Be the Difference

Give to the Y Healthy Kids Matter program today!!!!

Y Healthy Kids Matter strives to address and reduce childhood obesity, improve community health and wellness and engage both youth and families around living a more healthy and balanced lifestyle. The Y Healthy Kids Matter pilot program is in its first year and serves approximately 20 youth in 3rd-5th grade at Sheridan Elementary School in Minneapolis and is a collaboration between the Beacons Network and the University YMCA. A team of nine college student volunteers with health-related majors spent a semester developing the model and strategies as an extension of the Y’s Healthy Kids Initiative, and have continued on for an additional semester of the implementation phase of the project.

At Sheridan, college student mentors act as positive role models for young people and build meaningful relationships with both youth and their families. As these relationships solidify, the college student mentors engage with their mentees to build a positive view of the young person’s personal future. Mentors work with youth in small and large groups, engaging them in hands-on curriculum and activities focused on health, nutrition, wellness and physical fitness from a holistic approach.

What We Need & What You Get

We hope to expand and improve our program in 2014 in these exciting ways!

• More healthy cooking activities
• Expand into middle schools and high schools
• Upgrade our kitchen supplies
• Field trips (community gardens, farmers markets, grocery stores and co-ops, etc.)
• Host a 'Family Cooking Night'

The Impact

Among Minnesota’s children, 11.1% are obese or overweight. Many of the Minneapolis Public Schools have decreased or eliminated time during the school day for physical education. As young people are engaged in less physical activity in school, they are less focused in their classes during the school day. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Y Healthy Kids will strive to make an impact in the following ways:

• Laying the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle
• Young people try new foods and exercises
• Provide high quality after-school opportunities

"I love everything about Beacons but I really love meeting college students. They teach us how to be healthy and to make good choices. I see myself going to college too and being able to lead Beacons clubs." - a Y Healthy Kids Matter Participant


Click on the link below to make a difference in the lives of young people at Sheridan Beacons!!!!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/y-healthy-kids-matter



Sheridan Beacons thanks you for your support!