Frequently Asked Questions

Program Changes

Is the program ending?
No. In 2008 the Women's Wellness program will still exist. This change was prompted by a major shift in our funding. We have tried to create a program where the essential elements of the original service model are still present: community support and health education that will allow you as a participant to achieve personal success.

Is the program still free?
No. The Women's Wellness program in no longer being offered for free. Participants will be asked to pay a monthly fee based on their verified income. This small monthly fee is a financial investment in your health. The scholarship process will be talked about in greater detail in the program orientation.

I heard there will not be anymore health education. Is this true?
This is NOT true; we will still have health education for all participants. In fact, we will have smaller groups that can be more focused on a special topic or goal like running a 5k together or weight training.

I heard women's wellness will no longer have women of color or women only classes. Is this true?
Women's Wellness will be offering a limited number of community classes which will be women-only or women-of-color-only, otherwise health and fitness participation will be done on your own at the YWCA fitness centers. The YWCA fitness centers have an open door class policy meaning any member of the YWCA can participant in a class. Please see the YWCA membership handbook for more details.

I already completed the program (or I am on my way) to complete the program in 2007, can I still receive a reduced rate membership?
Yes! Reduced rate membership award letters will still be issued upon request. All reduced rates membership letters will expire as of January 31, 2008.

Sessions, Orientation and Registration

When is the next session? When and how can I register?
In 2008, we will no longer be offering three 12-week sessions. This also means the process of joining the program will change. Instead, we will be holding monthly orientation sessions; once participants have completed program orientation they will be admitted into the program for the next 12 months. For program orientation dates, please see the program orientation page; you will be given specific program dates at program orientation.

Do I have to attend orientation ("register") in person? Can I just do it online?
Orientation has to be done in person at one of the orientation sessions. There is not any part of the orientation that can be completed ahead of time or online. We will now be offering three orientation sessions per month. Please see the program orientation page for program orientation dates, times and locations.

I have been in the program for years; do I still have to take health education?
Everyone will be required to take the new 2008 health education; just as the program is new what we are teaching in health education is also new.

Additional Questions

How will my monthly program fee be established?
The YWCA has a standard scholarship process that all Women's Wellness participants must complete. The scholarship application does require proof of income (see scholarship page for list of acceptable proof of income documents). Monthly program fees will be set based on your income. The YWCA does not give out the scholarship scale! You can not call and ask how much your monthly fee will be based on your income; once you have submitted your scholarship application, you will be notified of your monthly amount by mail.

I want to have a family membership, can I still join the Women's Wellness program?
YES! Monthly scholarship amounts will be based on a family membership rates rather than a single adult membership. You will need to provide proof for all children in care to be considered for a family membership.

I am white; can I still be in the program?
Everyone is welcome to participate in the Women's Wellness program. The Women's Wellness exists to support low income women and women of color.

Can I still participate in the L.E.A.P. (group fitness instructors) program?
Unfortunately, we will no longer be offering the L.E.A.P. program.

More Information

For more information about the Women's Wellness Program use the resources below:

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