WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Armed forces flags hang in the fitness area at the River Valley Regional YMCA in Williamsport. Staff at the YMCA want to help more than 8,000 Lycoming County veterans and their families through their Vet Strong program.
"It's going to start on April 15. It's going to run Monday's and Wednesday's 6:30 to 7:30 at night. We already have ten participants already signed up and we're really excited because this is a first in our area for this program," said Nikki Fiel, Williamsport YMCA wellness director.
The idea for Vet Strong came from another program the YMCA called Livestrong for cancer survivors. The Vet Strong program will last 12 weeks with three sessions per year.
"I'm actually really excited about this because I feel like it's going to be a great way to get them to bond and maybe help each other on a whole different level that, you know, maybe they never would've met besides this program," said Fiel.
Vets in the program will be using multiple spaces in the YMCA to work on their physical and mental health.
"It might be a nice day, we might go outside, and we might share what Pennsylvania has to offer naturally. We might go outside and do something like that, so it's going to be a multifaceted approach," said Rob Chambers, Williamsport YMCA fitness instructor.
Program organizers say Vet Strong is something that is needed for veterans here in Williamsport.
"They've given so much of themselves, and their families have given so much of themselves—for the rest of us to have the freedoms that we have, so I'm super stoked about being involved and giving back to them because they deserve it," said Chambers.
"We asked them what they needed, and they said they felt very disconnected after coming home from the service, and we don't want that. We want them to know that their community is here for them, and this is what this program is about," said Fiel.
The cost per vet is $680. Sponsors from businesses are needed, so the program is free for veterans. If anyone wants to get involved with the program, they can contact the River Valley YMCA.