In February 2008, the crew broke ground for the second non-profit fitness center in Codman Square, Dorchester, MA.  This new location will specifically target the fitness needs of children as well as continue to meet the needs of women and children. The Codman Square Fitness Center will rival any upscale facility.

BUILDING A NEW CENTER FOR HOPE AND EMPOWERMENT
Recognizing that to deal with residents’ penchant for living unhealthy lifestyles would require a partnership with an organization that knows how to provide fitness services, DotWell approached The Healthworks Foundation, and the two organizations developed a plan to build a 9,000 square foot facility to offer fitness programs to the residents of Dorchester. The Healthworks Foundation has a proven model of success with its Dorchester club in successful operation for over 5 years. The space is a Codman Square Health Center-owned facility, 450 Washington Street (formerly a courthouse) on the corner of two major Dorchester roads - Washington Street and Park Street. The health center also owns a large parking lot immediately across the street from the facility.

The cost for the construction project is estimated at $575,000, of which some has already been raised. Once built, the facility will be operated by The Healthworks Foundation with strong relationships to the two health centers. Healthworks will donate 1.25% of its membership dues to fund the day-to-day operations.


THE CODMAN FACILITY
The 9,000 square foot facility will include a 2,500 square foot youth center with interactive fitness equipment, strength training equipment, and educational programs for youth. There will be a women’s fitness club with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, and two studios for spinning, yoga and group classes. Space is allocated for a kitchen for cooking classes, which will be built after the club opens.

OUR GOAL
The goal of the facility will be to improve the fitness level of Dorchester residents - both adults and children, healthy and unhealthy, and fit and unfit. By giving opportunities for both the well and unwell to participate in regular, low cost fitness programs, it is hoped that people in poor health will improve and those in good health will be able to develop a life-long fitness plan.

This will be done through:

• Free/low cost exercise programs

• Special exercise programs for residents with diabetes and other chronic diseases

• Work with local schools to create opportunities for school children to use the facility

• Work with local community youth groups to create fitness opportunities in after-school programs.