Local Woman gets healthier through HOPS
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties, Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and the Muskingum Recreation Center joined together about a year and a half ago for the Healthy Outcomes Program also known as HOP to all the members.
It started with one vision
“I had a vision, because I really care deeply about that population and I had volunteered for the past three years at the Muskingum Valley Miracle League and I thought these people need something more, they need to work towards their healthy outcomes as well,” United Way’s Director of Resource Development, Katie McNeal said.
With McNeal having the capability to lead a Healthy Outcomes Program, McNeal just needed the support of United Way. So they could help those in Starlight.
“Zanesville has always supported us and the United Way has helped us out finding community resources that just gets our folks out there and gets them doing things like everyday people.”  Case Worker of MCBDD, Paul Mainini said.
Starlight started signing up people for HOP.
Photo By: Quay DeVoll
“I wanted to do it because I’d feel better for me,” said Barbara Gierard
Member of Healthy Outcomes Program.
“Yeah they pretty much told us about it here at Starlight and she wanted to do it,” said Melanie Gierard Barbara’s Guardian.
Barbara Gierard is one of the pilot members who has progressed throughout the year and a half and lost about 44 pounds.
“Some of the things that you will see with Barb today,” Beth Chapman,
Executive Director of Muskingum Recreation Center said, “She has done an exceptional job with her progress not only has she lost weight, lost Body Mass Index, but also her waist to hip ratio has improved. Which are all great indicators of health.”
Barbara is having fun in her land and water based HOP sessions, and now with the financial help she can participate in water Aerobics.
“Without the United Way Supporting and funding this program it wouldn’t  happen for us or for Barb’s friends from Starlight,” said Melanie Gierard. “We could not afford a membership here at the [Muskingum Recreation Center] or any place else really and we wouldn’t be able to afford the classes. So we are just really grateful.”
