Women Empowered to End Disparities in Obesity (WEDO) is bringing together moms and other female caregivers in the Ferguson-Florissant, Normandy, and Riverview Gardens school districts to create positive and healthy changes in their homes.

Through free programs and events that support healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management behaviors the females in our program gain the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier choices for their families.  In addition, moms are engaged to facilitate healthy changes in their communities through advocacy and policy change. This is a program of the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities Initiative.

  • Learn Healthy Lifestyle Choices
  • Supports Healthy Eating
  • Engages Moms in the Community
  • Creates Change
  • Make New Friends
Want to learn more?

Kelly McGowan
Women Empowered to End Disparities in Obesity Director

Email Kelly

Moms and other female caregivers in the Ferguson-Florissant, Normandy, and Riverview Gardens school districts contact Kelly McGowan to find out how you can get involved, 314-521-1822, Ext. 37 or kelly.mcgowan@gwrymca.org

Some events might require registration through Eventbrite including WEDO Back Trap Yoga.

WEDO X Back Trap Yoga is held twice a month on one Saturday and one Tuesday evening/month.

  • Saturday morning session held at The Ambassador (9800 Halls Ferry Rd. - St. Louis, MO 63136)

  • Tuesday evening session held at the Emerson Family YMCA (3390 Pershall Rd. - Ferguson, MO 63135)

Women Slaying Wellness is held in the fall and spring.

  • Fall session held at Lewis & Clark Library (9909 Lewis & Clark  Blvd. - St. Louis, MO 63136)

  • ​​​​​Spring session held at Normandy High School (6701 St. Charles Rock Rd. - St. Louis, MO 63133)

WEDO X Back Trap Yoga

The eastern practice of unifying mind and body through yoga, partnered with the soul-stirring sounds of trap music is the essence of Back Trap Yoga. The heart of the practice is rooted in self-awakening and sonic energy. Serving up transformative vibes for the culture and moisturizing your soul. This hour-long experience is facilitated by Back Trap Yoga founder Brittany Hill.

Women Slaying Wellness

This 6-week program supports mothers and female caregivers in learning how to make their health a priority through the regular practice of healthy eating, physical and activity, and stress management behaviors. The sessions, which are typically held for two hours one weekday evening per week, are facilitated by North County moms.

Ferguson-Florissant School District
Normandy Schools Collaborative
Riverview Gardens School District
St. Louis County Library - Lewis & Clark Branch
Ferguson Public LIbrary
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

If your organization would like to get involved please complete the Letter of Program Interest and email to  Kelly McGowan, kelly.mcgowan@gwrymca.org.

Moms are engaged to facilitate healthy changes in their communities through advocacy and policy change.

Fitness Classes

The Y offers hundreds of free classes led by trained, responsive, and fun instructors. Try indoor cycling, BODYPUMP, yoga and pilates, water exercises, and more.
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Healthy School Healthy Communities

We bring together schools, community organizations, business, parents, and residents to identify and push for changes that increase access to healthy food and physical activity where our kids live, learn and play throughout communities in North St. Louis County.
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