Active|Resolute|Connected

ARC helps women like Sade Burrell make STRIDES in their running journey in order to live vibrant, healthy and empowered lives. When Sade Burrell (who is a former foster youth) was accepted to ARC, she felt she had no support or direction in her health journey and she was looking for answers. In her running journey through ARC, Sade shared that “as a mother of two, running has saved me through my health. My grandma died of heart disease at 46 and my cousin died in July of 2020 at the age of 38. I run now because I want to live.  I cannot thank ARC enough for what you all are doing." ARC gave Sade the tools she needed to nourish her mind, body and spirit.  She was able to develop confidence in her abilities.  She is pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and is mentoring former foster youth.  ARC’s program helped Sade make real strides in her life.  We want to empower more women just like Sade to live a life they love and affect positive change in this world.

Every woman deserves the opportunity to make strides towards her personal goals. ARC Participant, Natalie, shares how ARC has helped her make strides towards believing in her own strength. Natalie is a mother of twins and an educational assistant who works with special needs and behavioral students. She always wanted to run a half marathon but stopped many times.   She thought “I was never a real runner. I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t fast enough, strong enough I didn’t have the runner's body.” ARC helped build Natalie’s confidence in her running and her strength (both mentally and physically). Natalie shared: “ I feel so much stronger, my mindset has done a complete 360. I have learned to move my body so it can be a stronger runner, injury free. I have learned to love what my body does how strong it is. I don’t need to have the runner's body to run. Everybody is different and unique and all our bodies are strong and beautiful.”

Every woman (regardless of shape, size, color, and ability) has a place in the running community because running enhances not only physical health but improves vital aspects of mental health. ARC  supports participants through a team approach to wellness, which builds connection and encourages positive self-talk, encouraging women to learn to be kind to themselves, which empowers them in their own lives and in their ability to spread the love in their interactions with their family, friends and community. This cohort of participants is finishing up their eight-week journey with ARC, which is unique in this space, as it includes four key components backed by research (online running coaching, virtual physical therapy, athlete mentorship and mindfulness training; nutrition guidance is also provided). Our participants made great strides both physically and mentally through the program.  We are so proud of their accomplishments! Below is a feature story for you to enjoy. Jasmine, Fresno, C

We are so excited to announce our annual giving campaign: “ Stride to Thrive - Wellness for ALL women through running” which kicked off during the last week of Women’s Health Month and will run th rough June 25, 2021. We will be raising funds to empower women through our programming. ARC’s dynamic team of 50 plus strong, diverse women share the belief that every woman (regardless of shape, size, color, and ability) has a place in the running community because running enhances not only physical health but improves vital aspects of mental health, enabling women to be more resilient, confident, and successful. We also focus on increasing self-love by promoting behaviors which foster a woman’s high regard for her own well-being and happiness.    ARC identifies women who would not traditionally have access to a holistic wellness of this type and supports them on their journey through four key components backed by research (online running coaching, virtual physical therapy, athlete me

Running has so many mental and physical benefits which empower women to lean into their own greatness. In this Masters' Class on Empowerment and Goal setting, Nattalyee shares her running journey, explaining how running has changed her life and empowered her in her efforts to change the world. We also hear from ARC participants on their experience in the program and how ARC has made a difference in their lives. Keep the tissues handy! The presentation concludes with a review of S.M.A.R.T. Goals and how setting goals that are specific, measureable, achieveable, relevant and time-based can set you up for success in running and in life, giving you a sense of direction and helping you organize and reach your goals. We conclude by reminding you how important it is to give yourself grace and remember your why.   ARC (Active Resolute Connected) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit with the mission of breaking barriers of race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status and perceived abi

Every woman (regardless of shape, size, color, and ability) has a place in the running community because running enhances not only physical health but improves vital aspects of mental health, enabling women to be more resilient, confident, and successful.  This cohort of participants is completing week three of their eight-week journey with ARC, benefiting from our programming which is unique in this space, as it includes four key components backed by research (online running coaching, virtual physical therapy, athlete mentorship and mindfulness training; nutrition guidance is also provided). Our participants are making great strides both physically and mentally through the program.  We are so proud of their accomplishments! Below you will find our feature stories as we finish out week 3. Stephanie, South Holland, IL Stephanie's story and goals "My running motivation and inspiration was really about me getting healthy and being able to live to support my three adopte