Fitness center partners with Stepping Stones

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    Exercise, exercise! That’s what it is all about at County Girl Fitness on North Street. If you feel good about yourself then you have a more positive attitude. This is what Heidi Fitzpatrick sees happening to the five new clients she has. County Girl Fitness, owned and operated by Fitzpatrick has provided three-month memberships to young mothers residing at Stepping Stones.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photograph/Karen Donato
COUNTY GIRL FITNESS ASSISTS YOUNG MOTHERS — Heidi Fitzpatrick, owner of County Girl Fitness provided five young mothers with three month memberships to her exercise facility on North Street. Participating in the workout, from left: Jessica Dearborn, Crystal O’Bar, Hilary Bickford, Liz Dauphinee and Kayla Moody.
    “The classes provide an opportunity to help the mothers get back in shape and enhance their self-image,” said Fitzpatrick. “The girls were reluctant at first and didn’t seem that interested in the classes. However, as they realized the benefits of the exercise, and how interested fitness assistant, Ellie Hagerman and I were in their progress, their motivation increased.”
    Fitzpatrick feels that with the positive support at this time in their lives it helps them become stronger individuals, more able to cope with life’s challenges.
    Fitzpatrick teaches the girls how to exercise properly without risking injury. They also learn stress relief techniques.
    Kristen Fitzherbert, community integration manager for Stepping Stones accompanies the mothers to their exercise classes.
    She said, “ A goal of Stepping Stones is to educate the young mothers and provide opportunities for them to gain self-respect. The exercise class leads to positive self-image. The Stepping Stones management is very appreciative of this opportunity given to them by County Girl Fitness. Their resources are limited, so any time a community business will partner with them, it is a great asset.”
    Stepping Stones offers other classes such as: dressing for success, learning how to make a budget, and utilizing a newspaper to plan activities and connect to the local community. They practice employment skills, building resumes and how to improve their interviewing skills.
    Stepping Stones is a licensed child residential facility that serves pregnant and parenting young mothers. “Its mission is to provide a safe environment for homeless and run away youth who are pregnant and/or parenting. They strive to provide training for them to attain essential life skills that lead to healthy independent living free from government assistance.”
    While the mothers are learning life-long skills, the children are also being enriched with programs appropriate for their age level and development.
    Stepping Stones always needs volunteers and contributions. Your donations may be monetary, clothing for the mothers or baby clothes and toys in good condition. Household items are also appreciated. All donations are tax deductible. For more information call 532-6689, 1-800-287-9358 or contact@stepstones4youth.org.