Donated fitness equipment gives incarcerated youth new career opportunity
Salem Health and Exercise Equipment Northwest donated more than a dozen exercise machines to the Oregon Youth Authority. The OYA does not have an allocated budget for exercise equipment.
The machines were formerly located in the fitness center at Salem Hospital until they were upgraded. They ended up at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. Incarcerated youth now use the machines inside the Plaza Fitness Center.
Several youth enrolled in a new program that offers them the opportunity to become certified personal trainers. The goal is to give the youth a pathway to creating a viable career and healthy, meaningful lifestyle when they are released from the facility.