Inspired by one of their own, Families Together revamps their gym and fitness program – Orange County Register

Jae Flores has always had an encouraging word to make people feel supported as they work to improve their health, a fun phrase to make lifestyle changes a little easier to remember.

So when Flores passed away suddenly in August, her loss was felt by patients and staff at the Families Together of Orange County community health center in Tustin.

He had been the center’s fitness trainer, running classes for members and helping them in their gym. He had started the program and built its popularity through his upbeat attitude, his colleagues said. He also extended his support for developing a healthy lifestyle to those he worked with, they said.

On Friday, after taking a few months to revamp the gym and program and find a new trainer, Families Together celebrated the opening of the gymnasium, which now has a plaque honoring Flores at the door, with a ceremony and a outdoor group training. .

Families Together provides free or low cost health care to the most underserved people in the community. Its health centers in Garden Grove and Tustin have at least 3,000 active patients, who have access to medical, dental, visual, mental health and fitness services.

Flores had helped Families Together CEO Alexander Rossel overcome his own health issues when Rossel invited him a few years ago to start the fitness program at the Tustin Center.

“Jae has made a difference and we will ensure that her legacy continues to change people’s lives,” Rossel said at the reopening ceremony Friday. “He had an impact on the lives of everyone in this organization.

The centre’s state-of-the-art gym and weight training program will be available free to hundreds of patients, officials at the non-profit health center said.

Families Together also offers nutrition and cooking classes through its wellness center to help people take better control of their health.