SSM Health has awarded a $4,000 Community Health funding gift to the City of Ripon Parks and Recreation Department to support its Chair Yoga program, helping expand access to physical activity, social connection and wellness opportunities for community members.

The funding will help offset the cost of offering Chair Yoga classes led by Tracy Mathias, owner and instructor of Lotus Roots Yoga in downtown Ripon. Chair Yoga is a fully seated class designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and overall well-being while remaining accessible for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions or those seeking a low-impact form of exercise. The program is part of Ripon Parks and Recreation’s broader Community Yoga initiative.

“SSM Health is committed to improving health beyond the walls of our hospitals by supporting programs that help people stay active, connected and healthy in their own communities,” according to Laura Nakielski, SSM Health Community Health manager. “Chair Yoga provides a welcoming and inclusive opportunity for people of varying abilities to improve their physical and mental well-being. We are proud to partner with the City of Ripon Parks and Recreation Department to make these classes more accessible and affordable for area residents.”

Community health funding supports programs that address identified health needs, including health care access, mental health, and social determinants of health. The community Chair Yoga program helps achieve those goals by providing a safe and affordable environment for physical activity while encouraging social interaction and reducing barriers to participation.

Ashton Zeien, director of the City of Ripon Parks and Recreation Department, says the funding will help the department continue offering a program that has become an important resource for participants.

“We are grateful to SSM Health for investing in the health and well-being of our community,” Zeien says. “Chair Yoga has been especially valuable for older adults and individuals looking for a gentle way to stay active. Participants consistently tell us the program helps improve their flexibility, balance, and overall quality of life while also providing meaningful social connections. This gift will help ensure we can continue providing those benefits to community members.”

Participant feedback from previous classes highlights the positive impact of the program, with attendees reporting improvements in strength, balance, flexibility, mobility, and social engagement. Others have noted the program helped them return to physical activity following medical procedures or health challenges and provided a low-cost opportunity to improve their health.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Ripon Parks and Recreation Department has served approximately 1,900 registered participants through programs and activities designed to enhance health, wellness and quality of life throughout the community.

SSM Health has awarded a $4,000 Community Health funding gift to the City of Ripon Parks and Recreation Department to support its Chair Yoga program. The Chair Yoga program was represented by (left to right) Ashton Zeien, Ripon Parks and Recreation Department director, Anne Flasch, Grace Matson, Dianne Reichter, Ann Krueger, Barb Kenney, Mary Mellenthin and Tracy Matthias, yoga instructor.

Date posted: July 28, 2026