Catalina Rotary Club – Capacitar International Arizona Wellness Project

Capacitar International

Bringing healing and coping techniques to those suffering from stress, poverty, physical or mental illness, abuse, trauma or violence is the goal of the Catalina Rotary Club’s Wellness Education Project.

The project is the result of a partnership between the Catalina club and Capacitar International, an organization that teaches easy-to-learn holistic practices drawn both from ancient cultures and current research. Capacitar’s techniques include body movement, visualization and breath work, finger holds, massage, and a host of other wellness modalities.

Catalina Rotary and Capacitar first joined forces in 2014 for an international project funded by a Global Grant from Rotary District 5500and Rotary International. Traveling to Peru, the groups brought Capacitar techniques to health professionals serving women who were the victims of domestic abuse.

Inspired by the success of the Peru effort, the Catalina Club decided to bring Capacitar training to Tucson. The Wellness Education for Children Project launched on April 30, 2016. Approximately 23 not-for-profit social agencies and 40 professionals whose work directly affects children participated in the year-long program. Funding was provided by the Catalina Rotary Club, Rotary District 5500 and private donations. The training was directed by Dr. Patricia Cane from Capacitar International.

Spurred by demand from participants for ongoing education and the desire to bring Capacitar training to even more health professionals, the program expanded. Now called Capacitar Arizona, the program is a self-sustaining effort funded by tuition.

Over time, the program has attracted additional partners who help coordinate sessions: University of Arizona College of Nursing, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, El Rio Health, Integrative Touch for Kids, Casa de los Ninos and Milk and Honey.

This invaluable project continues to enable professionals working in psychology, education, ministry, nursing, medicine, social work, counseling and healing to use Capacitar techniques to improve their own health plus the health of their patients and clients.