The Boys and Girls Club of Cypress was awarded a $1,000 grant in January from United Healthcare and Youth Service of America (YSA) to fight childhood obesity, to encourage members to participate in regular physical activity, and to develop leadership skills among its teen members.
Teen members are working with Boys and Girls Club staff to organize a program where children walk 10 minutes a day three days a week, with members being awarded tickets used for weekly prize drawings. The walking program, which also allows teens an opportunity to lead and serve younger members, was implemented on Martin Luther King Day of Service. It will culminate with a family walk and open house at the club on Global Youth Service Day on Saturday, April 27.
“This program is a nice way to help teens develop leadership skills,” said Executive Director, Ann Hertz. “Our walking program fits into our health and leadership components.” “The walking is getting the kids moving in a non-competitive way.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Cypress serves more than 200 children from all surrounding cities and from all socio-economic backgrounds. “It’s our goal to give access to free or low cost services,” said Hertz. They provide after school and summer activities that help lead to academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership.
“We see a need and try to fulfill it,” said Sue Osbon, area director for the club. “I think the kids are enjoying the walking,” said Osbon.
Hertz said that the club, which has been partnering with United Healthcare for the last 2 years, has had their staff come in and volunteer at the club. Additionally, United Healthcare has provided pedometers for the walking program, backpacks, school supplies, and Easter baskets. The Boys and Girls Club’s Board of Director Vice President, Larry McIntosh, who is United Healthcare’s Regional Vice President of Capitation and Encounter Operations, was instrumental in helping the club secure the grant. “We see a need and look to community partners to help with volunteers and funding,” said Hertz.
United Healthcare awarded more than $175,000 HEROES grants to nearly 200 schools and community-based nonprofit organizations nationwide with $6,000 awarded in Southern California for youth-led projects that address childhood obesity. Other Southern California grant recipients include Pasadena Unified School District, Chase Elementary in El Cajon, Loma Linda University/Redlands Boys and Girls Club, Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles, and the Boys and Girls Club of West Valley/Canoga Park High School.
United Healthcare HEROES is a wellness initiative developed by United Healthcare and Youth Service America (YSA) designed to encourage young people working with educators and youth leaders, to create and implement walking, running or hiking programs. YSA, in celebration of 25 years of youth changing the world, is an organization that works to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving in leadership roles.
Childhood obesity is a critical problem among children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three children are obese or overweight, putting them at risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life.