The Program That Gave Me My Life Back

When Victoria walks into her Enhance®Fitness class at El Rio Neighborhood Center, she walks into more than a workout. She walks into a safe space—one she didn’t think she’d ever find again.

“I am a survivor of a violent crime,” she shared. “My PTSD prevents me from many things such as walking around the block, walking a track in a public park and sometimes getting out of my house in general without feeling anxious or fearful.”

Victoria has lived with PTSD and major depression for decades. After retiring from 15 years of teaching and losing her husband in 2018, she found herself feeling more isolated than ever before.

Like many women, she had spent years putting others first—her daughters, her students, and her husband. “I certainly [neglected my own self-care] while I raised my two daughters, while I completed my education, taught full-time for 15 years, and while my late husband struggled with his health until his death in 2018.”

That changed when her sister invited her to join EnhanceFitness.

Together, the two women began attending regularly. What started as an attempt to improve her physical health became a source of connection and healing. As Victoria wrote, “EnhanceFitness fulfills my Therapist and Physician’s recommendations, it gives me a sense of belonging and fellowship that I can look forward to each week.”

Today, she attends classes two to three times per week, joins Chair Yoga, and connects with her phone counselor every two weeks—all steps she takes to preserve her mental health and cognitive ability.

Victoria’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake—and why your generosity is essential. With your support, we can protect the programs that help older adults stay healthy, connected, and independent.