WELLNESS DAY

On June 26th, Caz launched Wellness Day, a joyful and transformative gathering that brought more than 140 residents and staff together for an afternoon of learning, fun, community, and healing. The event was held at the Kenan Center in Lockport and was organized by Libby Pfonner, Wellness Coordinator, and supported by the Caz Events Committee. The day was designed around the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) eight dimensions of wellness, offering our staff and residents a variety of experiences to nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits. With the support of 17 community vendors, the day offered a wide range of activities, resources, and interactive experiences to support everyone’s wellness journey.

EIGHT DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

The day was filled with activities representing all eight dimensions of wellness. Programming included trauma-informed yoga, sound therapy, foam printmaking with Locust Street Art, and the creation of aromatherapy bracelets made with lava beads. Our most popular session involved holding a swaddled wallaby named Charlie, brought by Niagara Down Under, alongside other animals such as owls, goats, and tortoises. Hawk  Creek Sanctuary, brought birds of prey and educational displays including animal pelts.

CAZ COMING TOGETHER

Pictured left: Staff members from across the agency. Pictured right: Judith Rozicki; Culinary & Program Specialist, Somerset House, and Tieshia Thomas; Lead Culinary & Food Specialist, Sundram Manor.

Attendees also met with a financial planner and an attorney from Neighborhood Legal Services who spoke about housing and civil legal issues. Other tables were staffed by the Caz Team. Danyel Brewer, Registered Dietitian and Lactation Consultant, offered guidance on nutrition; Caitlynn Weichert-Winkfield, Vocational Specialist and Javier Pagán, Turning Point House Counselor, led an environmental wellness table on recycling; and Michelle Harvey, Turning Point House Case Manager, shared her passion for holistic care with aromatherapy bracelets. Many moments of joy and movement brought a different side to recovery. We had an obstacle course bounce house that drew laughter and friendly competition as residents and staff raced through the inflatable challenge. This showed that healing and play could happen at the same time.

Danyel Brewer, Registered Dietitian & Lactation Consultant

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK!

Behind the scenes, Kari Foster, Director of Kitchen Operations, coordinated a community-style potluck for the day. Each site pitched in, and the culinary specialists prepared a menu item, which included wraps, pasta salad, vegetables, fruit, and desserts. Transportation is often a challenge with organizational-wide events, but the sites’ Program Managers made sure their residents could attend. Turning Point rented a bus, Somerset and Madonna House collaborated, and some staff members even volunteered to drive. Libby emphasized how meaningful it was to see the staff pull together to make the event accessible to everyone.

Alyssa Lauck, Caz Administrative Assistant

THE POWER OF PLAY

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One resident shared in an email, “I loved everything about that day. Seeing my friends I haven’t seen in 14 months, and the animals, it was awesome. They had to drag me out. Thank you so much.” Residents and staff reconnected with people they had not seen in months and formed new bonds along the way. The day was packed with camaraderie and connections. Staff members got a chance to meet colleagues in person for the first time who they’ve only met on Zoom previously.  Libby also noted that for many residents, this event offered the rare experience of having fun without substances. Time and time again, residents told her they were surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves.

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead, Libby plans to host another Wellness Day in the fall in Erie County.  While the activities may change, the purpose remains the same, and the goal of bringing people together in celebration of healing and recovery continues. Lindsay Herndon, Caz CEO, called Wellness Day a resounding success and is committed to making it an annual event. Lindsay plans to invite board members next time to witness the impact firsthand. Libby and the events committee are already imagining how to expand and deepen the experience in the years to come.