YMCA and Hunterdon County Come Together to Offer Free Mental and Emotional Wellness Program in Flemington

FLEMINGTON - River Crossing YMCA has announced open enrollment for a new, free 12-week mental health and stress management program starting Aug. 10 at the Deer Path branch of the Y. The new program, called RISE, is made possible by a grant from the Hunterdon County Dept. of Health. The Y is excited to offer this free opportunity to community members, seeking 15-20 enrollees for this program by July 29.

“RISE was what I needed to overcome my hurdles despite my pain,” shared Candy, a graduate of the program in Bucks County. Candy said she came to the RISE program because of the toll chronic pain and daily stress were taking on her daily quality of life. “I felt supported and part of a community. RISE is helping me live my best life.”

The free RISE pathway program is designed to help individuals learn to manage and embrace stress, as well as enhance overall well-being through self-care, self-compassion and social interaction. The first Y program of its kind, RISE was launched last year at the Fairless Hills branch in Bucks County, PA to resounding success. Participants need not be members of the YMCA to enroll.

“The Hunterdon County Health Department is proud to partner with River Crossing YMCA to bring the RISE program to our community,” said County Commissioner Shaun Van Doren. “Supporting mental and emotional wellness is an essential part of improving overall health and quality of life. By making this program available at no cost, we are helping ensure that more Hunterdon County residents have access to the tools, resources and support they need to build healthier, more resilient lives.”

RISE will take place once a week in person at the Deer Path branch of River Crossing YMCA at 144 West Woodschurch Rd. off Rt. 31 in Flemington. Participants also meet once a week virtually for additional resources and support. Over the 12 weeks, with guidance from trained YMCA wellness coaches employing evidence-based practices, participants will learn about the five pillars of health: sleep, stress management, nutrition, movement and community. Participants receive a free, 12-week family membership to the Y for the duration of the program, followed by a complimentary eight-week adult membership upon completion.

"We are grateful to be able to offer RISE to the community for free with the support of the county department of health," shared Krisitn Heimall, VP of operations for the Hunterdon region of River Crossing YMCA. "Many community members over the years have reached out to the Y

for a program that addresses physical and mental-emotional wellness. Our RISE Pathway program is exactly that, and we look forward to providing this opportunity."

Anyone interested in learning more and signing up is invited to email Jen Gaj, coordinator of the RISE pathway program, at jgaj@ymcarivercrossing.org, or visit our RISE webpage. Potential participants will be asked to complete an initial set of assessment forms and attend a consultation to ensure alignment between the program, participant needs and desired goals. 

Funding Statement: This publication is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $147,250,805.85, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or theU.S. Government.