A non-profit fitness center in Massachusetts providing free gym memberships to low-income and homeless women was nearly forced to shut its doors recently, until an anonymous donor came forward.

For almost ten years, Healthworks Fitness Center at St. Mary’s gave Dorchester women a safe place to exercise, relieve stress, receive wellness counseling, and meet new friends.

The center, fully equipped with cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment, and a group exercise studio, relies on an all volunteer team of personal trainers, nutritionists and exercise instructors. It has served thousands of families over the years, even hosting after-school programs.

Recently, due to lack of funding, the gym was going to have to close its doors and more than 400 low-income women were going to be without their fitness center.

Thankfully, two hours before the doors were to be shut, an anonymous donor stepped forward and gave money enough to keep the center open for the summer.

The members cried tears of joy.

Monica Frender works with Healthworks at St. Mary’s