(Chelsea Update would like to thank Matt Pegouskie for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Wellness Coalition’s Comprehensive Wellness Plan was approved by the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation’s Board of Directors, which includes more than $104,500 in grant funding for programs that broaden the accessibility of healthier lifestyles.
“We’ve made good progress from the first year,” Bernadette Malinoski, coalition member and Eat Better Committee member, said in a press release, adding, “Our success comes from the time and effort of the Chelsea Wellness Coalition members who serve our community.”
“In 2013, we were able to cover all Heart and Sole race expenses with cash and in kind donations from our wonderful community sponsors, said Sheri Montoye, Heart and Soul race coordinator and Chelsea Community Hospital Walking Programs coordinator.
“In addition to Chelsea Community Hospital, one of our largest sponsors includes the 5 Healthy Towns Project,” she said, adding, “The grant allows us to keep race fees low while still making a sizable donation to the Grace Clinic.”
Here’s a list of which organizations received grants:
* 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, structured games and free play, programs that promote teamwork and fun interaction between generations and educational activities with SRSLY.
* Chelsea Center for the Arts Mobile Arts Kit ($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. Funds go to recruit and maintain quality food vendors, creatively market the markets, provide low-income families access to healthy foods, and assist with the development of a permanent farmer’s market venue in Chelsea.
* 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.
* Heart and Sole Race ($6,500) – the Heart and Sole Race is the annual 5k, 10k, and 2 mile running and 13.8 mile biking event, open to kids and adults focused on promotion of moving more and connecting with others in healthy ways.
* Run for the Rolls ($1,500) – 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.
The Chelsea Comprehensive Wellness Plan is part of the 5 Healthy Towns Project — a coalition of community stakeholders who volunteer their time and knowledge of Chelsea to develop a comprehensive plan to address specific wellness-related needs within Chelsea.
The Wellness Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation governed by a volunteer board of directors. The foundation serves the populations included in the school districts of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge.
