Plainfield Park District Offers New Veterans Program

The Plainfield Park District is partnering with AllenForce to offer Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies (HMHB) to community veterans. The HMHB program matches injured or disabled veterans with an HMHB certified personal trainer to assist them in the transition from military to civilian life. The program strives to empower all veterans to live a healthy, active lifestyle through networked connection within their communities. This service assists veterans who are injured, ill or wounded through health, fitness training and social networking opportunities.

“This will be the first public/private partnership for the HMHB program,” said Donna Sebok of HMHB, “so we are setting the groundwork for other agencies that may not have their own fitness facilities and we are excited that the Plainfield Park District is a part of it with us.”

The sponsoring organizations assisting with the program are Hometown Fitness, located at 16108 S. Route 59, Suite 126, and MPG Fitness, located at 12337 S. Route 59, Suite 107. Both organizations have committed to the program by sending personal trainers to the HMHB two-day training program that covers issues that are specific to veterans and their needs. They will also provide each veteran with up to 15 personal training sessions and two one-year memberships for the veteran and a workout partner. 

According to the HMHB website, HMHB is for supporting veterans who are transitioning into civilian life or have been separated from the military for years but never received assistance with their transition. The services provided by HMHB are meeting a need formerly fulfilled by the military and fellow comrades through their assigned personal trainer simulating a “battle buddy” for them in the gym or taking part in fitness programs.

“I’m enthusiastic about this new program, said Cheryl Crisman, Plainfield Park District’s Superintendent of Recreation. “HMHB is a great way for us to reach out to individuals that deserve our gratitude and support.  Recreation is a great way to relieve stress, gain strength and self-confidence and connect with your community.”

If you would like more information about HMHB and how to qualify, go to healthymindshealthybodies.org or call the Plainfield Park District at (815) 436-8812. 

AllenForce is a not-for-profit organization that serves all veterans from all eras, bringing together veterans, families and communities in an effort to bridge military and civilian life.

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