An annual conference in Galesburg connects people to resources and local experts in all the different dimensions of wellness.
The Discover Wellness Summit started as an event for staff at Bridgeway, a non-profit that provides health and human services to people in need in west central Illinois.
It’s evolved into a free event for anyone interested.
“We have an age range from 18 to 65 plus that attend,” said Keri Dodson, Community Engagement Director for Bridgeway. “There are social service professionals and people that are just looking to better their wellness.”
This year’s Discover Wellness Summit is on Friday, Sept. 20 at Carl Sandburg College. The event includes breakfast, a wellness fair, breakout sessions, and two keynote speakers, Craig Zablocki and Alex Weber.
Dodson said the programming each year is tailored to the community’s needs.
“People ask for things that we can provide,” she said. “For example, this year, there’s more on the parenting front. We're also including more for senior care.”
Other topics include sleep and meditation, art therapy, health literacy, and body positivity.
Dodson said there are eight dimensions of wellness.
“The ones that most people think of are physical and spiritual, emotional, mental. But there are a few workshops we're including this year that kind of touch on the financial aspect of wellness,” she said. “We have one about decluttering your home and your finances. We’re trying to diversify so that we're connecting with the whole person, not just one dimension.”
The Discover Wellness Summit is now in its fourth year of being open to the public. Last year, 300 people attended – and there’s space for that many this year. Registration is open until filled, but Dodson said people should register by Sept. 6 if possible.
“I encourage those who haven't been before to try something new and step out of their comfort zone to learn how we can be better, how we can better our wellness overall,” she said.
Dodson said it’s possible to put on the event and make it free because of sponsorships, as well as partnerships with Sandburg and the Galesburg Community Foundation.
“There’s nothing quite like this, especially offered for free to community members. We draw from Peoria, Macomb, Kewanee, and beyond,” she said.
For more information, email discoverwellness@bway.org.
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