In January 2002, The Healthworks Foundation opened the Healthworks Foundation Fitness Center, in Dorchester, at the St. Mary’s Women and Children’s Center. Operating under the management of Healthworks Fitness Centers and a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, this 3,500 square foot, nonprofit fitness center is fully equipped with a complete line of cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment, and a group exercise studio.

Other services include: personal training and wellness coaching, nutrition counseling and support groups, pre- and post-natal fitness and education, teen appropriate fitness training, infant massage, boxing, kick boxing, strength training, and yoga.

Presently, the Center serves over 1,000 members. The Foundation Fitness Center serves homeless and low-income women and pregnant and parenting teens from St. Mary’s and the surrounding communities.

Memberships, referred to as scholarships, are available to women who meet one of the necessary requirements: on TAFDC, receiving WIC, single mother meeting a set financial requirement, unemployed while enrolled in an adult education or GED program, pregnant or parenting teenager, or a resident of a shelter, transitional home, or half-way house.