LHCC celebrates first year of Project FIT
Project FIT was launched in early 2022 to extend basic education services into a comprehensive action-orientated healthy living initiative for all our participants. Our family needs are directly identified by our parent surveys, current mental health education, supported by research. Research findings show that there is a direct association between access to care and glycemic control, highlighting the need for accessible and culturally tailored care. We have introduced weekly Zumba and Croga (Christian Yoga) classes for keep our families moving!
That’s why LHCC embarked on this FIT new project with our partners Atrium Health, Camino Health Clinic and Mecklenburg County Health Department. We are anticipating that his project will continue in 2023 as more families benefit from our focus on fitness. In addition, we have received fresh vegetables from Jubilee Farms and cooking classes and instruction from All Things Food.
Camino Health and Community Center assisted initially with weekly on-site program activities. Theme-based group therapy classes extracted from the American Psychological Association education directory. The program tailored content delivery and learning activities in response to participant feedback to provide the most person-centered experience. Content delivery methods and outcomes included discussions on Mental Health Education, for example, biology, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments.
After the awareness and training, we embarked upon a health assessment and wellness program to assess each participants vital health statistics like A1C, blood pressure and BMI. Wellness plans will also include healthy eating and cooking classes complemented by exercise, counting calories and also steps towards a healthier family.
LHCC has partnered with coaches from Sports Outreach Institute to create a safe space for children to engage and play in activities that suit all children, one per week during the school term. In addition, we have engaged the Twist Kids Foundation to teach children, kids’ yoga, the importance of stretching, relaxation and using exercise to find balance. All activities are undertaken at our St Andrews UMC facility while parents are doing health assessments and attending impactful education sessions to help improve health outcomes for the whole family. Fitness has become a stable of all our interactions with children and their parents.
Want to join us? We need volunteers, medical practitioner’s and your prayers for more game-changing interventions in 2023 that could save a life from chronic illness. Check out our Get Involved page for details on volunteer opportunities.
I am,
Brent Morris
Executive Director
November 2022
