(MOLINE, Ill.) Kick off the new year with intention and insight! Illinois Extension educators and local experts invite the community to explore the 8 Dimensions of Wellness—key areas that contribute to a balanced, fulfilling life—through a four-week interactive series.
The programs will be held each Wednesday in January from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Butterworth Education Center (January 7, 21, 28) and the Deere-Wiman Carriage House (January 14). Participants may register for individual sessions at $10 per week or save by enrolling in the full series for $35. Each session includes light refreshments, a take-home self-assessment, and a related wellness item. Pre-registration is required.
What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?
Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator with University of Illinois Extension explains, "Wellness is more than physical fitness—it encompasses eight interconnected dimensions: physical, financial, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, vocational, and intellectual. Together, these dimensions help individuals feel balanced, energized, and fulfilled." She said, "This series invites participants to reflect on their current wellness, explore new strategies, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead."
Weekly Topics & Presenters
- January 7 – Physical & Spiritual Wellness
- Physical: Tai Chi demonstration to improve strength, balance, and overall well-being. Presenter: Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator
- Spiritual: Indigenous spiritual traditions and practices to inspire resilience and clarity. Presenter: Kathleen Collins, Mental Health Specialist
- January 14 – Environmental & Emotional Wellness
- Environmental: Nature-inspired design for homes and communities to enhance well-being. Presenter: Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator
- Emotional: Arts-based practices to reduce stress and regulate the nervous system. Presenter: Elaine Kaple, Illinois Extension 4-H Metro Youth Educator
- January 21 – Intellectual & Vocational Wellness
- Intellectual: Brain health strategies, puzzles, and games to stretch the mind. Presenter: Kara Schweitzer, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator
- Vocational: Building new skills and embracing personal and career growth. Presenters: Kole Shuda & Olivia Gonzalez, Black Hawk College PaCE Department
- January 28 – Social & Financial Wellness
- Social: The importance of social connections for brain and emotional health. Presenter: Tessa Hobbs-Curley, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator
- Financial: Fraud prevention strategies and real-world case studies. Presenters: Amy Hood & Jennifer Kline, Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Event Details
- Dates: January 7–28, 2026 (Wednesdays)
- Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
- Locations: Butterworth Education Center & Deere-Wiman Carriage House, Moline, IL
- Fee: $10 per week or $35 for all four weeks
- County: Rock Island
Registration
Space is limited. Sign up today to secure your spot in the 8 Dimensions of Wellness series at go.illinois.edu/8Dimensions2026.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.