Become A Wellness Ambassador

Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation staff

Are you interested in joining one of the 5HF community wellness coalitions? Do you have an idea on how to improve the wellness culture in your community?

In the 5 Healthy Towns region, the wellness coalitions are represented by local residents and organizations that are committed to cultivating a culture of wellness for everyone. Each coalition is chaired by a volunteer who believes in the mission of 5HF – that cultivating improvements in personal and community wellness is important in the 5HF communities where you live, work, and play.

First established in 2010, the five wellness coalitions have accomplished remarkable work. Each year, voting members select programs and proposals from the community that promote the four pillars of the Foundation: Eat Better, Move More, Avoid Unhealthy Substances, and Connecting With Others in Healthy Ways. These programs are funded for one year; many have received funding more than once. As stewards of the Foundation’s resources, the coalition members evaluate each incoming proposal, request measurable outcomes, and review an evaluation report when the project is completed. 5HF depends on the wellness coalitions as its grass roots ambassadors, who know local needs and interests.

In the past, the local wellness coalitions have supported big initiatives like SRSLY and the Farmers Markets in all five towns.

Other signature events and programs are noted below:

Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition

The Chelsea Friends and Family Wellness Coalition is currently chaired by Ruth Habrecht. Ruth brings a passion for pre-school education in movement and healthy eating. The coalition meets quarterly on the first Thursday on Zoom. Funded programs include:

— Trinh Pifer Memorial Intergenerational Garden

— Camp Gabika

— Walk to School Wednesday

Dexter Wellness Coalition

The Dexter Wellness Coalition has had a rotating 3-year leadership team of “Co-motivators” to coordinate its work. The current comotivators are Mark Olexa and Mary Wagner. Mark and Mary also participate in 5HF’s One Big Thing initiative to support mental health. The coalition meets monthly on the second Tuesday. Funded programs include:

Dexter Farm to School Program

Dexter Senior Center

Mindful Dexter and Yoga in the Park

Grass Lake Community Wellness Initiative

The coalition is currently chaired by Dawn Cuddie. Dawn was instrumental in establishing the Grass Lake Road Runners, which has grown to over 192 members and 440 Facebook followers and is now coordinating with local races and other running clubs. The coalition meets monthly on the third Monday, at Lost Railway Museum.

Funded programs include:

Grass Lake Senior Center

Music in the Park

Story Walk Trail

Manchester Wellness Coalition

Ray Berg has been the MWC chairperson from its inception in 2010. Ray provides guidance and meeting leadership, and is committed to several other programs including the local Historical Society and housing for seniors. The coalition meets on the 4th Tuesday at noon.

Funded programs include:

Improvements to the Shared Use Trail

Manchester Community Garden

Manchester Schools Summer Camps

Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition

The SAWC has a 9-member volunteer board of directors, and is currently facilitated by Jo Mayer and Emily Stewart. One of its first accomplishments was establishing the Stockbridge Wellness Center. The board makes funding decisions; each member is elected to a 2-year term. The coalition meets bi-monthly on the third Tuesday at the Stockbridge Activities Center.

Funded programs include:

Stockbridge Area Senior Center

Infrastructure enhancements to Veteran’s Park, trails, parks, and playgrounds

Outdoor music and events

It’s amazing what a committed and engaged group of ambassadors can accomplish. Membership in each coalition has fluctuated over the years, but 5HF is grateful to their resilience through thick and thin – through a pandemic, funding changes, and the constant call to action in keeping the spirit of 5 Healthy Towns Foundation thriving and alive.

Thank You to our 5 Healthy Towns Wellness coalitions!

For decades, CCF has supported ALL THINGS CHELSEA the important community work that goes into making Chelsea, Michigan, the strong vibrant community that it is!

Grant Recipients since 1995, including but not limited to:

Chelsea Athletic Boosters

Chelsea District Library

Chelsea School District

SRYSLY | #WhyYouMatter

Chelsea Education Foundation

Gallery 100 | Silver Maples

Chelsea Senior Center

Faith In Action

Chelsea Area Players | Purple Rose Theatre

Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE)

Funded $1.9M in grants to

In 2013, the Dexter Farm to School program began as a partnership between the Dexter Community Schools, Dexter Wellness Coalition, and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation. Two coalition members, Brad Judge, MD, and Shirley Bitters, were instrumental in forming the proposal and getting Dexter Farm to School off the ground. The goal of the program is to teach students where food comes from, show students how to prepare food, and to encourage students to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Our program works closely with the Dexter Schools staff, students, and volunteers. The program maintains a school garden on the Creekside Intermediate School campus. The Program Coordinator, Francie Wesorick, oversees the garden and garden activities. Students and volunteers start planting seeds in the school greenhouse in the Spring and grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruit over the Summer.

The garden provides many learning and volunteer opportunities for Dexter students. The school garden is a beautiful source of pride in the Dexter Community School District. Gardening sparks curiosity in students and uses all of the five senses. Hands-on learning helps students learn important, problem-solving skills, and it helps students build confidence in their abilities. Our goal is to engage students in growing food, so that they will feel more encouraged to taste new foods.

Students get the opportunity to participate in both gardening and cooking activities during daily Kitchen/ Garden classes. Students learn how to follow a recipe, use kitchen tools, and plan and prepare nutritious food. Gardening gives kids a new perspective on food, and cooking gives them real-life skills.