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The Village Centers and the Fit Body Fit Brain Foundation Launch Next Phase of Partnership - Kingwood

Published: Feb 18, 2025, 1:47pm

The Village Centers and the Fit Body Fit Brain Foundation ( www.Battenbergs.com) launched the next phase of an exceptional partnership together in January 2025.

Fit Body Fit Brain is a nonprofit started by Jeff and Reneé Battenberg, owners of longtime Kingwood business, Battenberg's Martial Arts and Fitness. Since 2023, the Battenbergs have been working with The Village Centers on developing and implementing a specialized martial arts and neurodevelopment training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jeff, Renee, and their son Chance lead hour-long classes Monday through Thursday at The Village Centers facilities for groups of Villagers.

In exchange for these valuable services, The Village leased one of its properties to the Battenbergs for their business and nonprofit endeavors. This partnership began in September of 2023 - with classes for our IDD villagers beginning in December of 2023. On January 11, 2025, Fit Body Fit Brain Foundation purchased that property from The Village, with an agreement to continue providing martial arts and fitness training to the Villagers for the next five years. "It was a true win-win for both us and the Battenberg," comments Executive Director of The Village Centers, Jessica Morales. "We are fortunate to be able to offer this high-quality, engaging, and meaningful program to our Villagers. We are watching lives transform right before our eyes."

The martial arts training has already positive impacted the lives of dozens of Villagers with results ranging from increased balance and mobility to stronger verbal communication and hand-eye coordination. Jeff Battenberg, who in addition to his martial arts background has undergone extensive neuro-training, comments, “the difference we are seeing utilizing neuro-training in conjunction with Martial Fitness and Tai Chi has already led to some incredible results. We are talking about things like…

• getting someone OFF her cane 100% who was 100% dependent (in 5 months)

• Increasing range of motion with ALL students through neuro- drills, and much more!

“We are truly excited about what the future holds for this program.” stated Jeff Battenberg

The program at The Village Centers is available to anyone enrolled in its day program services.

Visit www.TheVillageCenters.org to learn more about The Village and its admission process.