Family Caregiver Support Program
Session: Ongoing
Location: Augusta and Manchester
Time: Unspecified; please see description.
Full Member: NA
Program Member: NA
Instructor: KV YMCA Fitness Staff

For over 4 years now, the KV YMCA has partnered with Spectrum Generations to offer a Caregiver Support Program.  The definition of the caregiver population includes caregivers of any age caring for someone with dimentia, kin caregivers 55 and older caring for relative children 18 and younger, and those over 60 caring for adult disbled children.  The KV YMCA provides  full membership benefits to caregivers in the Kennebec Valley area, through a referral process by Spectrum Generations.  To help encourage participation, Spectrum Generations also provides and coordinates respite care services for those caregivers who meet eligibility requirements. 

Full KV YMCA membership benefits available to program participants allow for unrestricted use of both the Augusta and Manchester campuses and encourage independent exercise in the fitness centers or pools, as well as participation in any of our free group exercise classes offerred weekly between the two facilities.  "Orientations" are made available at the initial referral of new caregiver participants to the KV YMCA, to provide guidance and personalized instruction on safe/effective equipment use and exercise routines that help reduce stress and improve well-being.

The KV YMCA also provides an "exercise guide" or fitness staff person that is available exclusively to caregivers participating in this program, every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Augusta and every Thursday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Manchester Campus.  Perhaps equally important to the physical benefits that result from regular participation, is the strong social aspect this program provides.  Caregivers receive special attention, support and guidance from the staff involved, which helps their personal exercise choices more enjoyable and motivational.

KV YMCA staff also organaize annual celebration gatherings for fellowship and food sharing, to give caregivers something to look forward to, opportunities for fun and relaxation, and a short break from difficult duties.

For more information on how to get involved in this program, contact Becca Reynolds at Spectrum Generations at rreynolds@spectrumgenerations.org.

Healthy Lifestyles Support Group
Session: Winter I & Winter II
Location: Augusta KV YMCA Board Room
Time: Thursdays; 6:00-7:30 p.m.



Full Member: $35.00
Program Member: $60.00
Instructor: Chele Dubois

Join us on the quest to healthy living! Includes lifestyle articles on eating habits and nutrition, weekly discussions, actvities and email correspondance. Class ends with a 30 minute walk and talk around the track.

NEW for Winter Session! Drop in Fee's Available:

Member: $6.00           Program Member: $8.00          Non-Member: $10.00

Strength to Survive
Session:
Location: Multi-Purpose Room
Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Full Member: NA
Program Member: $50 for participant; $25 for companion pass
Instructor: Denise Levesque

The Kennebec Valley YMCA and MaineGeneral's Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care have partnered to offer a 12-week small-group exercise program for adult cancer survivors.  This program is held every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Augusta facility.  The fee is $50 and includes full use of the KV YMCA on class days during the program.  A companion pass is available for $25.  The class size is limited to 10 participants.  For more information or to register for this program, please call Donna Walsh(donna.walsh@mainegeneral.org) at the MaineGeneral Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care at 626-4857.