Flex Foundation expands access to yoga in community

As owner of Flex Yoga Wooster and Wellness Center and founder of The Flex Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), Emily Mariola (formerly Moorefield) is no stranger to the Wayne County community. Mariola spent her childhood years in Shreve and attended Triway Local Schools and The College of Wooster.

She currently holds a 1,000-hour yoga teacher certification, which represents a long journey from teaching a group of yoga enthusiasts at Legacy Gym Wooster (formerly Durniat Strength) almost 20 years ago. Flex Yoga Wooster officially opened its doors on South Market Street in 2014.

For over a decade, Flex Yoga Wooster has taught yoga classes to individuals in OneEighty’s recovery program. Mariola noticed that when those involved in the program exited, they often did not have the financial resources to continue some services including yoga.

The Flex Foundation Inc. was inspired by the need to bridge the gap for these clients, allowing them access to yoga, which can be essential support in their recovery. Officially established as a 501(c)(3) in 2024, the mission of The Flex Foundation is to make the benefits of yoga, fitness and meditation accessible to everyone in the community. Mariola worked with the foundation's other board members — Melissa Schultz, Elissa Myers, Tim Doerfler, Michael McClintock, Anna Duke and Sean Hammond — to shape this idea into a reality.

Scholarships through the foundation are offered to remove cost as a barrier to care, allowing more individuals in the community the opportunity to experience the healing, strengthening and community-building benefits of yoga. The foundation believes participating in a wellness-centered community adds another layer to the physical and mental benefits of yoga by creating an environment that fosters encouragement, accountability and social belonging, all of which are linked to better mental well-being and healthier habits.

The foundation currently funds eight scholarship recipients to practice yoga at the studio. Flex Yoga and the foundation, looking to the future, would be grateful to extend the benefits of yoga to other members of the community such as law enforcement, social workers and first responders.

Staff at Flex Yoga are eager to participate in the foundation’s work. Mariola and several other Flex Yoga teachers have completed additional training, allowing them to offer a trauma-informed practice to Flex’s clients, ensuring classes feel safe and welcoming to all.

One current instructor at Flex found a love for yoga while completing a recovery program at OneEighty. This instructor was inspired to complete teacher training and now regularly works with Flex’s nonprofit clients.

Flex Yoga currently offers three classes per week in partnership with OneEighty and two classes per week to youth at The Village Network. Flex also has partnered with O’Huddle, Wayne Center for the Arts, Whit’s End and Catholic Charities.

Extending involvement with the community, Flex offers occasional special classes and workshops for teachers and health care providers. Certain weekly classes at the studio including the Saturday kids yoga class are donation-based, making them affordable for all participants.

Mariola knows yoga can be intimidating for those who have never practiced. One-on-one introductory sessions can be scheduled at Flex Yoga, allowing an individual to meet with a staff member, tour the studio and discuss all the classes offered to figure out which classes would be the most beneficial.

All Flex’s teachers are highly trained, dedicated and thoughtful about creating an inclusive environment where each community member can feel at ease and supported.

Flex Yoga is holding a Mother’s Day fundraiser now through May 9 to benefit The Flex Foundation. Ten individual winners will receive a $50 gift card for City Square Steakhouse for a Saturday brunch. One winner will receive a private yoga class at Flex Yoga, followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres in the new wine cellar at City Square, and one winner will receive a custom six-piece dinner set from Stonehouse Pottery. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the studio or on the Flex Yoga website.

To sign up for a first class, schedule a one-on-one session, explore the options of Flex’s Wellness Suite or learn how to donate to The Flex Foundation, visit www.flexyogawooster.com or find it on Facebook or Instagram.

Editor's note: This is part of a recurring series highlighting local people and businesses doing good in the community and beyond. Story ideas may be submitted to jogullifer@icloud.com.