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The Positive Effects of New Experiences

Jaclyn Baker
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If you’re someone who shies away from change, the transformative science behind new experiences might just alter your perspective. While the idea of stepping outside your comfort zone may seem daunting, it explores the profound mental health benefits that come with embracing the unknown. 

From reshaping neural connections to boosting mood regulation, unravel the secrets of cognitive and emotional well-being, and explore a life of boundless possibilities. 

Rewires Your Brain

Give your brain a makeover! Novel experiences are the secret sauce that stimulates neuroplasticity. 

It’s like a brain workout, enhancing cognitive flexibility and breaking free from those negative thought patterns associated with depression. Who knew change could be so liberating?

Increases Social Interaction

Social interaction is your golden ticket to reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with depression. 

Many new experiences involve interacting with others, whether through group activities, classes, or simply sharing an experience with friends. 

Boosts Confidence: Strut Your Stuff

Conquering new challenges isn’t just about skill acquisition; it’s a confidence booster! 

Whether you’re mastering a new skill or waltzing out of your comfort zone, each positive experience adds to your self-worth and self-efficacy. It’s time to strut your stuff! 

Reduces Ruminative Thinking

People with depression tend to ruminate on negative thoughts and feelings. 

Engaging in new experiences can redirect your focus away from rumination, providing temporary relief from distressing thoughts. Time to break free from that negative thought carousel!

Helps in Focusing on the Present

Experiencing something new often requires being present in the moment. This mindfulness can help you let go of past regrets or future worries and focus on the here and now. 

Savor the here and now – it’s like a therapeutic spa day for your mind.

Inspires a Sense of Purpose

Embarking on new adventures is more than a mere change of scenery; it’s a transformative journey that can profoundly impact one’s sense of purpose. 

New experiences act as catalysts, stirring the soul and inspiring individuals to redefine their purpose. For those navigating the complexities of depression, each new encounter becomes a stepping stone toward overcoming challenges and discovering a renewed sense of joy and fulfillment.

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5 Components to Craft a Healthy Daily Routine

Jaclyn Baker
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Embarking on a journey to prioritize your mental well-being? Then, establishing a routine could be your key to unlocking a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

Amidst the sea of resolutions, let’s shine a spotlight on an often underestimated yet potent catalyst for well-being – the magic of establishing a routine. Imagine a life where your exercise, medication, chores, relaxation, and sleep seamlessly fall into a predictable pattern, making every day a symphony of balance and order tailored to your unique preferences.

Dive in and discover how to uncover the simple yet profoundly impactful steps that can guide you toward a more consistent daily routine. 

Welcome to the journey of discovering the benefits of routine – a journey that promises order, efficiency, discipline, and the comforting stability we all yearn for. 

Unleash the Power of Consistent Rest

Cultivate a regular sleep schedule to synchronize your bedtime and wake time, creating a serene rhythm for your days. 

Allow the gentle embrace of consistent sleep to regulate your mood, enhance focus, deploy healthy coping mechanisms, and reduce stress hormones. Setting bedtime and wake-up alarms can transform your nights into peaceful rejuvenation and mornings into stress-free beginnings 

Create Daily Rituals to Blow off Steam

Carve out dedicated time and space in your routine to proactively manage stress. 

Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or journaling, infuse your days with intentional practices that dissipate stress. Embrace the transformative power of daily stress-relief rituals to foster mental resilience.

Begin with the Most Important Thing

Navigate your to-do list with wisdom, prioritizing the most important tasks over the quick and easy ones. 

Let your routine reflect a commitment to tackling the crucial tasks first, ensuring your energy and focus align with your priorities.

Add Some Joy and Daily Reflection

Embrace the simple yet profound act of expressing gratitude daily. Whether through a nightly journal or morning reflections, incorporate gratitude into your routine. Let this practice amplify the positives in your life, creating a harmonious rhythm of appreciation.

Also, integrating simple pleasures into your routine ensures they contribute to your happiness without compromising your well-being. From cooking to yoga, craft a routine that includes activities bringing joy and fulfillment. 

Nurture Meaningful Connections

Prioritize relationships by weaving them into your routine. 

From family dinners to date nights and coffee with friends, cultivate routines that foster emotional support, belonging, and acceptance. Let social interactions



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3 Steps to Take Control of Overwhelming Feelings

Jaclyn Baker
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In your journey through life, feeling overwhelmed is a shared human experience. 

But know that dealing with overwhelming thoughts and feelings is not about perfection but a continuous growth process. Explore practical insights from the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) world, gaining a valuable perspective on embracing your humanity. 

It’s about more than just recognizing difficulty; it’s about sensing within and embracing the profound connection between mind and body. 

Now, let’s unravel the transformative journey of noticing, feeling, and moving towards a direction aligned with your deepest values with this go-to formula you can use when feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Notice Your Emotions

When the world seems to come crashing down, it’s hard to think straight, so the first step is straightforward and simple. You only need to notice that this is currently hard for you. It can be as simple as having a quick moment of clarity while experiencing an emotional outburst.

If you practice the skill of noticing, you will be able to catch your experiences as they unfold in the present moment, allowing you to make a conscious decision about what you want to do next.

Step 2: Feel The Unseen

When overwhelming thoughts and feelings grip you, they may deceive you into believing you’re not okay. The impulse to dispel these emotions often leads to familiar coping mechanisms—lashing out, indulging in comfort food, smoking, or escaping into social media. While effective momentarily, the cycle repeats, leaving you once again submerged in overwhelm.

In such moments, it is crucial to recognize your power of choice. Instead of evading your experience, embrace it. Dive into your body: What sensations are present, and where? Invest a few seconds, perhaps a minute or two, in exploring your internal landscape. 

Start small and gradually expand your awareness with self-kindness, patience, and care.

Step 3: Move Towards What Matters

The third and final step in regaining control is to shift your focus outward. Reflect on the things that hold greater significance than succumbing to overwhelm. Whether it’s commitments to loved ones, career goals, or enhancing self-care, some aspects of your life matter deeply.

Take a moment to move in a valued direction; it need not be a grand gesture. A small step suffices—sip a glass of water, send a quick text to a loved one, bask in a short walk in the sun, or indulge your dog with a belly rub. The options are limitless. 

What matters is the commitment to small actions that are aligned with your life’s purpose and meaning.

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Embracing Joy: A Holistic Guide to Holiday Season Wellness

Jaclyn Baker
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The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a whirlwind of traditions, expectations, and emotions. 

For many, it’s a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet, navigating through this time isn’t always easy. Amidst the festivities, stress can sneak in, creating an overwhelming cloud over what should be a cheerful period.

In honor of When Difficult Relatives Happen To Good People, Leonard Felder – here’s a comprehensive guide filled with tips, experiences, and strategies!

Infuse Festive Cheer into Every Corner

Decorations can work wonders, lifting spirits and setting the holiday mood. Taking crisp outdoor walks bundled up, marveling at neighborhood lights, and indulging in homemade hot apple cider, can be simple yet powerful ways to celebrate.

Mindful Gift-Giving and Family Conversations

Planning gift-giving strategies with family members, whether through Secret Santa or charitable donations, alleviates financial and mental strain. This thoughtful approach ensures that the joy of giving isn’t overshadowed by stress.

Light Does Come Back After the Solstice on December 21st

A simple way to celebrate the natural seasonal change is to light a candle and take it into every corner of your home, welcoming the light back. This is one of my favorite personal traditions. It may seem like there’s a long dark winter left to struggle through after the holidays are over, but the truth is, the days are already getting longer. -Joanna

Prioritize Activities and Connection Over Material Things

Engaging in shared activities, planning family meals together, and fostering meaningful conversations can create lasting memories. – Annette

Coping Strategies and Self-Care Tips

Recognizing the importance of self-care and implementing strategies to counteract negative feelings is a crucial aspect of navigating the season.

Practical Tips for Holiday Preparedness

Stocking up on comforting foods and being mindful of store closures on holidays ensures that small details don’t diminish the festive spirit.

Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos

As the holiday whirlwind engulfs us, it’s essential to remember that amidst the chaos and expectations, our well-being is paramount. Prioritizing joy, connection, and self-care helps us navigate this season with grace.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and moments that matter most. – Ash

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Holiday Survival Guide Ideas

Jaclyn Baker

The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can also be a stressful time.   We asked our staff for their best tips for surviving the holidays.  

For a few years when my children were young, I questioned “tradition”: Things I believed I was obligated to do to “celebrate” the holiday season.  I started letting go of things for a year, to see how it impacted our family life. Some traditions returned, and some permanently disappeared. Something I let go of for good was writing and mailing Christmas cards. While I don’t get many Christmas cards anymore, I feel less stressed, less anxious, and I am able to be more fully engaged in the moment, rather than sitting and writing cards to people I may never see again. 

Once the dark nights start falling, I light candles every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. It softens the brightness and busyness of the outside world, and marks the end of one week, the beginning of the next. #wicklight

When in doubt at the holiday table where anything might be said: Talk movies, shows, and books. If you stay on the topic of the movie, show or book, you may be able to keep things calm(ish). If someone mentions something that could be a trigger, mention Succession! That’ll change the subject! 

My way of surviving the holidays is by saying ‘no’ to things so I can spend more quiet time with my family and animals. It actually feels good to stay still while the world is madly turning. 

If you feel triggered and anxious at a family gathering, go do the dishes. It works for me. 

I feel that this time of year can be so stressful. It has always helped me to think in terms of giving, especially to those in need.

How to survive the dark month of December? I get outside and exercise on a daily basis – hiking, biking or walking. My mind feels clearer, my body less anxious, and my soul, nourished.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder Coping Skills

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects more than 10 million people in the United States. 

So as we ease into the beginning of Winter, it is important to understand what it is so we can take care of ourselves or support someone we care about.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

  • Fall Onset SAD (sometimes called “Winter Depression” – Experiencing depression starting in Fall, intensifying in Winter, and ending in the Spring or Summer
  • Spring Onset SAD (sometimes called “Summer Depression”) – Experiencing depression only in the Summer.

What causes SAD?

Although scientists continue to research this, studies show it might be caused by one or more of the following things:

  • Lack of sunlight
  • Imbalance of a chemical or hormone in the brain
  • Lower levels of Vitamin D
  • Use of Melatonin or Overproduction of Melatonin
  • Poor sleep patterns caused by changes in your circadian rhythm (biological clock) often caused by shorter daylight hours
  • Low Serotonin levels
  • Negative thoughts or feelings associated with a specific season
  • Hot Temperatures when there are longer daylight hours (specifically for Summer Depression)

Are you more susceptible to SAD?

  • More common in women (4x more than men)
  • More common for people who live farther away from the equator
  • Higher risk if you have a Family History of Depression
  • Higher risk if you have another type of Depression or Bipolar Disorder
  • More common in adults than children

What are the Symptoms of SAD or “Winter Depression”?

  • Feel depressed most of the day, almost every day
  • Low energy levels
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Things you like to do may not interest you
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feeling hopeless or worthless
  • Might overeat, cravings for carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Withdraw from people (hibernating)
  • Sleeping a lot (hypersomnia)
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Feeling irritable
  • Suicidal thoughts or feelings (If feeling suicidal, then call 988 which is the National Suicide Prevention phone number)

What are the Symptoms of SAD or “Summer Depression”?

  • Poor appetite or weight loss
  • Feeling restless
  • Feeling anxious
  • More irritable
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Potential to become violent or aggressive

What can you do to manage or improve symptoms for SAD? (note treatments for “Winter Depression” and “Summer Depression” may be different):

  • Exposure to Sunlight – spending time outside or near a window with sunlight
  • Light Therapy or Phototherapy – exposure to special lights which can mimic outdoor light resulting in a chemical change in the brain (providing an exposure to 10,000 lux of light)
  • Vitamin D Supplements – provides Vitamin D when the body is least likely to be creating it’s own Vitamin D due to lack of sun
  • Psychotherapy, Talk Therapy
  • Share how you are feeling with a trusted friend or family member
  • Medications – Talk to your doctor about options such as antidepressants
  • Set realistic goals during these more challenging times
  • Do things that might make you feel better such as engaging in an activity that you usually enjoy
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced food
  • Limit or abstain from using alcohol or drugs

If you know you experience SAD, then be proactive and plan ahead of the difficult season by engaging with some of the suggestions on this last list to manage or improve symptoms. You can talk to your therapist about creating a plan for managing SAD and then check in at your regular sessions about what is working and what is not working.

Learn more information at the following websites:

Johns Hopkins Medicine “Seasonal Affective Disorder

Mayo Clinic “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

 National Institute of Mental Health “Seasonal Affective Disorder



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The Death Penalty- an Ongoing International Human Rights Issue

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

I remember writing a college paper 20 years ago about my belief that the the death penalty should end. 

I believed this on principle, but also learned in my deep dive how many people are wrongly convicted in death penalty cases. 

I remember going to a panel speaking engagement in my early 20s and listening to someone who spent over 30 years in prison for a death penalty case, and then was exonerated. I felt both moved and sickened that we continue to engage with using the death penalty in the United States when most first-world countries have ended this practice. Since 1973, at least 195 people were wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in the United States before being exonerated and released. 

We may never know how many people have been wrongly convicted and then put to death.

In 2014, there was a study published in the “Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences”. This study reported that one out of 25 people sentenced to death are likely innocent. So if 1,320 people were executed between 1977 and 2013, that would mean that over 50 people have been executed who were innocent (averaging at least one person per year).

Based on reporting from the website “Death Penalty Information Center”, there are at least 20 cases where there is enough evidence to question whether people who have already been executed might have been innocent. 

You can learn more here.

Amnesty International continues to focus energy and attention on the death penalty because they report it “breaches human rights, in particular, the right to life and the right to live free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. These rights are protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

In a recent Amnesty International (AI) newsletter, AI provided the following facts:

  • AI started working on this issue in 1977 when only 16 countries had totally abolished the death penalty
  • Today in 2023, 112 countries have abolished the death penalty (more than half the world’s countries)
  • More than two-thirds of all countries are abolitionists in practice even if it is not in their laws
  • Unfortunately in 2022, there has been an alarming spike in executions, marking a 53% increase since 2021 and the highest number of executions since 2017 (which does not include the believed to be thousands of executions in China last year)
  • The US was no exception to this disturbing trend where the execution rate increased from 2021 to 2022 by 64%

According to Amnesty International, executions across the world are concentrated in these countries: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United States (in that order). Amnesty International proposed the need to abolish the death penalty for the following key reasons:

  • It is irreversible and mistakes happen
  • It does not deter crime
  • It is often used within skewed justice systems
  • It is discriminatory
  • It is used as a political tool

Consider becoming involved in Amnesty International or other organizations that address this important Human Rights Concern. 

Learn more by exploring these websites:

 Amnesty International

The Death Penalty Information Center 

The Innocents Project

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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4 Tips for Mastering the Art of Lasting Resolutions

Jaclyn Baker
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Embarking on New Year’s resolutions is a time-honored tradition.

But the reality is that most resolutions tend to fizzle out by the time January ends. However, with a strategic approach, especially focusing on the crucial element of self-confidence, resolutions can transform into lasting lifestyle changes. 

Whether it’s breaking free from procrastination, adopting healthier habits, or conquering personal challenges, the keys to lasting change are within reach.  

Let’s explore the importance of managing expectations, embracing inevitable lapses, and respecting the power of temptations to ensure your resolutions stand the test of time.

Acknowledge Imperfections

Willpower alone often falls short.  Recognize that seeking help and adopting proven techniques significantly enhance the chances of resolution success. Accepting your limitations is the first step towards a more realistic and achievable journey.

Find the Confidence Balance

While believing in ultimate success is essential, avoiding overconfidence ensures preparedness for occasional setbacks. 

Uncover the art of creating a disaster recovery plan, ensuring that a stumble doesn’t lead to abandoning your resolutions but rather becomes a stepping stone to success. Make resolutions more forgiving, focusing on progress rather than an all-or-nothing approach.

Respect the Power of Temptations

Temptations are potent adversaries to resolutions. 

Acknowledge their strength and strategize to avoid triggering situations. Recognizing when and where willpower tends to wane helps make conscious choices and build lasting habits.

Own Up to Being Fallible

Embracing the inevitability of occasional setbacks and having a predefined plan for recovery lays the foundation for a successful resolution journey.

When your resolutions fail, see how you can get back on track. This acceptance becomes the cornerstone for a successful year of growth and positive change.

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Mindfulness Tips During The Holidays

Jaclyn Baker
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Amidst the gatherings, gift shopping, and festivities, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves and succumb to the stress that accompanies this time of year. However, integrating mindfulness into our holiday routine can be a game-changer, offering a pathway to inner calm and presence amid the hustle and bustle.

Here are three mindfulness tips to help you navigate the holidays. 

Cultivate Present-Moment Awareness

The essence of mindfulness lies in being fully present in the here and now. Amidst the holiday rush, our minds often wander between the past (remembering past celebrations) and the future (anticipating the upcoming events). Take a pause and ground yourself in the present moment. When we anchor ourselves in the present, we can appreciate the richness of the holiday experience without being consumed by stress or worry.

Practice Gratitude Daily

The holiday season is an opportune time to cultivate gratitude. Amidst the flurry of activities, take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be the company of loved ones, a cozy moment by the fireplace, or the simple joys that often go unnoticed. 

Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in our lives, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or simply take a few minutes each morning or evening to mentally list the things you’re thankful for.

Embrace Self-Compassion

Amidst the desire to create picture-perfect holiday moments, remember to extend kindness and compassion towards yourself. 

It’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be gentle with yourself. Practice self-care by carving out time for activities that recharge you—whether it’s a quiet walk, meditation, or simply reading a book. 

Allow yourself to set realistic expectations and boundaries, saying no when needed, and prioritizing your well-being amidst the holiday rush.

By integrating these mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can navigate the holiday season with a greater sense of calm and joy. Remember, mindfulness is not about escaping the holiday fervor but rather about embracing it with a sense of presence and appreciation.

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Rekindling a Sense of Awe

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Darcy Knight

Remember when you were a kid and the world just seemed a little more amazing?  Maybe it was seeing a rainbow, splashing in a puddle, or just the ability to spend hours eagerly searching for the perfect stick, digging a giant hole in the sand, or staring in wonder at all of the bugs you can see in one shovel full of dirt. 

That feeling has a name and it is awe.  Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, defines it as the “feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” 

But as we become adults we get more distracted by the responsibilities of life, the to-do list, the never-ending adulting.

Is it worth it to try to also fit in some time to find some positive awe in your life?  Keltner says yes, as experiencing awe can produce many positive effects. It makes us calmer, kinder, and more creative. It creates a decreased focus on the self and can therefore be at least a temporary cure for self-absorption, helping us to gain perspective.  In his book, Dr. Keltner writes that awe is critical to our well-being.  His research suggests it has health benefits that include the release of oxytocin, which promotes trust and bonding, as well as calming down the nervous system.

It increases feelings of connection to others and can increase feelings of empathy.  Experiencing awe with others can lead to an increased willingness to cooperate.  It also can increase feelings of meaning or purpose in life and can help us cope with stress and grief.

Awe can increase both spiritual feelings and scientific curiosity. 

And perhaps surprisingly, Awe is credited with increasing physical health.  Dr. Keltner found that awe activates the neurons in the spinal cord that regulate some bodily functions, as well as slows the heart rate and breathing and relieves digestion‌.

Like any new behavior, rekindling your sense of Awe does require some practice.  But teaching yourself to engage in awe-awareness in your daily life can have great benefits. Try one of these ideas starting today 

  • Get out in nature–one of the most common sources of awe is nature.  It is both the vastness that shows us something that is so much bigger than ourselves as well as the often unfathomable beauty. Leave your electronics at home and practice losing yourself in the world around you. Notice the sun shining through the trees, the smell of the outdoors, the songs of the birds.
  • Hang out with a child–Children have not lost their sense of awe about everyday things yet.  Spending time in their world will help you see all that can be amazing in your everyday life.
  • Listen to music–there is a reason that your favorite song can instantly change your mood.  Music elicits emotions that may be harder to access on their own.
  • Explore Google’s Art Emotions Map, which has images meant to elicit emotions.
  • Slow down and take notice of your daily tasks.  Notice the smell of your coffee or tea, the beautiful light at sunset as you are cooking dinner, the moment of joy you feel upon completing a project, or the way it feels to connect with others in your life.

Take a moment to rediscover the awe in your life!

Resources for Rekindling Awe

The Power of Wonder: The extraordinary emotions that will change the way you live, love and Lead

50 Simple Ways to Bring a Sense of Awe into Your Life

Six ways to incorporate awe into your life

Awe-spotting: 5 ways finding awe can transform your life

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Climate Change And Our Health

Jaclyn Baker

By: Betsy Pownall

Climate change is hazardous to our health, both mentally and physically. In the article, “How does Climate Change affect Mental Health?” the American Psychological Association reports that long-term mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide, aggression, and gender-based violence are impacted by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. 

Studies have shown that even some people who have not been directly affected by a climate disaster are experiencing “climate anxiety,” which is defined as an overwhelming sense of fear, sadness, and dread in the face of global warming. A 2020 APA survey found that 56% of U.S. adults said climate change is the most important issue facing the world today. 

Nearly half of young adults ages 18 to 34 year-olds reported feeling anxiety over climate change on a daily basis. 

While the problem can feel unwieldy, many people find an increased sense of hope and security by taking action to understand, adapt to, or to mitigate the effects of climate change at an individual and community level. 

On an individual level, people can learn about what is happening, what could happen and prepare for climate-related events. Helpful individual actions can include:

  • Making and practicing household emergency plans
  • Engaging in self-care and healthy habits
  • Build and maintain social networks with family, friends, neighbors, and climate advocates
  • Participate in policy and advocacy efforts to combat climate change

Distress about climate change can be reduced by:

  • Spending time in nature
  • Engaging in mindfulness practices like grounding, body scans, meditation, 
  • Identify core values that guide your work, simplify and focus on one’s choices
  • Working with others
  • Engaging in activism

(APA “Resilience and individual actions around climate distress”)

And then there are the ‘Recession Resilient’ climate-change start-ups. 

In her New York Times article “‘Recession Resilient’ Climate Start-ups Shine in Tech Downturn”, Erin Griffity reports that tech workers and investors are “flocking to start-ups that aim to combat climate change”. 

As tech companies downsize and cut jobs, a ‘wake up call’ has spurred many workers to question whether or not what they are doing is “making the world a better place”. 

Many workers are joining climate-change start-ups, as investors “pour money into the field”. While start-ups once had to work at convincing investors that their focus was important, climate change and extreme weather events have become impossible to ignore. 

“We’re actually doing work that matters”, Arebeth Pease said of her move from a tech start-up to a climate-change start-up focusing on smart home electrical panels.

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Promoting Community Well-Being: A Collaboration Between The Elkton Community Education Center and Vista Wellness Center

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Jen Champion 

The Elkton Education Community Center (ECEC) and Vista Wellness Center are collaborating to address the healthcare needs of Elkton and surrounding communities.

Introducing holistic health services, particularly yoga, is a component of their ECEC Rural Health Care Initiative. 

The Wellness Initiative focuses on preventative programs and partnerships to enhance accessibility to health and wellness services. The initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life. It is open to all community members, with a particular emphasis on seniors, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with limited incomes.

Jen Champion, a yoga instructor with Vista Wellness Center, is on the ECEC campus every Wednesday, offering floor and chair classes. Yoga and holistic approaches to health enhance an interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional aspects and help to alleviate symptoms and promote a healthier lifestyle.

At the heart of ECEC’s success lie its volunteers. The commitment of volunteers is pivotal in implementing and sustaining programs and their 30-acre campus. 

Their Youth Employment Project hires local high school students to work as tour guides in the Butterfly Pavilion and Fort Umpqua, help maintain the gardens, and staff the Outpost Café and Produce Stand. AmeriCorps volunteers play a part in ECEC as well. Currently, Ruby Ackerman, an AmeriCorps Member, serves as a Wellness Advocate and plays a significant role in bringing yoga to ECEC.

ECEC is bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas. Within their Rural Health Care Initiative, they provide yoga classes and a range of holistic services, nurturing the vitality and wellness of residents and the vibrant communities they create.

Interested in providing services for the initiative?  Contact Ruby Ackerman

Connect with Jen and Vista Wellness Center 

Map of Oregon in segments of areas with unmet healthcare needs.

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