Chelsea, MI, March 28, 2017 — 5 Healthy Towns Foundation’s (5HF) Board of Directors approved Dexter Wellness Coalition’s 2017-18 Comprehensive Wellness Plan on Monday, March 27, 2017. The plan is intended to improve options for healthy living in the community. This is the fifth Dexter Comprehensive Wellness Plan to receive funding, for a total Wellness Plan investment in Dexter of more than $525,000 by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.
“Dexter is such a terrific community,” stated Kevin Dombkowski, Dexter resident and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Board Member. “The Dexter Wellness Coalition volunteers recognize the absolute importance of health and wellness in our lives and help make this a truly remarkable place to live.”
The Dexter Wellness Coalition plan includes eight interventions, totaling $75,000. The funded programs include those considered best practices in community wellness, like encouraging exercise, fresh food choices and teen campaigns targeting substance abuse. The popular Outdoor Exercise classes return in 2017. Yoga in the Park will take place at 8 am every Saturday in June, July and August. An outdoor exercise class will follow at 9 am. Both are free and intended to offer exercise programming that’s safe, inviting and unique.
Other programs included with the Wellness Coalition’s interventions are $35,000 to continue the Dexter Community School’s Farm to School and School Garden program, $20,000 for SRSLY, $4,000 earmarked for Program to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) and $2,000 towards the creation of the Huron-Waterloo Pathways Trail network.
Dexter Wellness Coalition meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm in the Dexter Wellness Center’s conference room. The coalition has 16 regular members who worked on constructing the successful Comprehensive Wellness Plan application. “It’s a privilege to work with such dedicated community volunteers who are passionate about health and wellness in the Dexter community,” said Stephanie Mayweather, Coalition Chairwoman.
For more information, visit 5healthytowns.org and follow the Dexter Wellness Coalition on facebook.
Approved Proposals
PEAC-Dexter – Program to Educate All Cyclists – PEAC is a summer cycling program for individuals with cognitive, behavioral, developmental or intellectual disabilities. Participants set individual goals and instructors work with each individual to attain their targets. This summer program supports physical activity with encouragement for family participation through collaboration with Dexter Schools, Hudson Mills, U of M Dance Marathon and Wheels in Motion.
Funding Request $4,000
Summer Fitness Festival – The Dexter Wellness Center will host fitness Saturdays this summer, with yoga followed by outdoor fitness classes, making Dexter a great destination for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. This program is open to the community.
Funding Request $6,000
Alternative High School Wellness Program – Dexter Wellness Center and Dexter Alternative High School will partner to promote adapted physical activity for 15 junior/senior high school students enrolled in DAHS. The goal is to augment physical education services and to enhance academic performance.
Funding Request $1,800
Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative – A donation to the Huron Waterloo Pathways project represents the coalition’s commitment to support the ongoing development of the pathways initiative.
Funding Request: $2,000
Eat Better
Farm to School/School Garden – In collaboration with Dexter Community Schools, the Dexter Farm to School and School Garden program engages every student within the district. The interventions proposes to continue work for lunches – providing Michigan grown meals in every building at least once a month. The intervention will continue education and school garden programming.
Funding Request $35,000
Dexter Winter Marketplace – In collaboration with the Dexter Senior Center, the Winter Marketplace hosts seasonal produce, hormone free proteins, and craft vendors to provide community residents with bi-monthly access to locally sourced goods and services. The Marketplace also provides food assistance programs (SNAP) and an engaging place to gather.
Funding Request $5,500
Connect With Others
Dexter Forum – This community group meets bi-monthly at the Dexter Wellness Center to share information about topics of importance in the local community and at the state level.
Funding Request: $0
Avoid Unhealthy Substances
SRSLY Dexter – St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea in collaboration with Dexter Community Schools continues its creative programming to educate school age youth about the prevention of substance abuse and destructive behaviors. The main focus is on alcohol, marijuana and medication use and abuse.
Funding Request: $20,000