The Story of Feiga Bowick, LMSW, CDP, and How Kickboxing Changed Her Life

Introduction

Feiga Bowick, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) is an avid Kickboxer; she does it for a hobby, not professionally. She has made an enormous impact on many people within the human service and healthcare industries. She has assisted many in the Metropolitan Detroit Community, in various ways. Such as helping individuals obtain much needed services. With a strong background in geriatric medical social work, clinical practice and a deep commitment to advocacy, Feiga works to connect individuals with the vital resources and support needed. Her work is purpose driven, rooted in empathy, and guided by her belief in the power of human connection and community. Without Feiga’s assistance, many of these people would not be able to obtain the services necessary for a good quality of life.

Mrs. Bowick is the type of person who would do almost anything in her power to help others out. She is a good resource, in a wide variety of areas. After all, she is a genuine person who cares deeply about the well-being of others, and is a social worker by profession. Read more about Feiga Bowick in her interview:

Q & A

FightMatrix: Will you please tell us about your childhood and family life?

Feiga Bowick: Hi Heather! I’m the oldest of seven, I have two brothers and four sisters, all close in age. I grew up in a busy, energetic home filled with love, laughter, some sibling rivalry and a lot of special memories. We’re all pretty close in age, and my parents created a home that was deeply rooted in love, delicious food, Jewish traditions, and strong values. My parents are my greatest role models and a constant source of inspiration. My family means everything to me.

I was born and raised in Oak Park, Michigan, and I still live here today. It’s been amazing to witness the growth of this diverse, friendly community. I feel fortunate residing in a city that reflects the values of unity and inclusiveness.

I’m blessed with five beautiful children, ages 13 to 20. Being their mom has been the most meaningful journey and rewarding experience.

Faith, family, growth and community are at the center of everything I do. I’m guided by the values I was raised with gratitude, responsibility, spreading
kindness and the belief that we’re here to add positivity and goodness in the world.

FM: Tell us about your current job position and what does it entail?

FB: When I reflect on my career journey, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude. I’m incredibly thankful to G-d for every step that’s brought me to this moment, the challenges, growth and meaningful experiences that have shaped me personally and professionally.

I’m proud to represent PARC Home Care and Hospice aka the PARC family, because that’s exactly what it feels like. I recently joined the team as a licensed medical social worker, community relations coordinator, and hospice volunteer coordinator.

What I love most is being able to blend my passion for social work with business development. I’m grateful to be part of the heart of the company
while also helping it grow and reach more people who need our care.

The environment at PARC is something special. It’s a team full of compassionate, mission-driven people who genuinely care about the work we do and the lives we touch. We’re led by two incredible CEOs, Jonathan Gasso, CEO, OT and Jeff Orow, CEO, DPT who lead with both vision and heart. They’re hands-on, personable, extremely kind, approachable, and invested in mentoring and supporting their team, which is appreciated every day.

PARC is unique as the staff go above and beyond to meet the needs of each patient and their families with kindness, compassion, respect and excellent communication.

My career as a medical social worker is purpose-driven work. It’s meaningful, fills my heart, and I have endless opportunities to make a positive impact and unlimited ways.

FM: You obtained your masters in social work as a single mom, while working. What was your driving force to do this?

FB: I started taking classes at Oakland Community College when I was 21. By then was married, began having children and kept at my educational goal. Even if it meant taking just one class at a time while balancing motherhood and work, I kept moving forward. What was meant to be a two year associates program ended up taking me about eight years, but I never gave up. Once I earned my associate degree and my children were a bit older, I transferred to Wayne State University to pursue both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work. I attended full-time while continuing to work. At the time, I was a program coordinator at Jewish Senior Life-Coville Assisted Living, a memory care facility. I completely fell in love with that population. I created and facilitated programs that were engaging and person-centered, while preserving the dignity of my residents. The hands-on, personalized experience deepened my passion for social work and confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Despite my busy schedule, I found so much joy and fulfillment in my social work studies. I absolutely loved the program at Wayne State. I looked forward to the classes, the meaningful conversations with my cohort, and the opportunity to enhance my knowledge in subjects that truly inspired me. To this day, I still stay in touch with some of my professors that had a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally.

 

FM: I understand that you are a kickboxer, but do not do it professionally. At what age did you start kickboxing and why?

FB: I was introduced to kickboxing in 2012 at the age of 28. At the time, I honestly knew nothing about it but I just happened to join a boxing gym with my sister called Get Some Fitness in Beverly Hills, Michigan first owned by Joel Stempien and then Jeff Johnson. That gym quickly became my home away from home. The members felt like family, and the trainers were phenomenal.

I trained consistently for years, kickboxing at least five days a week and lifting weights. One of the most influential people on that journey was Jon Woodward, an incredible coach and mentor. He taught me so much, and under his guidance, I became the strongest I had ever been, and got to a point where I was flipping 350-pound tires! In the midst of all that progress, 10 years ago, I was informed needed to undergo spinal fusion surgery due to scoliosis progression. I took a year off to recover. That decision was incredibly difficult, but what made it easier was knowing I would return to kickboxing once I healed. My orthopedic surgeon assured me there would be no long-term limitations, as long as I allowed myself time to fully recover. Rejoining the boxing gym a year later was one of the most emotional and triumphant moments of my life. I’ll never forget the day I walked into the Get Some Fitness gym again, carrying my boxing gloves and gym bag, filled with gratitude, pride and disbelief. With 27 screws and two titanium rods in my spine, I was back. Thank G‐d.

 

FM: How frequently do you practice kickboxing? Where do you currently practice?

FB: For years, I was at the gym every morning,5:30 AM, five days a week. That early morning class became part of my routine, my therapy, and my motivation. I trained at Get Some Fitness for many years, completing over 1,000 classes. It truly felt like home, so when the gym eventually closed, I felt a deep void.

Jim, the owner and instructor at the current gym, is phenomenal. He’s the kind of coach who brings the best energy, pushes you to or past your limit, and somehow makes sure you leave class sore in all the right ways! It’s a place filled with positivity, strength and motivation.

Earlier this year, I reached out to Jim and Jon prior Valentine’s Day to see if the gym would be interested in collaborating with PARC Hospice to collect warm blankets and socks for our hospice patients. Without hesitation, they both confirmed with enthusiasm and promoted this endeavor on their social media. The gym members participated and donated generously. That kind of heart and support is inspiring.

FM: Have you ever been in a kickboxing tournament? If so, how did the experience feel? How does it feel when your kickboxing in general?

FB: I haven’t participated in any kickboxing tournaments, it’s always been something personal and therapeutic for me rather than competitive. Kickboxing has provided me with emotional strength, physical resilience, and a powerful outlet to manage stress. There are days I walk into class exhausted and sometimes I need to push myself to go, and I’m always glad I went, every time. I leave every session on a high. The intensity of the routines and the deep focus required leaves no space for distraction. It forces me to be completely present, and that presence is incredibly healing.

Kickboxing helps me stay grounded, sharp, and balanced so I can continue showing up with strength and compassion as a mother, for the people I serve, for my family and friends.

 

FM: Do you have a favorite professional kickboxer?

FB: Honestly, I’ve never really followed a specific professional kickboxer. But I’ve felt inspired by my personal boxing instructors over the years. They’ve shaped me both as an athlete and as a person, and their dedication and passion for the sport have influenced me more than any one professional. Maybe it’s because I connect so deeply with hands-on training and personal growth.

 

FM: Are you a spectator of any combat sports on television or in person?

FB: No.

 

FM: Will you please tell me what you have done in regards to helping the metropolitan Detroit Jewish community senior citizens, as well as others in need?

FB: People from the Detroit Jewish community reach out to me via phone or online. Sometimes it’s someone I know, sometimes it’s through word of mouth. They’re looking for support, resources, guidance or just someone to talk to when things feel overwhelming.

I’ve always included my children in volunteer opportunities with the elderly. Whether it was when I was working at Jewish Senior Life, or PACE SEMI-even before that, when my children were younger, we would visit the elderly patients around the time of Jewish holidays to spread joy and love. My children would enjoy singing to the residents, taking about the Jewish holidays and continue to volunteer.

It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about showing up with compassion, really listening, and helping people feel a little less alone. Whether it’s pointing someone toward the right resource or just offering a safe space, I try to be that person when I can. Social work is part of who I am, and how I connect with the world around me.

 

FM: What motivates you to be such a wonderful resource to others in the community?

FB: It’s the feeling of giving that, in turn, feels like receiving. Spreading kindness, no matter how simple the act, can have an enormous impact, sometimes greater than we can imagine. Even a smile, a bouquet of flowers, a kind text message can warm the heart of another. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou is,

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That quote resonates deeply with me because it captures the essence of why I do what I do. It’s not about recognition, it’s about making someone feel seen, heard, and supported when they need it most. There are countless people who have made me feel cared about and supported through the years and the heartwarming gratitude will remain with me forever. Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of sharing thousands and thousands of beautiful bouquets with others, spreading joy and creating moments of connection. It all started when I worked at Jewish Senior Life. I reached out to a nearby Trader Joe’s to inquire if they would consider donating flowers for a weekly activity with my residents. Their generous response marked the beginning of what would become a cherished tradition. Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. I’d collect the vibrant flowers from Trader Joes, and the memory care residents became engaged in the weekly flower arranging program. The impact was immediate and profound. Residents, regardless of their cognitive or physical limitations, were able to engage with the flowers whether through touch, scent, or simply by admiring their beauty. One resident, over 100 years old and blind, would excitedly smell the flowers, while another, unable to speak, would still reach out to experience their beauty. It was a powerful reminder that joy can be found in even the smallest of moments.

After four years of being with Jewish Senior Life, my career journey led me to PACE Southeast Michigan in Detroit for another four years, where I continued the Flower Wednesday tradition. I heard from some participants who shared with emotion they’ve never received flowers before. That realization deepened the significance of what we were doing. It wasn’t just about the flowers; it was about giving my participants a sense of worth and joy.

Wednesday flower day was always a highlight for my PACE participants which made it a highlight for me.

I’m extremely grateful to continue the flower tradition now at PARC Homecare and Hospice. Every week, I continue to pick up flowers from Trader Joe’s, and along with the help of our incredible hospice volunteers, we create and deliver breathtaking bouquets to PARC’s hospice patients. This simple yet meaningful act spreads love, comfort, and connection to those in need.

What began as a small gesture in 2017 has evolved into a deeply meaningful part of PARC’s hospice program. It serves as a reminder that kindness, no matter how small, has the power to make a big impact. Every week, as I transport the flowers, I’m reminded of the joy and connection they bring to others, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that thrives on compassion and care.

FM: How do you remain so optimistic?

FB: Kickboxing or course!

But in all seriousness it’s taken years personal and spiritual growth together with life’s challenges to be where I am. I’m grateful have the ability to recognize the blessings and positivity in my life, even during difficult times when I’m not feeling extremely optimistic. Having supportive loving people in my life is an added bonus. There’s always
kindness, support and love.

 

FM: Out of curiosity, what do you think of the combat sports industry in general?

FB: Not much.

 

FM: What else would you like our readers to know about you?

FB: I’m a proud Jew. Whether I’m boxing, working, or thinking back to my college days, my Jewish identity is something I carry with pride. I celebrate it, I live it, and deeply value the wisdom and strength it brings into every part of my life.

I value diversity and feel blessed to have friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. There are so many beautiful hearted people in our world.

“a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness” – Lubavitch Rebbe

Each of us has the ability to bring light into someone’s life through acts of kindness, and that is powerful!

Conclusion

I must say that I praise Feiga for all of her accomplishments. She has an incredible mindset, is an exceptional mother, a social worker, and a passionate kickboxer. She also trusts in her religion to help guide her life journey. This is very powerful and I was lucky to have this opportunity to interview Mrs. Bowick. In regards to all that Feiga has to offer this world, she continues to do so through selfless Mitzvahs (good deeds). The world needs more people with discipline, organization, a good heart, and many of Feiga Bowick’s other attributes.