In 2022, Covenant House Vancouver opened its 10-storey building at 1280 Seymour Street. This facility expanded on what we had to offer youth, such as a dedicated art therapy room, a gymnasium, and a fitness room.
Thanks to Flaman Fitness, we were able to fill the fitness room with a variety of equipment and machines.
Two years later, the renovations to the Rights of Passage building on Pender Street were completed. The Rights of Passage program provides youth with safe, affordable, transitional housing, along with guidance, structure, and support, to help prepare them for living out in the community. This comprehensive program also helps youth achieve their educational and employment goals.
This new facility has much to offer young people, including a teaching kitchen, a multipurpose communal space, and a fitness room.
Once again, Flaman Fitness provided youth with a variety of fitness equipment to help them on their journeys.
Many youth who access our programs and services, have experienced trauma, which can affect their mental and physical health. Regular exercise is known to help with, and improve, a person’s well-being. The social aspect of having a dedicated space to exercise can also boost a person’s mental health. There are many mental health benefits from regular exercise, such as:
- Improving sleep quality and cognitive ability
- Reducing day-to-day stress and fatigue
- Enhancing the impact of the treatment of addictions, particularly in the reduction of cravings
- Boosting self-esteem
- Aiding in the treatment of eating disorders, chronic pain, PTSD, schizophrenia, and body dysmorphic disorders, as well as potentially preventing depression and anxiety disorders
Kevin Jackel, Store Manager at Flaman Fitness shared the reasons why Flaman supports Covenant House Vancouver: “We are extremely fortunate to have local organizations like Covenant House, who play a vital role in helping those in need and improving our community. Covenant House provides essential services such as shelter and care to young people who are facing difficult times in their lives, which makes a significant impact on them individually, and on our community as a whole.
Flaman Fitness is proud to support this organization through the Frank Flaman Foundation, which was established in 2005 with a mandate to support women and children in need. The Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with our core values of giving back to the community and helping those who are less fortunate. By partnering with organizations like Covenant House, we can extend our reach and make a more substantial difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Covenant House Vancouver would like to than Flaman Fitness for their ongoing support of vulnerable young people in the community.