Monday, October 11, 2021
Sarah Sullivan
Crim Fitness Foundation
Phone: 810.235.7461
Email: ssullivan@crim.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crim Launches New Mindfulness Program Focused on BIPOC Communities

Flint, MI- The Crim Fitness Foundation is focused on helping the community live healthier lives and a strong component of that is their industry-leading mindfulness work.  As the flagship Mindful City in the national effort, they are at the forefront of efforts to integrate mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and compassionate leadership into the fabric of our city by engaging leaders in the health, civic, business, community, and education sectors.

Part of this work has included training 18 Mindful Fellows to help bring mindfulness out into the community.  These are community leaders that see the value of having a regular mindful practice and have made the commitment to their community to help them live a healthier life.

One thing that has been lifted through their work is that the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community is underrepresented within the mindfulness field. "I find that many people of color don't understand the practice and think it isn't for them," explained Mindful Fellow, Shonda Jack. "They don't know that there are local, relevant resources available right here in Flint." However, she has seen firsthand what can happen when you have a strong mindful practice.  

The Crim Fitness Foundation, along with the help of the Mindful Fellows such as Shonda is working to change this feeling in the BIPOC community by offering programming and outreach to help demonstrate the resources and how they can help. Shonda shared "I love being able to be a representative for this work because I feel like I can connect with the BIPOC community."

Every Wednesday Canisha Bell, Community Outreach and Engagement Lead at the Crim Fitness Foundation will be hosting a BIPOC Midweek Inspo mindfulness event geared towards creating a welcoming and comfortable space for those in the BIPOC community to gather and learn the tools of mindfulness.  "I am excited about this series of events.  Mindfulness is for everyone and it is for us too," shared Canisha.

The program kicked off last week with much success.  A group of 15 BIPOC community members came together and created a space to learn, practice, and build community together.  The BIPOC Mid-Week Inspo class will be held every Wednesday from 12:00-12:30 pm.  For more information and to register, please click here.

About the Crim
The Crim Fitness Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, cultivates accessible, vibrant communities in Flint and Genesee County that encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles by integrating physical activity, healthy eating, and mindfulness into their daily lives and mentors other communities to do the same. The Crim uses events, programs, and policy, systems, and environmental changes to transform the community. Year-round programs include races and events, training programs, mindfulness training for youth and adults, community gardens, nutrition education, and advocacy. In addition, the Crim serves as the lead agency of Flint's Community Education Initiative. For more information, visit www.crim.org.