By Lisa Carolin
The Chelsea Friends and Family Wellness Coalition hopes to receive all budget requests by December.
Possible new grant requests include a hospital walkability plan and a grant to help homeless students in the Chelsea School District receive financial assistance to participate in sports and extracurricular activities and to receive healthy snacks.
At the coalition’s Nov. 3 meeting, four interventions that received money in 2016, were reviewed.
Jane Thompson, president of Ballet Chelsea’s board of directors, reviewed the Adaptive Dance Program, which received $7,000 of funding toward paying instructors.
“The purpose of the program is to give people with disabilities and limitations the chance to gain the benefits of exercise,” said Thompson.
The program reaches children in preschool at North Creek Elementary School, Chelsea Senior Center classes, people at the St. Louis Center, and more. Thompson said that participants reported improvements in memory retention, motor skills, muscle relief, and balance.
North Creek Elementary School Principal Luman Strong reviewed Healthy Selfies first year of funding in which it received $1,560.
“The goal is to publicize all the wonderful things students and employees in the school district did by taking a picture of themselves,” he explained. “The greater goal is a culture shift, and it’s become a part of the culture of the school district.”
More than 142 photos have been shared to date.
Andrew Thomson, adult/youth enrichment coordinator for Community Education, reviewed Camp Gabika, which received $8,100.
“The goal is to educate campers about healthy decision making, to encourage campers to work together and grow bonds, and to involve campers with many groups in Chelsea,” said Thompson.
Camp Gabika ran 10 weeks this past summer and is open to children ages 5-12.
Run for the Rolls took place on Aug. 27. It received $2,000 that went for scoring and race shirts.
“This was our 10th year,” said Cindy Burdette, race director. “We had 204 participants in both the one mile and the 5K race this year.”
The Chelsea Friends and Family Wellness Coalition meets next Dec. 1.
