Highland Fitness owners Matthew McKeown and Kristi Harrison want to raise awareness about government funding that is available for people who have special needs to use towards programs such as physical fitness.
By Shelley Cooke
Highland Fitness & Wellness, located at 364 Old Kingston Road in Highland Creek, is owned and operated by Matthew McKeown and Kristi Harrison. This dynamic duo combined their past experiences in education with their love of fitness coaching, and opened their facility in July 2022.
Matthew has a Masters degree in Sport and Urban History, and has been a personal fitness trainer since the age of 17. After gaining experience at Good Life and some independent gyms, Matthew decided that he wanted to create a fitness environment that focused on a culture of total wellness.
Under the guidance of his current business partner, Kristi Harrison, who holds a PhD in Education and was an associate vice-president of academics at Centennial College, the pair established a gym that is based on holistic fitness. It focuses on developing healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, proper nutrition, and managing stress. He and Kristi take pride in the team atmosphere they have built at Highland Fitness & Wellness: “It’s a warm and welcoming place where everyone belongs.”
While their clients represent a variety of demographics, one of their biggest cohorts is women 40 to 60 years of age. Matthew explains how they like to cater to the “everyday person” who wants to improve their daily fitness and make healthier lifestyle choices.
Matthew and Kristi also have clients who have special needs, including developmental or intellectual disabilities. They feel that this is a demographic in our society that isn’t being given enough attention. Matthew explains that the one-on-one personal training that Highland Fitness & Wellness provides for clients with special needs helps them to feel a sense of belonging and pride. The staff, which includes 11 personal trainers, has built strong friendships with them and have made them an important part of their team.
Matthew and Kristi feel it is important to raise awareness about government funding that is available for people who have special needs to use towards programs such as physical fitness. Matthew and a personal trainer/social worker on staff named Stephanie often attend workshops and outreach programs where they tell parents and caregivers about this funding, what it can be used towards, and how to access it:
- The funding is provided by the Ontario government to help adults 18 or older with a developmental disability to participate in their communities. This includes taking part in community classes or recreational programs.
- Eligible adults will automatically receive a minimum of $5,000 per year. The maximum one can receive is $25,000 for community participation support, and $10,000 for respite.
- The funding can be used towards camps, classes, athletic activities, job coaching, transportation to and from activities, hiring a support worker, and paying a support worker’s admissions, travel costs and meals while they are working.
- To apply for this funding, contact your local Passport Agency, Developmental Services Ontario. ontario.ca/page/passport-program-adults-developmental-disability
The eight clients with special needs at Highland Fitness & Wellness have dedicated this government funding towards receiving one-on-one personal training and coaching. It has made a significant difference in their total wellness, both physically and mentally. It has also given them a place to go where they know they belong and are cared for.