“I am currently working as a Registered Nurse at Central Vermont Medical Center while I pursue my Doctorate of Nursing Practice at UVM in order to become a Nurse Practitioner.
I first heard of the Housing First model in a public health class. I appreciate that Pathways Vermont seeks to understand the unique needs of the individuals that they work with in order to create pathways to housing, connection, and choice. It is my hope to empower my future patients similarly, the practice of meeting people where they are is so important in healthcare.
I became involved with Pathways Vermont after teaching a donation-based yoga class for Lululemon last summer.
The wrap-around services that Pathways Vermont provides individuals is an inspiring and vital resource in our community for individuals experiencing mental health and other life challenges. Through the shared practice of yoga I am proud and honored to be able to serve the Pathways Vermont community.
The yoga program at Pathways Vermont Community Center (PVCC) was developed out of a need to provide community members access to a safe, accessible, and non-judgemental space to cultivate resilience through the practices of yoga and mindfulness. Born through a partnership with Lululemon’s Here To Be social impact program, classes in this space uphold the mission to create access to yoga and meditation across social, physical, and economic barriers. The goal of this space is to create an environment where everyone feels included and welcome.
It is my hope that the Pathways Vermont Yoga Program will provide people with increased access to the practice of yoga and mindfulness. I hope that people leave class feeling more at ease and connected, not only to their breath but their community too.
I think yoga at its core is an inclusive practice because the principle purpose of practicing yoga is to cultivate compassion and understanding for ourselves and others as we are all a part of the same whole. However, I can see how the studio setting can be intimidating. In our society there tends to be a lot of emphasis on the physical practice. Our mission for the PVCC yoga program is to create an open-hearted and accessible space for the exploration of the practices of mindfulness and yoga to all members of our community.” – Maggie Jones