The Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation recently awarded $230,109 in grants to projects that are part of the 5 Healthy Towns Project.
Eleven grants were awarded for projects in Chelsea, six in Manchester and one in Dexter, according to a press release.
“Our Board of Directors find real pleasure in community investment through grant funding,” said Kari Newman, CWF grant committee chair in the release, adding “These interventions demonstrate a level of community care that is always heartwarming.”
Grants were awarded to:
SRSLY ($15,000) – A community coalition dedicated to the prevention of destructive behavior in youth, especially unhealthy substances such as tobacco, drugs and alcohol.
5H Kids Camp ($13,000) – Provides a safe, convenient, healthy and affordable summer camp for kids. There will be nutritious snacks, lots of structured games and free play, programs that promote teamwork and fun interaction between generations (such as the Intergenerational Garden) and educational activities with SRSLY.
Chelsea Center for the Arts Mobil Kids Camp ($3,500) – this unique intervention delivers onsite art and music appreciation workshops, developing cognitive skills, refining physical/motor skills, nurturing social skills and building self confidence.
5H Community Read ($6,050) – A collaborative program with libraries in Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Grass Lake and Stockbridge. The Community Read raises community awareness by creating a space for community dialogue about wellness. This year’s topic is Move More.
Chelsea Neighborhood Senior Services and Volunteer Portal ($25,000) – the goal is to connect volunteers with individuals who have specific needs – such as homebound seniors – in ways that allow them to remain in their own homes.
Chelsea Farmers Markets ($19,470) – This intervention increases access to healthy foods by fostering growth of the Chelsea Farmers Market and the Bushel Basket Market.
Healthy Grocery Stores ($2,000) – Assists local grocery and convenience stores to provide, identify, and promote healthy food options. In the first year, CWC has worked with Polly’s Country Market and The Point on Cavanaugh Lake.
Healthy Restaurants ($2,000) – Highlight and promote options for healthier food choices in local restaurants. The coalition has already connected with several local restaurants to serve as test programs.
Intergenerational Garden ($10,000) – the Intergenerational Garden educates pre-school and elementary school students about growing vegetables how to prepare them. The garden also provides seasonal produce to students and to the Chelsea Senior Center.
Kids Cooking Camp ($500) – the second year for this intervention, the Kids Cooking Camp provides a fun, affordable collection of cooking sessions for kids.
Run for the Rolls ($5,000) – Run for the Rolls is a 1 mile run/walk that provides many their first opportunity to participate in race. Two Run for the Rolls participants were honored at the 2013 Governor’s Fitness Awards for overcoming challenges and being physically active.
In Dexter:
Walking Maps ($2,000) – Develop walking maps to support Dexter Wellness Walks and CCH Healthy Communities Walking Program.
The maps will be placed at various locations in the village including the kiosks.
In Manchester:
Manchester Shared Use Trail ($100,000) – the Manchester Shared-Use Trail, is a collaborative effort of the Village of Manchester, the Manchester DDA, and the Manchester Wellness Coalition. It will convert the approximately 1.5-mile long former NYCRR railbed within the Village limits into a finished shared-use walking and bicycling path.
