Project Yoga MOV was founded in 2017 by Cheryl and Patrick McHugh, owners of Full Circle Yoga, with the mission of bringing the therapeutic benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and nervous system support to underserved and at-risk populations throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. What began as a small grassroots effort has continued to grow into a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to making yoga accessible to individuals who may not traditionally seek out these practices on their own.

“Our clients are often individuals who would not typically walk into a yoga studio,” said Cheryl McHugh, founder and Executive Director of Project Yoga MOV. “Yoga has the ability to help people reconnect with themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, and we want to help remove barriers so more people can experience those benefits.”

Over the years, Project Yoga MOV has offered programming for veterans, individuals in recovery, caregivers, prenatal participants, LGBTQ+ community members, youth programs, and individuals navigating stress, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Programs have included Veterans Yoga, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, Pride Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Caregiver Support Yoga, community outreach classes, and partnerships with local schools and organizations.

Project Yoga MOV has collaborated with organizations throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley including the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, recovery and transitional living programs, correctional facilities, senior centers, local schools, and community wellness initiatives. Through these partnerships, yoga and mindfulness practices have been introduced to individuals who may otherwise never have access to them.

“Our instructors have completed extensive yoga teacher training and many have also completed trauma-sensitive and accessible yoga training,” said Cheryl McHugh. “We are not here to define or compare someone’s trauma or life experience. We are simply here to offer tools that may help people breathe a little easier, reconnect to their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and feel supported.”

In addition to community outreach programming, Project Yoga MOV continues to create opportunities for accessible and donation-based yoga experiences throughout the region, helping build a stronger and healthier community through movement, mindfulness, and connection.

To help ensure the future sustainability of the organization, Project Yoga MOV established an endowment fund through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. This fund provides long-term support for the organization’s mission and outreach efforts throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Individuals interested in learning more about Project Yoga MOV, supporting its mission, or partnering on future programming are encouraged to connect with Cheryl McHugh through Project Yoga MOV or Full Circle Yoga. Donations to support ongoing programming and the Project Yoga MOV Endowment Fund help make these community offerings possible for years to come.