------------------------------
January 2019
Share your thoughts about the new Play Walk
Tell us how you want to play along the Play Walk, a new interactive play trail in development for Rochester. The Play Walk will stretch from the Strong Museum of Play along Court Street to Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County. Kaboom! and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation are funding the Play Walk. Construction on the first phase of the Play Walk will take place in 2019. Share your ideas here (http://www.playwalkroc.fun/) .
------------------------------
New play video debuts
Imagine a city where every child has access to safe and supportive play spaces. Healthi Kids is building that playable city in Rochester because we know that #PlayROCs. Kids who play every day are healthier. They do better at school. Also, they learn such skills as team building and problem solving.
Over the last 10 years, our #PlayROCs campaign has sparked change across Rochester. With residents, youth and neighborhood champions, we have hosted pop up play days, shared the importance of play with elected officials and transformed neighborhoods for kids and play. We have created playful sidewalks, play streets and story walks. We continue to advocate for safe and accessible play spaces for every child because we know it is a child's right to play!
We now have a video that highlights our PlayROCs campaign and the successes we have built together. View the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PXiiH4onLc) .
------------------------------
Year in review
Healthi Kids had a productive 2018. We expanded our focus to address whole child health. Among our accomplishments, we trained 246 parents, youth and residents to advocate for change. We helped ensure 2,300 youth and adults received free healthy food education in schools. We helped 2,131 people learn about safe driving on the Drive2BBetter.com website. We helped paint 11 playful sidewalks in Rochester. Learn more in our Year in Review infographic (http://www.healthikids.org/WhatsNew/OurBlog/tabid/146/EntryId/1132/2018-in-Review.aspx) .
------------------------------
New community kitchen provides healthier options
Kudos to the Rochester City School District for helping to outfit School 17's new Community Kitchen. The idea for a community kitchen was part of the JOSANA neighborhood master plan. Parents and youth at School 17 have long said they wanted a community kitchen to cook healthier, more culturally responsive food for family events and activities. Over the past two and a half years, Common Ground Health's Healthi Kids has worked closely with Rochester City School District Food Services and School 17's Principal Caterina Leone-Mannino, parents, and School 17's Health and Wellness Committee to equip the kitchen with appliances and make it operational.
For details on the new kitchen, contact Alicia Evans at Alicia.Evans@commongroundhealth.org (mailto:Alicia.Evans@commongroundhealth.org) or call 585-224-3172.
------------------------------
Healthi Kids joins advocates for out of school time funding
Healthi Kids and other members of the Greater Rochester Afterschool Alliance took part in the New York State Network for Youth Success' advocacy day Jan. 23 in Albany. Students and advocates spoke about the "Power of 3:00" as they advocated for high-quality afterschool and summer programs. According to the network, research has linked regular participation in high quality afterschool programs with better grades, behavior and school attendance. For details, contact Jenn Beideman at jenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org (mailto:jenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org) or call 585-224-3151.
------------------------------
February SNAP benefits sent out early
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may have received their February benefits in mid-January due to the Federal Government shutdown. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance reminded recipients that the funds were not a bonus, and that they would need to plan food budgets to make the assistance last throughout February. Read more. (http://otda.ny.gov/news/2019/2019-01-14.asp)
------------------------------
Cafés ask, 'What prevents you from accessing fruits and vegetables?'
Thank you to Vertus High School for enabling students to talk to Healthi Kids and Common Ground Health. The conversation was focused on barriers to healthy eating. A recent health survey from Common Ground Health revealed that income and other factors keep many residents from enjoying a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. To better understand such barriers, Common Ground has hosted a series of community cafés. Insights from the community cafés will be shared this spring in a report to guide organizations working to improve food access. Learn more (https://www.commongroundhealth.org/initiative-asks-what-prevents-residents-from-accessing-vegetables-and-fruits) .
------------------------------
Staff member joins infant mental health board
Stephanie David has joined the board of the New York State Association of Infant Mental Health. The association is a professional organization for specialists whose work supports the development and emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents.
David is a Children's Health Policy Associate for Common Ground Health. She provides expertise and guidance on policy-change opportunities to advance whole child health throughout our region.
David has more than a decade of experience in health policy and public health law. She is a member of the policy committee for the Association of the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. She also teaches online courses in Public Health Law and Medicine and Ethics for George Washington University's Master of Public Health program. To learn more about infant mental health, contact Stephanie at Stephanie.david@commongroundhealth.org (mailto:Stephanie.david@commongroundhealth.org) or call 585-224-3134.
------------------------------
New museum benefit extends access to play
Thank you to the Strong Museum of Play and donors for making play accessible for people of a variety of income levels. The museum is now offering discounted admission to people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Museum patrons should show their Electronic Benefits Transfer card and ID to receive $3 admission for up to four people. The offer is not applicable for advance ticket sales. Learn more (https://www.museumofplay.org/press/releases/2019/01/5178-the-strong-launches-accessibility-program) .
------------------------------
Dates to remember
Feb. 1 - Greater Rochester Health Foundation Community Health Grants open. Grant workshops will be Feb. 9, Feb. 13 and Feb. 22. Learn more (http://www.thegrhf.org/funding/community-health-grants) .
Feb. 9 - Youth Sports Expo - 1 to 4 p.m. Main Street Armory, 900 East Main St., Rochester. Interact with providers of sports programs and services for city. Demonstrations, workshops, try a new sport, door prizes and more. Register here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-sports-expo-tickets-53817243825) .
Feb. 19 - 22 - Winter Wonderland Community Games - 1 to 3 p.m. Presented by Project Hope and Genesee Land Trust. Outside at Conkey Corner Park, 92 Conkey Avenue, weather permitting. If poor weather, activities will be indoors at 915 North Clinton Avenue. Details: call Gildred 585-467-6410 ext. 33
Feb. 15 - National No One Eats Alone Day - a student-led initiative is to help all kids feel included, valued and accepted by their peers. Learn more (https://www.nooneeatsalone.org/questions/) .
------------------------------
In the headlines:
WXXI News - Connections: Reshaping Rochester - "Creating Healthy and Vibrant Cities for All" (https://www.wxxinews.org/post/connections-reshaping-rochester-creating-healthy-and-vibrant-cities-all)
News 10 NBC - Study: Junk food ads target black, Hispanic kids (https://www.whec.com/news/study-junk-food-ads-target-black-hispanic-kids/5220911/?cat=565)
13 WHAM ABC - Plans for "Play Walk" in the works as part of ROC the Riverway initiative (https://13wham.com/news/local/plans-for-play-walk-in-the-works-as-part-of-roc-the-riverway-initiative)
------------------------------
Find us on social media for more Healthi Kids updates as we advocate for healthier more active kids in Rochester and Monroe County. Tell us your vision for a Playable Rochester #PlayROCs

January 2019

Share your thoughts about the new Play Walk

Tell us how you want to play along the Play Walk, a new interactive play trail in development for Rochester. The Play Walk will stretch from the Strong Museum of Play along Court Street to Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County. Kaboom! and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation are funding the Play Walk. Construction on the first phase of the Play Walk will take place in 2019. Share your ideas here.

New play video debuts

Imagine a city where every child has access to safe and supportive play spaces. Healthi Kids is building that playable city in Rochester because we know that #PlayROCs. Kids who play every day are healthier. They do better at school. Also, they learn such skills as team building and problem solving.

Over the last 10 years, our #PlayROCs campaign has sparked change across Rochester. With residents, youth and neighborhood champions, we have hosted pop up play days, shared the importance of play with elected officials and transformed neighborhoods for kids and play. We have created playful sidewalks, play streets and story walks. We continue to advocate for safe and accessible play spaces for every child because we know it is a child's right to play!

We now have a video that highlights our PlayROCs campaign and the successes we have built together. View the video.

Year in review

Healthi Kids had a productive 2018. We expanded our focus to address whole child health. Among our accomplishments, we trained 246 parents, youth and residents to advocate for change. We helped ensure 2,300 youth and adults received free healthy food education in schools. We helped 2,131 people learn about safe driving on the Drive2BBetter.com website. We helped paint 11 playful sidewalks in Rochester. Learn more in our Year in Review infographic.

New community kitchen provides healthier options

Kudos to the Rochester City School District for helping to outfit School 17's new Community Kitchen. The idea for a community kitchen was part of the JOSANA neighborhood master plan. Parents and youth at School 17 have long said they wanted a community kitchen to cook healthier, more culturally responsive food for family events and activities. Over the past two and a half years, Common Ground Health's Healthi Kids has worked closely with Rochester City School District Food Services and School 17's Principal Caterina Leone-Mannino, parents, and School 17's Health and Wellness Committee to equip the kitchen with appliances and make it operational.

For details on the new kitchen, contact Alicia Evans at Alicia.Evans@commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3172.

Healthi Kids joins advocates for out of school time funding

Healthi Kids and other members of the Greater Rochester Afterschool Alliance took part in the New York State Network for Youth Success' advocacy day Jan. 23 in Albany. Students and advocates spoke about the "Power of 3:00" as they advocated for high-quality afterschool and summer programs. According to the network, research has linked regular participation in high quality afterschool programs with better grades, behavior and school attendance. For details, contact Jenn Beideman at jenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3151.

February SNAP benefits sent out early

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may have received their February benefits in mid-January due to the Federal Government shutdown. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance reminded recipients that the funds were not a bonus, and that they would need to plan food budgets to make the assistance last throughout February. Read more.

Cafés ask, 'What prevents you from accessing fruits and vegetables?'

Thank you to Vertus High School for enabling students to talk to Healthi Kids and Common Ground Health. The conversation was focused on barriers to healthy eating. A recent health survey from Common Ground Health revealed that income and other factors keep many residents from enjoying a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. To better understand such barriers, Common Ground has hosted a series of community cafés. Insights from the community cafés will be shared this spring in a report to guide organizations working to improve food access. Learn more.

Staff member joins infant mental health board

Stephanie David has joined the board of the New York State Association of Infant Mental Health. The association is a professional organization for specialists whose work supports the development and emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents.

David is a Children's Health Policy Associate for Common Ground Health. She provides expertise and guidance on policy-change opportunities to advance whole child health throughout our region.

David has more than a decade of experience in health policy and public health law. She is a member of the policy committee for the Association of the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. She also teaches online courses in Public Health Law and Medicine and Ethics for George Washington University's Master of Public Health program. To learn more about infant mental health, contact Stephanie at Stephanie.david@commongroundhealth.org or call 585-224-3134.

New museum benefit extends access to play

Thank you to the Strong Museum of Play and donors for making play accessible for people of a variety of income levels. The museum is now offering discounted admission to people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Museum patrons should show their Electronic Benefits Transfer card and ID to receive $3 admission for up to four people. The offer is not applicable for advance ticket sales. Learn more.

Dates to remember

Feb. 1 - Greater Rochester Health Foundation Community Health Grants open. Grant workshops will be Feb. 9, Feb. 13 and Feb. 22. Learn more.

Feb. 9 - Youth Sports Expo - 1 to 4 p.m. Main Street Armory, 900 East Main St., Rochester. Interact with providers of sports programs and services for city. Demonstrations, workshops, try a new sport, door prizes and more. Register here.

Feb. 19 - 22 - Winter Wonderland Community Games - 1 to 3 p.m. Presented by Project Hope and Genesee Land Trust. Outside at Conkey Corner Park, 92 Conkey Avenue, weather permitting. If poor weather, activities will be indoors at 915 North Clinton Avenue. Details: call Gildred 585-467-6410 ext. 33

Feb. 15 - National No One Eats Alone Day - a student-led initiative is to help all kids feel included, valued and accepted by their peers. Learn more.

In the headlines:

WXXI News - Connections: Reshaping Rochester - "Creating Healthy and Vibrant Cities for All"

News 10 NBC - Study: Junk food ads target black, Hispanic kids

13 WHAM ABC - Plans for "Play Walk" in the works as part of ROC the Riverway initiative

Find us on social media for more Healthi Kids updates as we advocate for healthier more active kids in Rochester and Monroe County. Tell us your vision for a Playable Rochester #PlayROCs

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January 2019

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