ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Carilion Wellness Roanoke donated strength equipment to help Roanoke Rescue Mission residents and guests stay fit.
The 18 pieces will be separated between the men and women's facilities. The donation comes as Carilion Wellness is replacing its equipment.
Instead of selling it to another gym, staff members decided to help those in need.
"We have some participants that have unhealthy behaviors that we really want them to change. And one of the things that we push is change the bad behavior for new," said Helen Ferguson, the chief program officer with the Roanoke Rescue Mission.
"We want to have a wellness program that gives people more than just strength. We can help them with morale, self-esteem and getting back on their feet," said Bud Grey, the vice president of wellness at the Carilion Clinic.
The YMCA of the Roanoke Valley will offer monthly training sessions, screenings and educational programs to the rescue mission.