CAMPUS GROUP LOSES WEIGHT AND BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Campus Forms Weight Watchers Group and Results Go Beyond Losing Pounds

Employees of nonprofits in the human services sector often wear many hats and work many hours in fulfilling their missions to serve those in need. Self-care is touted as critical, but is seldom realized to the extent that it’s needed. As Executive Director & CEO of The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Dr. Kameron Hodgens realized something had to give last spring.

After a season of attending many meal-heavy fundraisers in support of the nonprofit community and beyond, while simultaneously running a five-acre campus of 20 agencies – and raising a 3-year-old daughter – Hodgens decided to prioritize her health by starting a Weight Watchers group at work and asking her campus colleagues to join in. The group has successfully met once a week for the past year and has collectively dropped over 700 lbs. Providing support, discussing health goals, holding each other accountable, all with lots of laughter, the group has collectively had wonderful results that go beyond losing weight.

“The Center’s reason for existing is largely about bringing people together. As a group, I believe we’ve bonded by sharing a common goal beyond helping others. We share a sense of having each other’s backs. That trust goes a long way in learning how we can work together,” says Dr. Hodgens, “It’s been gratifying to see how self-care and serving those in need go hand-in-hand.”