![]() ![]() “We can’t underestimate the importance of having a social network. “Someone who can find you a job or give you a ride to a job interview,” Johnson said. It’s the easiest way to make connections, and develop relationships and friendships. “You’re not coming with many resources, and you don’t know the language.” “Can you imagine going to a completely new country with just the clothes on your back?” Johnson said. These are two keys to success for the refugee community, he explained. He has watched people who are new to the United States integrate and make valuable friendships in his community. ![]() But just as important, he says, are the community connections they’re making. These are things like fitness performance data and nutrition. There are natural improvements that happen when people start CrossFit. Through running a non-profit gym, Johnson gets to witness several benefits for his members. In addition, there’s an after-school program twice a week for teen boys, mostly refugees from Afghanistan, Myanmar and Tanzania. So this has been a really cool opportunity to create something that is not just financially, but also culturally accessible to them.”ĬrossFit Liminal also offers a refugee youth program for elementary and middle school children. Some don’t even know how to write in their own language. Johnson continued, “For a lot of them, there are language barriers. ![]() “And there wasn’t anything like that in the city.”Ĭurrently, about 20 to 25 women attend this class three days a week. “They wanted to workout, but they needed an all women’s environment,” he said. While some of his adult refugee clients are regular members of the community, Johnson created a separate course for Afghan women refugees. These programs are funded by donations and other fundraising efforts. The other 25 percent are largely refugees that are part of subsidized or scholarship programs. Approximately 75 percent pay market price for their membership. Running A Non-Profit Gym With Group Classes And Specialty Programs.Ĭurrently, Johnson’s gym has about 100 members. His non-profit affiliate funds multiple programs for the various groups of refugees that have resettled there. Today, Johnson is running a non-profit gym called CrossFit Liminal in Clarkston, GA. Group class at CrossFit Liminal in Clarkstown, GA. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |