Health & Fitness
The evidence is clear: places like FWRC don’t just improve physical health — they are essential infrastructure for mental and social wellbeing. And we believe that taking care of your body shouldn’t require a long drive or expensive membership. At FWRC, we bring health and wellness programming right to the heart of the upper valley.
Our yoga classes are held every Tuesday at 6:30pm open to all levels — from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Thanks to support from the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation, we improved our equipment and are working with SEARHC’s Wise Woman program to increase offerings to serve more community members and help everyone move, breathe, and feel their best.
WELLNESS AND SOCIAL CONNECTION
The evidence is clear: places like FWRC don’t just improve physical health — they are essential infrastructure for mental and social wellbeing. Research on third places — spaces beyond home and school where community life happens — consistently demonstrates that access to a staffed gathering place reduces social isolation, lowers depression and anxiety risk, and supports chronic disease prevention through structured physical activity and intergenerational interaction. The Urban Institute has documented that access to recreational spaces and trusted community facilities is associated with more positive feelings about community, improved health behaviors, and reduced loneliness — outcomes that are especially pronounced for low-income and rural residents who have fewer alternatives.
FWRC’s wellness and social connection programming directly implements these evidence-based benefits: expanding fitness classes, educational workshops, intergenerational events, and programming for residents at risk of social isolation. Our annual Gear Swap and Outdoor Gear Lending Library ensure these opportunities are available to residents across all income levels. Programming is formally coordinated with SAIL (Southeast Alaska Independent Living) for highway-corridor clients.
If you are a highway-corridor resident who needs help getting to FWRC programs, medical appointments, or essential services — we are developing a ride-coordination program in partnership with SAIL, SEARHC, and Haines Senior Services, including plans to acquire a community van for reliable quarterly commodity food runs from Juneau. Contact us to learn more or express interest.