You probably don’t think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a good thing. And indeed, it caused many negative things: deaths and hospitalizations, disruptions to our nation’s and the world’s supply chain of food and essential services and products like building supplies, business and restaurant closings...
But the pandemic also brought about some beneficial changes, such as advances in remote communications and other technologies allowing employees to work full or part time from home, hold virtual business meetings, and teach public school and college classes wholly or partially online.
As the pandemic stretched out over the ensuing months, we came to realize—in a real-world way rather than just intellectually—that humans were not meant for prolonged isolation. We’re social animals. We need to share our thoughts and feelings with others while looking each other in the eye, to exchange hugs and kisses, to celebrate milestones like birthdays and anniversaries in a communal setting. Children who don’t attend school in-person may experience delays in critical social and emotional learning and/or experience difficulties learning in a virtual format.
As food, energy and health care costs rose, it also became apparent that the nation, states and local communities lacked a system robust enough to care for its most vulnerable citizens: those in minimum-wage jobs, the elderly and those with disabilities on fixed incomes, individuals and families facing major health care costs with no or too little health insurance.
In 2020, as the pandemic held its grip on the nation and world, a visionary group of community leaders here in Cleveland County expanded on work begun in 2017 to meet the evolving needs of the community; a key part of the plan was the creation of an inclusive space where meaningful connections, education and community services could be forged.
As they worked to include this vision in the Cleveland County Master Plan, they met with various groups across the nation representing virtually all segments of the population to determine the community’s strengths and weaknesses. To determine where needs are not being met, but also to identify ways to enrich this place we call home.
And on Nov. 12, 2021, the Cleveland County Wellness Square—aka “The Well”—opened in the heart of downtown Norman. This multi-purpose community center, born out of a growing need for community connectedness, further illuminated by the pandemic and a key part of the master plan, offers health and cultural programming and services for all ages, all income levels, all interests, all walks of life. A space that is truly for everyone.
“The pandemic illuminated the vision that had begun taking shape years prior,” explains Mary Bixler, communications coordinator of the Cleveland County Health Department, which operates the hub in partnership with the Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners.
“The Well was truly a vision before its time. Ironically, the isolation that we experienced during the pandemic highlighted the need for intentional programming that would draw the community together,” Mary said. “Organizers envisioned a space that would help make the residents of Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest they can be.
“Lessons from the pandemic brought us back to looking at things that really matter,” she added. “For example, the pandemic caused serious and long-lasting supply chain breakdowns nationally and globally—but while problematic, it forced us to look at the benefits of purchasing food locally, and in so doing, we’re supporting our farmers and giving the local economy a boost. With the movement of the Norman Farm Market to The Well from the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, we can further actualize the vision of this project through increased accessibility of nutritious foods, nutrition information and education, healthy lifestyle and behavior change initiatives—all while convening together as a community and supporting one another.”
To keep relevant and to meet the changing needs of the community, The Well periodically adds and changes programming. On Jan. 9, Mary noted, The Well will launch A Way to Wellness: Lifestyle Change Program, a free, nine-week educational program adapted from a state health department program focusing on diabetes management and prevention. A Way to Wellness has been expanded to interest anyone looking for information and a support system on a range of health issues.
It's All Happening at The Well
Community services
· Veterans’ Services
· Norman Farm Market
· Health At The Well – a program supported by Norman Regional Health System
· Resource fairs with booths staffed by members of several local nonprofits, such as Transition House and Red Dirt Collective
Classes and educational offerings
· Physical fitness classes
· Cardio Kickboxing
· Yoga
· Zumba
· Tai Chi
· Dance (mobility-limited dance classes available)
· Meditation
· Breathwork
· Beginners Pilates
Nutrition
· Cooking classes in collaboration with Mid-America Tech Center and the Moore-Norman Technology Center
· Meal planning
· Cooking & nutrition education
· Diabetes prevention and education series
Healthy lifestyle classes
· Financial wellness
· Financial planning/budgeting
· Estate planning
· Retirement & Medicaid
· Home buying
General education & classes
· Adult art classes
· Professional Skills
· Support groups
· Recreational activities and classes, including knitting, quilting, journaling, board games, and biking and pedestrian safety events
Kids' activities
· Painting classes
· Martial arts
· Just 4 Kids monthly event in collaboration with the Norman Arts Council’s 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk
· Power of Produce monthly event in collaboration with the Norman Farm Market
Want to learn more?
Visit TheWellOK.org/all-classes/ for a listing of classes.
The Well features an app for iPhones and Androids; to easily sign up for classes, visit the website listed above.
Follow The Well on Social Media! @thewelloklahoma