SHAPES Fitness for Women Raises Funds to Assist Abused and Neglected Children, Families in Need

Women-only members gym offers helping hand to Arrow Child & Family Ministries

Spring, TX (November 8, 2019) – “Tis the season,” according to Vanessa Hall, Owner and General Manager of SHAPES Fitness for Women (SHAPES), a 6,670-square-foot women’s-only members gym in Spring, Texas.

SHAPES opened for business in late March 2019 and the “season” Hall referenced is its bimonthly fundraising efforts among staff and gym members to support local charities and causes. From November 1 to mid-December, SHAPES is raising funds to present in a check to Arrow Child & Family Ministries (Arrow).

Arrow provides child welfare and education services for abused and neglected children and families in crisis. According to their website, their services and programs impact more than 4,000 children, teens and families every year. Founded in 1992, Arrow assists with foster care and adoption, provides health services, combats child sex trafficking, and does much more.

“I cannot properly articulate what it means to us to be able to reach out and help worthwhile local organizations,”
Hall said. “Yes, we are just starting out, but we want to establish good habits and be a good neighbor. What better way than to reach out and help others journeying alongside us and endeavoring to make a difference? Arrow Ministries is doing just that – they are making an amazing difference in the lives of families and children. “They bless my heart, and we want to bless them.”

SHAPES reaches out to its modest numbers of 200-plus members, publicizes the charity or organization and requests voluntary donations in addition to taking a percentage of its monthly profits and donating them to the chosen entity.

“Yes, we are ‘young,’ Hall said, “and we are trying to grow our business. People have said to me, ‘How can you afford to do this when you don’t have a full gym?’ My response is that we can’t afford not to do it.”

Hall said that when she started SHAPES, the intention was to go far beyond being a workout facility exclusively for women.

“We want to be very intentional in making an impact – we wouldn’t be here without standing on the shoulders of others,” Hall continued. “We want to let others stand on our shoulders as well.”

In September, SHAPES provided a financial donation to the Emergency Chaplain Group of Spring. In January 2020, Hall said they will select another organization and reach out to them with a measure of support as well.

SHAPES Spring is situated in an ideal location 20 miles north of downtown Houston and helps promote healthier lifestyles in the Spring, Klein, Tomball and The Woodlands,Texas, communities. Hall is fond of saying that the gym is committed to seeing women become healthy from the inside out, and the gym is, in her words, “very family-friendly.”

The new facility offers a variety of convenient health and fitness options for the community. Equipped with state-of-the-art strength equipment as well as cardio machines outfitted with personalized LCD television screens and iPod docking stations, the club features an infrared sauna, dressing areas with private showers, personal fitness training, more than 30 group exercise classes, outdoor walking classes, life classes, and other amenities.

The facility has a wide array of state-of-the-art Precor fitness equipment, featuring a Queenax functional fitness machine and certified instructors, plus a full parent-monitored Kids Zone that is available for kids from infancy to age 11.
“SHAPES is a great place for women in the community to get to know one another,” Hall said. “Healthy communities are communities that know each other,” Hall said, “and we believe right here is a great place to start. We want to be like the old Cheers television show – a place where everybody knows your name!”

SHAPES Spring’ hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. SHAPES is closed on Sundays “in order to allow staff and members to spend time with their families as well,” Hall said.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

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