Chris Ibarra, the Life Enrichment Coordinator at Santa Fe Trails is one of those lucky people that truly seem to love their job. His boundless energy propels him through the meandering halls of the community and his ever present smile greets each person he meets. Ibarra will need that energy over the next few months as Santa Fe Trails has taken on a few lofty goals for themselves, their residents and the community at large. Each month Ibarra picks a fun and challenging program for Santa Fe’s Life Enrichment Activity Program or LEAP for short. The program in August is for the staff, residents, their family members and home healthcare providers to walk a combined 100 miles. Ibarra has mapped out two ‘walking trails,’ one in the main community and the other in the Memory Care community, that equal one mile and is encouraging everyone to get up and get moving a little bit each day. Ibarra said, “We look for programs that facilitate activity and lifestyle changes.” Santa Fe offers activities and programs for everyone that encompass a wide range of healthcare needs. A few of the specialized programs center on areas such as foot care, skin care and healthy eating. Ibarra says Santa Fe Trails is well on their way to meeting the August goal of walking the 100 combined miles. For September, Ibarra has an even loftier goal for Santa Fe’s LEAP program. “We’re planning on walking across the country.” That’s right; Ibarra wants the entire Santa Fe community combined, to walk the equivalent distance from Los Angeles to Boston. “It’s a Lofty goal,” said Ibarra, “so we may take September and October, to achieve it.” Ibarra is calling on the entire community to help them reach their LEAP goals. He invites any and all walking groups, walking enthusiasts or anyone even considering getting up off the couch and getting some exercise to come out to Santa Fe Trails and join in on the fun. Santa Fe Trails is a beautifully decorated community, the walking trails are indoors, so you’ll beat the heat and you’re guaranteed to make new friends and improve your own health and lifestyle. Plus, it’s a good bet that each visit you’ll get a warm greeting, friendly handshake and a big smile from Life Enrichment Coordinator Chris Ibarra himself.

For information on Santa Fe Trails, call 817-645-0785. Santa Fe Trails is located at 402 S. Colonial Drive in Cleburne.