United Way of the Wabash Valley is investing in the future of children

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— United Way of the Wabash Valley is awarding $29,200 towards multiple groups in an effort to support the Healthy Kids in Mind and Body Initiative.

United Way is giving 7 different projects across the valley up to $5,000 a piece in an effort to help children. Recent studies have shown a rise in young people experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, and aggression. The U.S. Surgeon General’s report from 2021 showed that four in 10 students felt sad or hopeless and almost one-third experienced poor mental health.

The Healthy Kids in Mind and Body Initiative is a way United Way is attempting to combat this, by supporting innovative programs to improve the overall health of youth participants. One of the ways the United Way believes to help that is through after school and summer programs. United Way thinks this is a good way for young people to foster belonging and build supportive relationships.

They awarded the Brown Bagger School Food Program in Shelburn, Indiana $5,000 for their Successful Students Program. They plan to use the money to open an afterschool program as a safe place where students can go with healthy snacks, help with homework, participate in Play 60, and provide opportunities to learn life skills.

The Community Theatre of Clay County in Brazil, Indiana received $2,000 for the Theatre for Childhood Well-Being program. This is a free theater program that will address obesity through physical activity, typically through dance, and to support mental health through allowing the children to explore emotions and build self-esteem.

The Merom Camp and Retreat Center of Merom Indiana received $5,000 for their Catch the Spirit: Igniting Minds, Moving Bodies program. They plan to use the money to construct a ropes challenge course, scavenger hunts, and a canoeing/kayaking spot on the Wabash River.

Northeast East Elementary in Hymera, Indiana received $2,701 for their Cultivating Child Resilience program. They are putting their funds into this summer program that provides nourishment, exercise, and stability, allowing students to get their social and physical needs met. They allow the students access to exercise equipment, character-building books, art supplies, and take-home materials to help reinforce learning outside the program.

Sullivan City Park Board in Sullivan, Indiana was awarded $5,000 for their Family Fitness at the Sullivan City Pool initiative. This allows them to host a free family swim day once a week to allow students and their family time to engage with others and promote physical activity.

The Terre Haute Torpedoes also received $5,000 for their Free Swim Lessons for Kids program that will allow them to offer free swim lessons at the Aquatic Center for all Wabash Valley children from potty-trained to age 17. The Wellness Box of Terre Haute was also awarded $4,500 for the Nutrition Education for Youth Conditioning Program that allows them to set up free conditional exercise and nutritional programs for its participants.

Marlene Burns, Review Team Chair, stated “The programs we are funding are getting kids moving, but they are also projects that will improve their social/emotional well-being and teach kids life skills, and the importance of nutrition. We are especially excited to fund projects in Clay and Sullivan counties, as well as Vigo County.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.