December 17, 2004

YMCAs win $1.3 million grant for
physical fitness, nutrition education

‘Y Healthy U Project’ Kicks-Off

The YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula, in partnership with the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley, received a three–year federal grant for $1.3 million from the Carol M. White Physical Education Program.

The YMCA of Santa Clara Valley was awarded a three-year, $1.3 million federal grant to improve physical education programs for K-12 students.

The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Education for the program locally called the Y Healthy U Project. Only 10 other YMCA associations across the nation were awarded similar grants in October for a total of $4.5 million.

The funds will be used to initiate, expand and/or improve physical education programs, including after school activities, to help students from kindergarten through twelfth grade make progress toward meeting state standards for physical education.

The combined YMCAs, Mid-Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley, operate 12 branches from Redwood City to Morgan Hill with after-school and childcare site locations stretching as far south as Gilroy.

The two associations serve more than 140,000 members annually and offer 61 childcare and after school centers and eight Teen Centers. Collectively, the YMCA is the nations’ largest childcare provider.

“The YMCA will train childcare and after-school staff to deliver a comprehensive physical activity and nutrition curriculum,” said Mary Hoshiko, vice president of Program and Community Develop-ment for the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley. “The comprehensive program includes a strong family-participation component.”

The first year of funding for the after-school and school age childcare component kicked-off in October and will serve 3,500 students each year for the next three years.

The second and third year will provide funds for a summer teacher institute co-sponsored by the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and follow-up mentoring to train 60 teachers to deliver physical education and nutrition curriculum in their classrooms.

The YMCAs plan to partner with 20 school districts in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County After School Collaborative.

Kathy Riggins, president and CEO YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula, says the goal of the Y Healthy U Project is to help children and youth become more physically active and increase their overall physical fitness.

“Students will learn about basic nutrition, how they can make healthy food choices and improve their eating habits. Our Y project will create a model program that can be easily replicated and implemented in other communities,” she said.

At the eight YMCA branches with teen centers, including East Valley Family YMCA, fitness, nutrition and recreation programs will be expanded to include physical activity integrated with nutrition programming. Approximate-ly 1,600 students will be served annually.

East Valley Family YMCA hosts wellness week, open house in January

East Valley Family YMCA, 1975 White Rd., invites the community to its YMCA Wellness Week Jan 3 – 7, culminating with an open house on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Non-members may use the facility and participate in classes, tours and demonstrations from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Healthy snacks and wellness assessments will also be offered.

Different health-related activities each day which include:
- Monday, Jan. 3 – How to begin a personal fitness program, healthy habits, nutrition
- Tuesday, Jan. 4 – Youth health and wellness: swim lesson registration, kids yoga, youth strength training, youth fitness
- Wednesday, Jan. 5 – Water day: masters (adult) swim, aqua fitness classes, lap and recreational swim
- Thursday, Jan. 6 – mind/body day: Yoga, Tai-Chi, Pilates, Yoga Stretch
- Friday, Jan. 7 – Women’s wellness: Strength training for women, low impact step, body pump, light and easy and total lifestyle conditioning
- Saturday, Jan. 8 – Open house: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Other YMCA branches
If you work outside of Evergreen and would prefer to check out a YMCA closer to work to avoid rush hour traffic, five other YMCA of Santa Clara Valley branches will also be holding wellness weeks and open houses with their own unique focus for each day, including:
- Central YMCA, 1717 The Alameda, San Jose, (408) 298-1717
- Northwest YMCA, 20803 Alves Dr., Cupertino, (408) 257-7160
- Mt. Madonna YMCA 17666 Crest Ave., Morgan Hill, (408) 779-5040
- South Valley Family YMCA, 5632 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose (408) 226-9622
- Southwest YMCA, 13500 Quito Rd., Saratoga, (408) 370-1877

If you’re thinking about a YMCA membership, your membership card may be used at any YMCA branch.

The YMCA of Santa Clara Valley, serving over 100,000 residents, is a membership organization open to all people with an emphasis on developing body, mind and spirit encouraging a lifelong commitment to health, supportive family relationships and personal development.

For more information, call (408) 351-6415, (408) 288-YMCA or the East Valley Family YMCA, (408) 715-6500.