WHAT'S OUR IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY
Our fitness and wellness programs have had a positive impact on countless lives, helping to increase the quality of life for many people. Hearing impact stories from our members is one of the best parts of our job. We love hearing how our programs have helped people to improve their physical and mental wellness. Our members have reported increased energy, better sleep, improved mood, and weight loss. We are proud to be part of their journey to a healthier and happier life.
What finding ORISHA has meant to me
The Open-door policy allows me to come and go as I please. And when I do show up, I’m greeted as if my presence is appreciated. I am not shamed for being MIA.
ORISHA promotes respect on so many levels. Having the freedom to participate in various activities of different skill levels allows me to zone in on my comfort zone some days as well as push me out of my comfort zone some days. Doing what is familiar and safe is good but what a feeling when I ace something new and challenging -AKA- LINE DANCING. I have two left feet and trouble following directions. But oh, the comrade I feel from ORISHA instructors and participant is enough to get me through the cha cha slide as well as the Chicago slide with my two left feet and horrible sense of direction!
I don’t feel lonely when I am with ORISHA. ORISHA prompts inclusion. Although I come from a large family, I still sometimes feel lonely or long to be part of a group that shares my fitness, physical activity and social needs and concerns. ORISHA promotes an environment where I feel the culture offers a mix of people who I can exercise together with doing physical activities and socializing with in a manner that suit me.
ORISHA shuts shaming down! I am free to come as I am. I feel free to make as much or as little noise as I want. I can choose to do as much or as little as I am comfortable with! No shaming here!
ORISHA use dance, fitness, wellness activities as well as economic and nutritional education to promote health, happiness and healing.
I’ve had my share of Aha moments because of ORISHA. Yes, working together everyone achieved more. There is strength in unity. And of course, there’s no I in TEAM. But thankfully there’s and A in ORISHA and I’m thankful for all the aha moments that I’ve experienced and will experience as a past, present and future participant.
In finding ORISHA, I HAVE FOUND A BETTER VERSION OF me.
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Julie Nelson
I've always tried to balance my work, personal life and family.
But, as my family circle was getting smaller for various reasons, I was reverting back to the couch and not fully embracing what Orisha Wholeness did.
This year, I decided to embrace as many activities, that my schedule will allow and I enjoyed every moment.
Orisha Wholeness is now part of my circle and I look forward to the weekly calendar.
Orisha Wholeness makes me feel like a kid in a candy store with $100 to spend. It has created a sense of belonging, friendship and fun for me.
Willett Nanton
I am still on my journey of self Love and Health. I take comparison pictures just as a reminder why I need to continue working on me. I have to thank NYC Parks for they available programs that help and @orishawholeness who has become a major part of the new me. The support they provide is truly appreciated and amazing. They for fill the soul, body and mind. Turning 50 in a lil over a month and feeling amazing.
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Cynthia Roman
Yesterday’s line dancing class was Lit! With every step and movement, I felt my spirits lift and my sense of self-confidence soar as I practiced new line dances, believing that the best is yet to come.
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Theresa Parris
Line dancing will always be a challenge for me. I know now it’s like anything else you do. You have to work at it but also have fun.
On Sept. 17th 2023 at Union Baptist Church was my introduction to line dance. I watched the ladies turning to the right,then to the left sliding up and down. This was really mind blowing. All I could say to myself was wow.
I wanted to remember my first experience with Orisha so I bought a red Orisha
T Shirt and 3 raffle tickets. To my surprise I won first place.
I figured if I was lucky enough to win something, I should at least give the line dance class a try.
I started attending class . Everyone would say if you mess up catch up. Well I was messing up a lot.Wow !
Did I get discourage most definitely.
I stayed in the back of the class so no one would notice how bad I was., however people would come me and help me with the steps.
I found out quickly if you don’t practice the longer it would take you to learn the steps .
I now know when I get on the dance floor someone is always willing to help me. I believe sometimes they have more patience than me.
I thought Orisha was just about line dancing but I forgot the name is Orisha Wholeness.
The organization likes to give back to the community, with financial literacy programs,health education, dance fitness whether it’s line dancing Zumba or Salsa.
Orisha is a large family that goes on social outings as well.
The Executive Board works really hard and I can’t thank them enough.
I may never master half of the dances in the line dance repertoire but I will master the ones I like and have fun dancing.
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Michelle Holder