History

Vision and Mission

HISTORY

Every successful organization or business has a story of passion that runs beneath the surface! The Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa follows this tradition. Our story began over 30 years ago with two little boys – Timmy and Bernie. Both of these boys were being seen by Janet Opila-Lehman, a newly graduated Occupational Therapist. Timmy was a brilliant young man with athetoid cerebral palsy whose challenge was finding a way for the world to understand him. Bernie had a brain tumor which slowly stripped away his mobility and functional skills. Both of these children and their parents made an incredible impression on Janet who began her life-long career to help individuals with special needs.

Janet’s travels led her to western New York where she fell in love with Randy Lehman and married not only him but also – Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort! As we know life always has its own purpose, and the camp resort became a wonderful place to offer therapy services and wellness programs. WellnessWorks was opened in 1996 to provide services not only to individuals with special needs, but also to the general population who were interested in preventive health care. An opportunity was created for both groups of people to “get to know each other.”

This theme continued to grow and in 2001, our non-profit organization Wellness G.I.F.T.S. was born! This program “Gives Inspiration To The Soul” through camping retreats. Families with members with developmental disabilities connect with other families receiving much needed support and rejuvenation. Therapy services, recreation activities, educational activities and respite care are provided in a relaxing, natural environment

The Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa is the next phase in our journey of caring for people. Our mission is to assist individuals, including those with disabilities, to develop and maintain a wellness lifestyle. Our integrated approach to health and well-being combines preventive, alternative/complementary and traditional approaches.

When you come to The Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa, you become part of our legacy of people helping people. Timmy and Bernie were the inspiration that put our story into motion. Thank you for being a part of the unfolding chapters.