Two local organizations have been recognized by the Blue Zones Project—a community-by-community well-being improvement initiative supporting longer, better lives through permanent changes to the environment, policy and social networks.

Naples United Church of Christ is now a Blue Zones Project-approved Faith-Based Organization. In addition to hosting a Purpose Workshop to promote fellowship, the church recently added bike racks and yoga classes to encourage physical activity, planted a garden, became a tobacco-free site and promoted community volunteer opportunities.

The Naples Art Association, named a Blue Zones Project-recognized organization, took similar measures, enhancing volunteerism within their organization to increase their employees’ sense of purpose, becoming a tobacco-free organization and ensuring bike racks are available on-site to encourage alternative transportation methods.

For more information, visit SouthwestFlorida.BlueZonesProject.com, NaplesArt.org or Naplesucc.org.