Empowerment Through Movement

Community Refugee & Immigration Services has integrated regular yoga courses into our Refugee Health and Wellness Program as a way to promote an activity focused on centering and relaxation into the often very stressful daily routines of our clients and their communities. We have partnered with local studios and instructors in the Columbus area who have generously donated their space and time to provide these opportunities. Yoga allows clients to exercise in comfortable and culturally relevant ways, create and maintain balance in their lives, and connect with themselves and each other.

Iraqi Women's Fitness Class: With the continued generous support of the ADAMH Board of Franklin County and the partnership of Improvement Warrior Fitness in Hilliard, CRIS' Wellness Program has offered fitness classes for Iraqi women on the west side of Columbus. Beginning in August, 2014 fitness sessions were held bi-weekly over the past year and have focused on stretching, breathing, and strength-building.

Women from the local Iraqi community are often isolated due to language barriers, lack of transportation, and childcare responsibilities and may struggle to get out into the community, involve in different activities, and connect to others. These fitness sessions have given participants an opportunity to learn about and improve their health through physical activity, to have access to a new program offering in their community, and to make new social connections. Participants have enjoyed this opportunity, creating support and connection that will likely continue far beyond the end of the classes. CRIS' Health and Wellness Program hopes to continue offering fitness sessions as requested by the community and we are in the process of planning how to continue this program for the future.