Plainfield Park District Veterans Program Marks 1st Anniversary

From Plainfield Park District

The Plainfield Park District is marking the one year anniversary of their partnership with AllenForce, a non-profit organization, on their Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies (HMHB) program that serves veterans of all eras.

It brings them together with their families and communities in an effort to bridge military and civilian life.

The program matches the participant with a personal trainer and strives to empower all veterans to live a healthy, active lifestyle through networked connections within their communities, assisting veterans who have been injured, ill or wounded through health, fitness training and social networking opportunities.

The first public/private partnership for the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program, AllenForce and the Park District joined with sponsoring organizations Hometown Fitness, at 16108 South Route 59, Suite 126, and MPG Fitness, located at 12337 South Route 59, Suite 107.

Both organizations committed to the program by sending personal trainers to the HMHB two-day training program that covers issues specific to veterans and their needs.

“I remain enthusiastic about our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program,” said Cheryl Crisman, Plainfield Park District’s Superintendent of Recreation, “and proud that we’ve been able to assist the ten veterans who have been active in the HMHB program to date. This program is a great way for us to reach out to these veterans that deserve our support along with our gratitude, and recreational activities are a great way to relieve stress, gain strength and self-confidence and help them re-connect with their community.”

According to the HMHB website, the program was designed to support veterans transitioning into civilian life or who have been separated from the military for years but never received assistance with their transition.

The services provided by HMHB are meeting a need formerly fulfilled by the military and fellow comrades through their assigned personal trainer simulating a “battle buddy” for them in the gym or taking part in fitness programs.

If you would like more information about HMHB and how to qualify for the program, go to healthymindshealthybodies.org or call the Plainfield Park District at (815) 436-8812.

For more information on any or all Plainfield Park District programs and events, visit www.plfdparks.org, sign-up for our e-news updates, like us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter, or call (815) 436-8812.