45 Graduate First Free Veterans Wellness Program

LIVINGSTON AND SPARTA, NJ - Following the successful completion of the inaugural Veterans Wellness Initiative, the Sussex County and West Essex YMCAs will once again offer this free program to the community, beginning the week of Sept. 22. The program will meet weekly for in-person exercise and wellness, led by a personal trainer, and virtually to discuss veterans’ health in mind, body and spirit.

This past spring, the Veterans Pathway program engaged 45 people, which included U.S. military veterans and active duty military and their spouses. Participants ranged in age from 30 to 98.

“I have found it to be very motivational. Staff have been very helpful in explaining all the different exercises and giving me the motivation to want to do it,” said Charles Aptowitzer. “I feel like all of these things, if not curing anything, certainly help you feel a lot better.”

Open to active military, military veterans, and/or a spouse or partner, the free 12-week Veterans Pathway program provides participants access to health and wellness opportunities, as well as meaningful social connections with those who share the bond of military service.

Participants benefit from free access to the Y360 virtual wellness platform, family membership to the Y during the 12-week session, and an additional six-month individual adult membership following successful completion of the program. Participants also took part in a service project during the spring session: at West Essex Y, they read to children in the Y’s early childhood program. At the Sussex Y, the veterans repurposed an assortment of flowers and created planting beds at the Y for all to enjoy. They collectively purchased a beautiful plaque for the Veterans Wellness program that was mounted on a large rock and placed in the garden. 

The Veterans Wellness Initiative began in 2015 at the Doylestown branch of the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties as a way to create community and wellness opportunities for Bucks County veterans. Since then, the free, donor-supported Pathway program has expanded to other NJ branches, serving over 650 veterans and their families. 

The programs will meet for evening and daytime sessions at both West Essex and Sussex County YMCAs. In addition to weekly connections and conversations, participants will have access to other valuable resources to support a healthy lifestyle. 

For more information and schedule details, visit https://www.metroymcas.org/veterans or reach out to Alma Dhuyvetter at Sussex County YMCA, or Barbara Santola at West Essex YMCA, or call 973-758-9039.