Elevance Health Partners with Impact Fitness Foundation to Transform Northwest Middle School’s Weight Room

On September 24, 2025, Northwest Middle School in Indianapolis celebrated the grand unveiling of its newly renovated weight room, a project made possible through a collaborative partnership between Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation (IFF). This initiative is part of Elevance Health’s broader commitment to enhancing the overall health of local communities and marks the fourth fitness space upgrade in Indianapolis schools, coinciding with the upcoming Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tipoff—a prominent collegiate basketball tournament held each November.

The previous weight room at Northwest Middle School featured outdated high school-level equipment that was unsuitable for middle school students, leading to limited use of the facility. With the transformation, spearheaded by over 30 volunteers from Elevance Health, the weight room has been upgraded to include new flooring, functional training equipment, and a well-organized storage system. This revitalization creates an age-appropriate space for students, inspiring them to develop healthy habits and engage in fitness activities.

Nichole Morrow-Weaver, Principal of Northwest Middle School, expressed her gratitude towards Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for bringing this vision to life. For many of our students, this will be their very first experience in a proper fitness space. We know this will help our kids develop healthier habits, improve athletic performance, and build confidence both on and off the court.”

The Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tipoff not only highlights the significance of women in sports but also serves as a vehicle for Elevance Health to make a tangible impact in communities. By investing in projects like the weight room transformation, the organization aims to extend support directly to the environments where students learn and grow.

Anita Allemand, Chief Growth Officer at Elevance Health, emphasized the organization’s holistic approach to health. “As an organization, we know that health isn’t just about care delivered in a doctor’s office—it’s about the resources available where people live, learn, and play,” she remarked. “By connecting the Women’s Fort Myers Tipoff with investments like this, we’re ensuring that more students have access to safe, inspiring fitness spaces that support both physical and mental well-being.”

Chris Welsh, Founder and President of the Impact Fitness Foundation, shared insights on the importance of accessibility in fitness during middle school years. “Middle school is a critical time for kids, especially girls, when it comes to participation in sports and fitness. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a welcoming space to move, train, and grow. This project is a perfect example of what happens when community and corporate partners come together to make a difference.”

To commemorate the official opening of the new weight room, students and staff participated in an orientation clinic led by trainers from the Impact Fitness Foundation. This hands-on clinic provided them with the opportunity to learn how to maximize the use of their new fitness facility efficiently.

With the recent upgrade of the weight room at Northwest Middle School, Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation have not only revitalized a physical space but have also provided a platform for students to cultivate healthier lifestyles. This initiative reflects a powerful commitment to community well-being and the importance of accessible fitness resources in shaping the lives of young individuals. As Elevance Health continues to champion health equity, the impact of these initiatives will resonate within the community for years to come.