The Merck Foundation Renews Supports for a Second Year

We are pleased to announce that The Merck Foundation – Neighbor of Choice Community Grants program- has renewed their support for another year with a one year grant in the amount of $45,097. The grant will support health and nutrition related programming for our middle school program and provide critical funds to help us expand from a 2-to-4 day per week program at Skyline Middle School.

A few program highlights that the grant award will make possible include:

  • Health & Nutrition enrichment classes. These will be offered on one of our additional program days and structured similarly to Career Enrichment Projects with goal of exposing our youth to a wide range of health and nutrition related topics. Examples may include healthy eating, sports, yoga, dance, fitness;
  • Spring Extravaganza: Spring health and nutrition family friendly event for the entire community that will include youth showcase demonstrations, fun games & challenges that promote physical activity, healthy eating demonstrations, resource fair and a variety of stage performances;
  • Student Leadership & Family Engagement: Supports the development of a Youth Leadership Council and on-going family engagement efforts, including a newsletter and an advisory member on the Youth Council.
  • Program Integration: Will provide professional development led by Playworks for OTRC program staff and volunteers to integrate physical activity and movement throughout the program day. It also funds a weekly healthy snack for every child; menu to be selected by Youth Leadership Council.

You can catch all the latest by signing up for our email list or follow us on your favorite social media site. If you would like to learn more or get involved with this initiative, leave a comment below or contact, Brent Holsinger, President, at: brent@ontheroadcollaborative.com. Here’s to a great year of Strong Bodies, Strong Minds!