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Five regional YMCAs awarded $100,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation

Jan. 14, 2016 | Dunmore, Pa./Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dunmore, Pa./Pittsburgh, Pa. (Jan. 14, 2016) —The Greater Scranton, Greater Carbondale, Greater Pittston, Wayne County and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs have received a two-year, $100,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation to support the implementation of the nationally recognized Enhance®Fitness program. Awarded in December 2015, the grant will help the five Ys implement the program over a two-year period and is the largest award the Y has received for EnhanceFitness.

EnhanceFitness is a proven, community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. The program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging.

"We are proud to support the YMCA through this grant to help improve the health and well-being of seniors with arthritis," said Highmark Foundation President Yvonne Cook. "Arthritis is a serious condition that affects many people. Fortunately, symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes like those encouraged by EnhanceFitness. This grant is an excellent example of how the Highmark Foundation works with local organizations to make a positive impact on important aspects of community health with evidence-based programs."

Through the grant, the EnhanceFitness program, comprised of three 60-minute classes per week over a 16-week session, will be offered to participants at no cost. Additionally, participants will be provided with a membership to the Y during their time in the program.

"The five participating YMCAs are ecstatic to have been awarded funding from the Highmark Foundation to support the implementation of EnhanceFitness," said Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs. "Thanks to the Foundation, our Ys will be able to better serve older adults from our respective communities suffering from arthritis through a proven, nationally recognized YMCA of the USA Signature Program."

About the Y

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. Visit ymca.net.

About the Highmark Foundation

The Highmark Foundation is a private, charitable organization of Highmark Inc. that supports initiatives and programs aimed at improving community health. The Foundation's mission is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals who reside in the communities served by Highmark Inc. The Foundation strives to support evidence-based programs that impact multiple counties and work collaboratively to leverage additional funding to achieve replicable models. For more information, visit www.highmarkfoundation.org.

Contact:

Meghan Carnevale
GS & WB YMCAs
570-342-8115, ext. 222
mcarnevale@greaterscrantonymca.org

David Misner
Highmark Health
717-302-3638
david.misner@highmarkhealth.org