Healthy living is one of the five core principles at Journey Home East’s step-down program for young women ages 16-21. Learning how to take care of oneself both physically and emotionally is integral to the life coaching that residents receive at the program. As part of Journey Home’s commitment to holistic therapy, Mary Bolgan has joined the team as Fitness Coordinator, responsible for planning and leading workouts and outdoor activities for residents.

Mary is excited to combine her love of fitness and mental health in her new role as Fitness Coordinator at Journey Home. Mary received her bachelor’s degree in public health with a minor in psychology from the University of South Carolina in 2017. She was a member of USC’s varsity swim team during her freshman year, and, following her retirement from swimming, she took an interest in distance running. Mary has recently found a passion for weightlifting and functional fitness, which led to her becoming a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine this past February.

Mary has always had a passion for the mental health field and started working at Journey Home’s sister program, Solstice East, in March. Working at Solstice has inspired Mary to go back to school this fall to pursue her master’s degree in social work. Being an active member of the Asheville recovery community herself, Mary is passionate about helping others incorporate fitness into their recovery; rediscovering her love of fitness has played a key role in her own recovery.

“We are so grateful for Mary’s expertise regarding the intersection of fitness and mental health, and we are excited to see the impact she has on our in-house wellness programming,” says Journey Home East Program Director, Kaitlyn Keller. “Adopting a healthier overall lifestyle gives our students the tools to prepare them to deal with various stressors. Exercise is a great way for residents to connect, explore their interests, and recognize their strengths.”

About Journey Home East

Journey Home East is a transitional living program serving females ages 16-21 in the artistic semi-urban community of downtown Asheville, NC. We provide around the clock structure and support for young women learning everyday skills in preparation for real-world living. Our residential program, led by a team of experienced and compassionate professionals, assists residents with all aspects of daily life including budgeting and financial planning; managing free time and electronic device consumption; relationship building and growing boundaries; health, hygiene, and personal safety; applying for jobs; school studies; shopping for groceries and cooking meals; and more. Clients enrolling at Journey Home East have had previous therapeutic placement and require transitional housing prior to independence. We provide all residents with continued therapeutic support to assist them on their life journey.