January 2025 Newsletter

Photo illustration of a caregiver and child with faces near each other and smiling at each other. The illustration says Small moments: Big Connections.

New campaign highlights early relationships as key to healthy growth and development

Healthi Kids’ “Love from the Start” campaign is getting noticed. The campaign raises awareness of the importance of caregiver love and support of infants and toddlers.

A “Love from the Start” commercial aired on WROC-TV in pre- and post-game coverage of the Jan. 26 Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs football game. View that commercial here.

The campaign also includes advertising on billboards, public transit, social media, radio and other media. Visit LoveFromTheStart.org for resources to nurture children's mental health during the all-important first five years.

Photograph of two children wearing art smocks and playing with bubbly, soapy water in a water table.

A dozen schools will take part in Global School Play Day

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Healthi Kids will again participate in Global School Play Day to draw attention to the importance of play in schools. Healthi Kids will provide healthy snacks, play supplies, and ideas to more than a dozen Rochester City School District schools.

“Play is more than just fun; it is how kids naturally learn and develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally,” said Mike Bulger, director of Whole Child Health Advocacy. “All children in the RCSD need access to playful learning and unstructured play opportunities throughout the day.”

Other schools and community sites are encouraged to host their own Global School Play Day events. Details are here.

Governor Hochul promotes children’s mental and physical health, school meals

In Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address, she announced the “Unplug and Play” initiative. This effort supports parents in steering their children away from potential harms of social media and toward activities like youth sports, arts programs, civic engagement, and community building. This effort would include funding for new playgrounds, community centers, sports programs, and more.

Governor Hochul also announced a plan to provide free breakfasts and lunches for children in schools statewide. This proposal aims to help make sure kids can focus on learning and play, help parents save money on food, and create more opportunities for students to succeed. Learn more.

Photo illustration of Candice Willams that says congratulations food policy coordinator

Candice Williams chosen as new Food Policy Coordinator

Congratulations to Candice Williams, who was selected to be Healthi Kids' new Food Policy Coordinator. She previously served as Healthi Kids' Healthy Schools Coordinator.

In her new role, Candice will design and implement policy, systems, and environmental change strategies that promote healthful nutrition in community settings. She will coordinate the Rochester Food Policy Council as an administrative member; she will work with community sites to support the implementation of food service guidelines, behavioral design and values-based procurement; and she will provide support to the Summer Meals Partnership of Rochester.

Healthi Kids is in the process of hiring for a new Healthy Schools Coordinator. Learn more.

Photograph of four women with boxes of food

The Rochester Early Childhood Education Center Northeast knew some of its families needed help with food over the holidays. They reached out to Food Policy Coordinator Candice Williams for ideas of how to meet this need. Williams connected them to Foodlink and RF Missions, which provided them with food boxes. Shown here are Principal Lisa Whitlow and staff.

Photograph of Heather Feinmann and young boy holding a sign saying League of Future Voters

Kids shared their thoughts and concerns about the future during a Kid's Town Hall Dec. 9 at Phillis Wheatley Library.

Healthi Kids leaders honored with awards

Four Healthi Kids supporters received awards from the Healthi Kids Coalition at the Coalition’s December meeting.

Photograph of Dina Faticone and Alka Phatak, who is posing with her Legacy Award.

Alka Phatak received a Legacy Award for the coalition. A coalition member for 16 years, Alka served on the policy team, helped lead the “Lunch is Gross” and recess campaigns. She chaired the Healthi Kids Breastfeeding Action Team and helping to win a $5 million CDC grant and helped to sustain work in that space.

Jenn Beideman received the Playful Heart Award. Jenn worked for Healthi Kids for more than a decade in various roles, including Director of Whole Child Health Advocacy. She provided expertise on advocacy opportunities to advance whole child health in our region. She is now deputy chief of staff to the Rochester City Council. “Jenn, your dedication to play, equity, and follow-through shows us what true service and commitment look like,” a group of Healthi Kids leaders wrote. “You make us feel valued and heard, and when you call, we answer—eager to join in, uplift, and grow together.”

Denise Vogel received the Neighborhood Hero Award. A member of the Healthi Kids Coalition since 2021, Denise has been a key advocate for safe play spaces in Rochester as well as a planner, volunteer and grant proposal writer. She took time to become certified by the Institutional Review Board, so she could help community members participate in our Play Perceptions Survey. She is also a contributor to the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative.

Jamie Lee Maldonado was given the Rookie of the Year Award. A mom of four, Jamie has been an enthusiastic volunteer during the past year. She is a member of the parent/resident leaders table, has led numerous workshops on parent engagement, and is an advocate for kids and families. Whether it's talking to news reporters about maternal mental health, speaking before City Council about the impacts of poverty on Rochester's children, or being a leader in her kids' schools, Jamie is focused on what kids need to be healthy and thrive.

For a full photo gallery from the December Healthi Kids Coalition meeting, visit here.

There will be a community input session for the Complete Streets Makeover for Avenue D. and Hollenbeck Street. The session will take place from noon - 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Avenue D. R-Center. Visit www.bit.ly/completestreetsmakeover for details.

In the headlines

New Healthi Kids campaign urges parents to bond with children early - WXXI News, December 20
Local nonprofits merge to better address public health disparities - WXXI News, December 16
Two Rochester nonprofits join forces to improve health outcomes - Rochester Business Journal, December 16

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