This summer, Mercy Housing Lakefront’s residents and staff will challenge each other to get healthy through the 2^nd Annual Feel Better Challenge. The 8-week health and wellness challenge will kick off on June 17^th.  Participants will assess their health, set goals, and work to accomplish their goals through a variety of nutrition and physical health activities.

Residents and staff will engage in a wide range of physical health activities, including bike outings, walking clubs, gardening, zumba and yoga. In addition to the physical activities, a nutritionist will provide healthy eating and nutrition classes, and help residents assemble a healthy recipe book.

In an effort to keep participants motivated and to provide friendly competition, participants can earn points for completing physical activities, attending meetings and maintaining their healthy eating. Participants with the highest number of points are entered into drawings for athletic gear, gym memberships and healthy eating tools.

This year, Mercy Housing Lakefront has also developed a partnership with Back on My Feet, a non-profit which organizes volunteers to share their passion of running with homeless or formerly homeless people.  This partnership allows residents the opportunity to see more of the community in a positive way and to create relationships with community members.

According to Abigail Arens, a Senior Case Manager for Mercy Housing Lakefront, “For many residents, this is the first time they have run since they were children. It provides structure, and gives them a reason to get moving.”

The Feel Better Challenge will culminate on July 14^th when participants run in the 5K Run to End Homelessness in Douglas Park.

To support Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Feel Better Challenge and the Resident Services programs, please visit: www.mercyhousinglakefront.org