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Here is a brief look at what we have
accomplished thus far in our second initiative year:
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Summer 2012 – cultivated a garden at Glenside
Elementary School to promote gardening as a means of
improving food literacy, healthy eating, and encouraging
physical outdoor activities as an alternative to TV and
video games.
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Fall
2012 – educated dozens of children at Glenside
Elementary and their parents to improve food literacy
and promote physical activity through several “Family,
Food and Fitness Nights.”
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October 2012 – brought together over ten
youth-serving organizations to start discussing how to
create an asset-building community for our youth; one
that ultimately fosters self-esteem and promotes
positive behaviors.
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November 2012 – increased food access of over 125
children at Olivet Boys and Girls Club (Oakbrook Unit)
by providing them with a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.
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December 2012 – met the needs of 75 children in
foster care through a holiday gift drive.
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February 2013 – brought together over 200 community
members to highlight and discuss the effects of media
messages on the health of our youth through our public
screening of the documentary Miss Representation.
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February 2013 – fostered the self-esteem of 31
at-risk middle school girls and engaged them in
leadership development and civic awareness through our
2nd Annual Young Women’s
Summit.
On May 4, we
also look forward to hosting our 8th annual
Touch-a-Truck event, designed to encourage physical activity
and exploration for the 600+ children and their caregivers
expected to attend. This year we are expanding healthy
activities at the event to address nutrition and family
health. More information on that event to come!
Through our meetings, our volunteer work, and our fund
raisers, we have raised awareness about both our initiative
and the challenges that today's youth face. As you can see
from our work this year, our advocacy and our efforts have
reached hundreds and are having a positive impact both on
our youth and the community.
We thank you
for your interest in our organization and are grateful to
you for your continued support. We will continue to keep you
informed of our progress and the impact that we are making
in the community.
"Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can
change the world.
Indeed, it is
the only thing that ever has." –Margaret Meade |