Benevilla was honored to host a full house Wednesday, August 10th as Joanne Thomson, President, and CEO of Benevilla and Lorrie Karn, Director of Benefitness along with community VIP guests cut the Grand Opening ribbon on the new Benefitness Adaptive Gym.
“Benevilla extends a heartfelt, “Thank You” to Mayor Skip Hall, Councilmen Chris Judd and Roland Winters as well as Seth Dyson, the Director of the Human Service & Community Vitality Department, Diane Arthur, the Deputy City Manager, the Benevilla Board and Staff and all the local business partners and community members who joined the event to help our 41-year-old nonprofit celebrate the occasion” said Joanne Thomson, President, and CEO of Benevilla.
The Benefitness Adaptive Gym launched in July and is already exceeding membership projections. This gym provides specialized group and individual fitness training to our community of older adults and those with different abilities. The programs and classes help 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 opening 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 Lorrie Karn, Benevilla Director of Benefitness. “Our program 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, water feature and a conversation area. If you would like more information or would like a personal tour, please call Benefitness at 623-584-0065.
Established in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and families. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or donate to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.