NASHVILLE, TN — The Northwest Family YMCA and The Cigna Group Foundation announced the kickoff of programming funded as part of a multi-year $150,000 partnership to help local seniors improve their health and well-being. The Northwest Y hosted a check presentation ceremony at the Active Older Adults (AOA) Run, Walk, & Roll event held Sept. 23, at Hadley Park in North Nashville.
The Northwest Y will strengthen its Active Older Adults programming, which extends beyond senior-focused group exercise classes to include social events, lunch-and-learns, and fellowship.
“Social connections are essential for physical and mental health at all ages, and the Y has a long been a place for seniors to connect with others,” said Gene Rapisardi, Cigna Healthcare Mid-South general manager. “We are excited to partner with the YMCA to reach more people at pivotal stages of their lives with programming to support their health, well-being and more vital communities.”
This partnership between the Northwest Family YMCA and The Cigna Foundation seeks to enhance opportunities for social connections among the community’s seniors, as connectedness is a well-established contributor to a person’s overall vitality.
“We appreciate the generosity of The Cigna Group Foundation as it allows the Y to continue offering a supportive environment for all ages to learn, grow and thrive,” said Roy Brown III, executive director of the Northwest Family YMCA. “Specifically, this partnership will help to keep seniors active and connected as they seek to improve their overall health and well-being.”
This partnership is part of a $1 million grant by The Cigna Group Foundation to the Y-USA to help improve the vitality of local communities. The grant will also support programming in Memphis, Houston, Phoenix, and St. Louis.
The Cigna Group Foundation, established in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.
The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Inspired by its mission as a worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people grow in spirit, mind and body, for more than 147 years, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee has been giving people of all ages the tools they need to belong and be well. Last year, the Y reached 176,972 people, improving the region’s health and well-being, nurturing the potential of children and teens and providing opportunities to serve others and support our neighbors.