’s Art Therapy Graduate Student, Caroline Burak, in exploring the healing power of art!

This class is held weekly on Thursdays, from 5:30-6:45PM at LCCC, Pittston Extension, Room 4, Lower Level.

Using an abundance of different materials, one will explore various self-care techniques each week that can be used when feeling stressed or anxious. Learn how to use art as an expression of the self and tools to take care of your mental wellbeing. Creating art helps to release emotions and feelings without talking about them.

The best part about it is there is absolutely no artistic ability needed to create! Come, relax, create, and learn some tools and techniques for self-care when feeling the pressures of day to day life.

This class series is FREE and open to all LCCC students, staff, and community! 

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
9/22/23 12/28/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/30/23
17 / 20 Available Register  
12/07/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/14/23
20 / 20 Available
Registration
will open on
11/30/2023

Groove and Grow with Me

Pittston
12/17/23 - 6/9/24
VIEW

Groove & Grow with Me is held monthly on Sundays from 1-2PM at the YMCA Family Mericle Center! (1122 Oak Street, Pittston) *Enter through left set of doors.

This fun class is instructed by Board Certified Music Therapist Kirsten Gillern and is a parent/child music class for ages 6 months to 6 years that provides parents and caregivers the opportunity to join their child’s world through musical play.

Kirsten approaches music as a medium for play and exploration that will promote developmental growth. Not only does this class provide opportunities for the children to grow in their language, social, emotional, and cognitive skills but it also provides opportunities for the children to grow closer in their relationships with their parents and caregiver! Overall, this class will provide children with a safe space to learn, self-express, and of course the tools in which to groove and grow together.

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/11/23 12/26/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
12/17/23
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
12/03/2023
01/14/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
12/31/2023
02/18/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
02/04/2024
03/10/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
02/25/2024
04/14/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
03/31/2024
05/19/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
05/05/2024
06/09/24
15 / 15 Available
Registration
will open on
05/26/2024

Mind, Body, Breath

Pittston
12/4/23 - 12/18/23
VIEW

Join 200 Hour Registered Yoga Instructor, Donna Pretko, on Monday evenings from 6:15-7:15PM at The YMCA Family Mericle Center (1122 Oak Street, Pittston) for a relaxing and calming experience.

This class uses meditation, compassionate yoga poses, and pranayama (breathing practice) to release stress and calm the mind and body. Each week will explore different practices and topics.

Mind: understand mindfulness through meditation, mindful eating, loving kindness, communication, and gratitude practices.

Body: Explore compassionate yoga; a yoga practice for everybody, all bodies and all levels.

Breath: Learn breathing practices to calm and center yourself, reducing reactivity and stress.

You will leave this class with an assortment of tools (in handout form) for daily practice outside of class.

Bring your own yoga mat or borrow one! Bring a blanket for added comfort if desired. A journal may be helpful to record thoughts, insights, or notes.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
9/22/23 12/18/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
12/04/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/11/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/18/23
20 / 20 Available
Registration
will open on
12/04/2023

Mindfulness Meditation

Wilkes-Barre
11/30/23 - 12/28/23
VIEW
Thursdays, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the GWV YMCA!
All are welcome to join Sensei Courtney/Gessho for Mindfulness classes on Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 5:30. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness meditation as, “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” This 45 minute class will have 3 parts: an educational component; a practice period and a question and answer period related to the topic or the practice. Courtney will guide and support you on the path to align your body, mind and spirit.
You are welcome to bring your own meditation cushions or a pillow to improve comfort for sitting in a chair. I also recommend dressing comfortably and in layers. One can get cold sitting in mediation.

Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/8/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/30/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/07/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/14/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/21/23
20 / 20 Available Register  
12/28/23
20 / 20 Available Register  

Mindfulness Through Music

Pittston
12/17/23 - 6/9/24
VIEW

Mindfulness Through Music will be held monthly on Sundays from 2:00-3:00PM at The YMCA Mericle Family Center (1122 Oak Street, Pittston) *Enter through the left set of doors. 

In this class, Board Certified Music Therapist Kirsten Gillern utilizes music to help participants learn and reinforce skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and aims to overall relieve stress. By participating in this group, you will learn how to respond to your environment rather than react, and gain the tools to enhance the quality of your everyday life. No music experience necessary!


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/11/23 12/26/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
12/17/23
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
12/03/2023
01/14/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
12/31/2023
02/18/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
02/04/2024
03/10/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
02/25/2024
04/14/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
03/31/2024
05/19/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
05/05/2024
06/09/24
10 / 10 Available
Registration
will open on
05/26/2024

MIND over MAT(TER) - Hatha Yoga

Wilkes-Barre
12/4/23 - 12/25/23
VIEW

Mondays at 6:15pm to 7:15pm at the GWV YMCA!

A dynamic and flowing style of hatha yoga which links breathwork (pranayama) and movement through a creative series of asana (postures) that combine balance, strength and flexibility while cultivating mindfulness through a continuous flow and ends with a deep relaxation (savasana). Yoga exercises the bones, lubricates the joints, and deeply stretches the body and in the process detoxifies the mind and body. The class will steadily build its pace over the course of the practice. After a short meditation you will be moving into a sequence using your breath work to begin gentle warming movements to build strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Postures in class will be adapted according to your                experience and body’s capacity. Variations will be offered so all students can enjoy the benefits of yoga. Join the YMCA to practice mindfulness on the mat, you’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more centered.

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/3/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
12/04/23
19 / 20 Available Register  
12/11/23
19 / 20 Available Register  
12/18/23
19 / 20 Available Register  
12/25/23
20 / 20 Available Register  

Move with JOY: Kids Yoga

Wilkes-Barre
12/3/23 - 12/17/23
VIEW

This class will be offered  twice a month on Sundays at 11:30am at the WB YMCA in the Group Exercise Room!

This class will introduce the fundamentals of yoga asana (postures) and explore how poses can serve and honor children by offering specific tools for calming, balancing, and centering while providing lots of fun and laughter along the way. An exciting mix of yoga, games, cooperative partner, and group poses, introduction to meditation and relaxation techniques. We cultivate strength, creativity, focus, cooperation, and confidence, giving kids the tools for a happy, healthy, balanced life. Kids between the ages of 7 – 14 are able to register!

This class will be facilitated by Taiesha Irizarry, a 200 Hour Certified Yoga Instructor

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
6/25/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
12/03/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
12/17/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
12/17/2023

The Science of Calm

Pittston
11/28/23 - 12/12/23
VIEW

Join certified yoga instructor and sound therapist, Kailin Bouse, for an exciting series of wellness classes! Discover holistic approaches to find balance in your life through regulating the nervous system with breath-aligned movement and sound therapy. Combat the symptoms of stress and find your calm within. Peace is an inside job!

  • Week 1: Journey Through the Nervous System (10/3, 10/24, 11/14, 12/5)
  • Week 2: Yoga 101: Movement & Breath (10/10, 10/31, 11/21, 12/12)
  • Week 3: Sound Healing Meditation (10/17, 11/7, 11/28)
  • Classes will rotate on a weekly basis and repeat. For yoga & sound healing, please bring a mat or borrow one!

This series will occur on Tuesdays 5:00-6:00PM from October 3rd through December 12th at LCCC, Pittston Extension, Room 4, Lower Level. 

This class series is FREE and open to all LCCC students, staff, and community! 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
9/22/23 12/19/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/28/23
1 / 8 Available Register  
12/05/23
13 / 15 Available Register  
12/12/23
8 / 8 Available Register  

Uplifting Movement Flow

Wilkes-Barre
11/28/23 - 12/26/23
VIEW

Tuesdays, 2:00pm – 3:30pm at the GWV YMCA!

This accessible and adaptable uplifting 90-minute adult group class for all levels and ages will include Chair Tai Chi and Yoga. It is adaptable for participants sitting in chairs or those using mats. The class will also teach strategies to help deal with stress like breathing techniques, deep meditation,  and group encouragement. This class will provide a             socialization outlet that will positively impact all domains of wellness!

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/3/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/28/23
12 / 12 Available Register  
12/05/23
12 / 12 Available Register  
12/12/23
12 / 12 Available Register  
12/19/23
12 / 12 Available Register  
12/26/23
12 / 12 Available Register  

Writing For Your Soul

Wilkes-Barre
11/28/23 - 12/26/23
VIEW

Tuesdays from 5pm – 6pm at ABIDE Coffee House, located at 23 W Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Narrative Therapy Group!

Writing can be a healing, fun, and empowering tool that anyone can implement. This creative outlet is a great opportunity to build community and connect with others, relieve stress, and heal inner wounds. Join this group for various activities to learn more about yourself, identify and cope with emotions, process through your thoughts, and write your OWN STORY! Paper and writing utensils will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own supplies!

 


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/10/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/28/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
12/05/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
12/12/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
12/19/23
10 / 10 Available Register  
12/26/23
10 / 10 Available Register  

Yoga for Emotional Balance

Wilkes-Barre
11/30/23 - 12/28/23
VIEW
Thursdays, 10:30am – 11:30am at GWV YMCA!
Yoga for Emotional Balance is a workshop designed to help a student manage stress and balance emotions through yoga. Yoga is a tool that can be practiced to guide a person into releasing negative emotions from their physical body allowing a feeling of balance as a whole person in the mind and body!
No yoga experience is necessary. Beginners welcome!  The workshop will be 30 minutes of education, journaling and breath techniques and 30 minutes of slow flow yoga.
Bring a pen and journal to take notes and wear layers to accommodate for your body getting hot or cold.

Registration Information  

Open Close Register At Family MemberMemberNon-Member
4/5/23 12/31/23 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/30/23
Th - 10:30 am - 1 hr
15 / 15 Available Register  
Closes
11/30/2023
12/07/23
Th - 10:30 am - 1 hr
15 / 15 Available Register  
Closes
12/07/2023
12/14/23
Th - 10:30 am - 1 hr
15 / 15 Available Register  
Closes
12/14/2023
12/21/23
Th - 10:30 am - 1 hr
15 / 15 Available Register  
Closes
12/21/2023
12/28/23
Th - 10:30 am - 1 hr
15 / 15 Available Register  
Closes
12/28/2023