CONTACT: Vivian Kiggins
PHONE: (201) 644-7567
EMAIL: vkiggins@pushtowalknj.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 26, 2020
Oakland Based Non-Profit Continues to Assist Paralysis Community During Global Pandemic Closure
Oakland, NJ- Push to Walk, a local nonprofit that provides specialized workouts to individuals living with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis created a resource to assist clients and others with neurological mobility conditions while social distancing during the global pandemic.
Friday, March 13, 2020 Push to Walk, with the support of its Board of Trustees, made the decision to close for two weeks to help in the “flatten the curve” initiative and protect the organization’s clients and staff from potential exposure during the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. However, the organization’s reopening is now dependent on the mandate for gym closures, issued by Governor Murphy on March 17th, being lifted.
During this uncertain time, Push to Walk professional training staff has created and distributed a list of recommendations and exercises with demonstration videos to help their clients take care of themselves both mentally and physically during the closure. A continuation of routine is important for all individuals’ mental health and it is especially important for those with already limited mobility to remain as physically active as possible. Although, the resource does not compare to the one-on-one individualized training those with neurological mobility conditions experience at Push to Walk, the staff wanted to provide guidance and some resemblance of the non-profit’s program to its clients.
At this point the organization is requesting the local community and its existing supporters consider making a donation to help ensure its reopening and continued ability to provide services to the paralysis community in the future. “Our operations have come to a halt, fundraisers have been canceled and postponed, and our doors have been temporarily closed. We’re doing our best to continue to provide for our clients but need to call on our supporters to help us at a time when our organization needs it most,” says Executive Director, Vivian Kiggins.
For updates on the organization’s current status and donation opportunities, please visit the Push to Walk website: www.pushtowalknj.org. Checks can also be sent to Push to Walk at 100 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436. For more information, please contact Kate Wolfe at kwolfe@pushtowalknj.org.
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About Push to Walk
Founded in 2007, Push to Walk is an organization that provides individualized workouts and resources to people with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis to optimize current quality of life and to prepare for future medical advancements. It is the only program of its kind in the New York- New Jersey area. Push to Walk’s rigorous one-on-one workout approach challenges clients to reach their personal goals and achieve maximum independence, leading to greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Push to Walk is only able to cover about 65% of its operating costs through client fees and relies on grants and fundraising events to help make up the difference. A 501(C)3 non-profit, Push to Walk is located in Oakland, New Jersey. Visit www.pushtowalknj.org to learn more.
