People, Incorportated kicked off "People Walking Across America", a pedometer-based walking program that is part of the organization's voluntary worksite wellness initiative. The goals of the program are to promote the benefits of physical activity, increase participants’ awareness of their current level of daily physical activity, and encourage the development of habits that support increased levels of activity. Participants will each receive a pedometer with which to track the amount of steps they take every day. Teams of up to 10 will make the journey together by reporting their cumulative steps. Teams will be made up of both employees and adults who participate in People, Incorporated programs. The virtual trek will follow Route 6 as it existed in 1940 when it was the longest transcontinental highway and will begin in Provincetown and end in Long Beach, CA, covering 3,517 miles or over 7 million steps. Participants will have the opportunity to experience improved health and well-being as they become more aware of the benefits of increasing their levels of daily physical activity. For more information about the program, contact Wellness Director Marilyn Grubb at 508-679-5233
 

(Top row, left) Wellness Director Marilyn Grubb lined participants up with signs to spell out "People Walking Across America" before the start of the event. (Top row, center and right) People, Incorporated President and CEO Robert Canuel leads Robin Jones and other participants down Eastern Avenue to the South Watuppa bicycle path. (Middle row) Walkers enjoy the terrific views of the water along the route. (Bottom row, left) Staff members are joined by Director of Operations Bill Perkins and Robin Jones on the way back to People Incorporated headquarters. (Middle row, center) Megan Scheffer and Jeannine Boisvert enjoy the walk back. (Bottom row, right) Director of Family Advocacy and Community Education (F.A.C.E.) Jenny DiBlasi holds one of the pedometers that will be given to the 166 participants in the walking program.