Strength and Inclusion at the CWC

Every week, IEHP member Tutrink “Trin” P.  walks into the IEHP Community Wellness Center (CWC) in Riverside with purpose, positivity and a group of students she proudly coaches. As an adult with special needs herself, Trin brings a unique understanding and empathy to her role as a job coach for individuals with disabilities and special needs.

For Trin and her students, who she lovingly calls “consumers,” the CWC has become much more than a place to exercise or learn. It’s a welcoming community, a safe routine and a space where confidence can take root.

With free classes focused on fitness, nutrition and overall wellness, the center offers a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy vibrant health and grow stronger together.

Among Trin’s students are individuals with Down Syndrome, including one who is non-verbal. With October marking Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Trin is especially excited this month to celebrate their strengths. First recognized by the National Down Syndrome Society in the 1980s, this month shines a light on abilities, inclusion and the spirited contributions of people with Down Syndrome to their families, communities and beyond.

Down Syndrome occurs when a person has a partial or full extra copy of chromosome 21. This genetic difference can influence traits such as low muscle tone, smaller stature or a single deep crease in the palm. Individuals with Down Syndrome also experience varied levels of intellectual disability, from mild to more significant. But what Trin sees, every week without fail, is the joy, determination and resilience they bring to each activity.

At the CWC, Trin and her students take part in energizing fitness classes like Zumba and Mindful Stretch. The fitness programs help them stay active while having fun. They also attend health and nutrition classes that provide practical skills they can use in daily life.

"These sessions not only improve our wellness but also build confidence and independence,” Trin says. For Trin, visiting the CWC is a weekly highlight. She describes the center as a warm, uplifting place where learning and movement come together, and where her students feel truly seen and supported. The impact, she says, is real and lasting.

As we honor Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Trin’s story reminds us of the importance of inclusion, community and accessible wellness spaces. IEHP’s Community Wellness Centers continue to be places where abilities are celebrated and everyone in our community (not just IEHP members) is encouraged to visit.

Covering Your Health Podcast with Evelyn Erives – Parenting a Child with Special Needs

In this heartfelt episode, host Evelyn Erives speaks with Darlene Rodrigo, a mother of three, who shares her journey raising a child with Down Syndrome. Her story offers insight, courage, and a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy and community support.