Foundation Awards Over $715,000 to Community

August 7, 2009 Pottstown, PA - The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation has announced that it donated $715,373 to local organizations and schools during its spring grant round. “The grant applications submitted continue to be innovative and consistent with our mission to enhance the health and wellness of area residents,” according to Dave Kraybill, Executive Director, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. “We are excited to see the local schools and organizations continue to strive in their efforts in creating and improving health and wellness programs and services in spite of our current economic status.”

The Foundation provides funding to local schools and non-profit organizations who offer programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. “The development and continuation of the programs funded during this grant round are proof of the commitment and dedication of area organizations working together to create a healthier community,” comments Kraybill.

The Foundation distributes grants according to its four long-term goals:
• Goal 1: Reduce Behavioral Risks
• Goal 2: Improve Access to Medical Services
• Goal 3: Enhance Formal and Informal Supports
• Goal 4: Improve Physical and Social Environment

In support of the “Reduce Behavioral Risks” goal, the Foundation is investing $530,632 in 16 community organizations, schools and programs:
1. ACLAMO – Conexiones por Salud – Health Disparities Reduction Program
2. Brookeside Montessori – Growing Up Fit Wellness Program
3. Child, Home & Community – Pottstown Adolescent, Prenatal, Parenting & Support Program
4. Daniel Boone Area School District – Coordinated School Health Program
5. Developmental Enterprises Corporation / Pottstown Training Center – Healthy Eating, Healthy Living
6. The Greater Pottstown Tennis Association – Summer Tennis Clinic Program
7. The Growing Center, Inc. – Horticultural Therapy
8. Olivet Boys & Girls Club – Healthy Habits and Family Fitness/Nutrition Programs at Pottstown’s Ricketts Center
9. Owen J. Roberts School District – Fit for Life Program
10. Perkiomen Valley School District – West Comprehensive Adolescent Fitness Program
11. Pottsgrove School District – Wii Love Program: Love to Learn, Love Physical Education, Love Our Community, Love Positive School Behavior
12. Pottstown School District – Healthy School Communities Initiative
13. Spring-Ford Area School District – Healthy Choices Project
14. The Tennis Farm – Tennis Summer Camp for Pottstown School District students
15. YWCA Tri-County Area – Summer Out of School Quality Time Program
16. YWCA Tri-County Area – Healthy Choices program

In support of the “Enhance Formal and Informal Supports” goal, the Foundation is investing $159,741 in three community organizations and programs:
1. TriCounty Community Network – Community Collaboration, Prevention and Education programs
2. United Way of Boyertown – Matching grant for new donations in annual campaign
3. United Way of Southeastern PA – Matching grant for new or increased donations in annual campaign

In support of the “Improve Physical and Social Environment” goal, the Foundation is investing $25,000 in two community organizations:
1. Boyertown Area YMCA – Boyertown Community Pool; Phase I of Compliance Requirements
2. Preservation Pottstown – Bike Pottstown program

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation, reliable and accurate health and wellness information, fun and fitness activities, a risk-assessment questionnaire, and much more. Go to www.missiongoodnutrition.org for recipes and a recipe message board, past episodes of Mission Good Nutrition, fitness tips and quizzes.