An area non-profit has received generous support from local grant sources that will help expand valuable programming and services for amputees in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The Amputee Center (TAC) is a local non-profit that opened in April 2021, and for the past year the increase in participants in its program offerings has demonstrated the need for its existence. The goal is to provide area amputees with a place where they feel welcome—a place where they are comfortable being with other amputees and where they have access to programs and resources specifically designed with them in mind.

The Amputee Center offers fitness classes that are open to anyone in the community and are free to amputees. The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation recently awarded an $8,500 grant to TAC to assist with the purchase of exercise equipment for amputees and the general community. Equipment included a weight machine, boxing bags and gloves, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and yoga silks.

TAC is excited to have Cat Bigley, from Cat Bigley Wellness, offer classes at their facility. She is a very inspirational woman who teaches her classes with a positive attitude and an open heart. 30% of her class fees go directly to support the needs of amputees throughout the community.  She also teaches an amputee only class on Thursdays from 4-5.  Her specialty is aerial yoga, and she has had several amputees using the silks to enhance their workout with great results.

As with any non-profit, there’s a need make the community aware of what the organization does and what they have to offer. The Belpre Area Community Development Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant to The Amputee Center to be used to help spread the word to those in the community through brochures and other marketing efforts. This generous funding will certainly help other amputees and their families benefit from their programs and services. 

Those in the area living with any level of limb loss or limb difference are encouraged to participate in monthly mixers held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at TAC. This caring and supportive group offers a great opportunity to receive inspiration, as well as learn tips and tricks, from others who are sharing their same journey. Open Hour Thursdays have been a great way to take advantage of all The Amputee Center has to offer. Each week from 1:00-4:00 pm, amputees can stop by the center to explore resources, chat with a peer, or learn about fitness classes and other programs available to area amputees. Then from 4:00-5:00 pm, we encourage everyone to stay for a worry-free amputee only fitness class. The class is free and can also be attended by the spouse/friend/caregiver of the amputee.

Other program activities available to amputees include Reiki, peer-to-peer support, resource wall & lending library, and social activities. A recent riverboat ride on the Valley Gem sternwheeler, which included a picnic lunch, had almost 40 in attendance.

The Amputee Center is the first non-profit in the nation to have a physical location for amputees to meet, exercise, find emotional support and access to resources.  This 501(c)(3) non-profit is located in the plaza near the Belpre Toll Bridge at 2311 Ohio Ave Ste B, Parkersburg, WV. For more information, visit TheAmputeeCenter.com or Facebook.com/theamputeecenter or call (304) 699-2373.