Community Grant Program Year 1
January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016

In the first year, grant awards included projects focused on keeping youth active and safe, providing food to combat food insecurity, engaging youth in multi-generational public health priorities, educating elementary school children about oral health, and promoting workplace wellness programs in the private sector.

The following recipients received cash grant awards ranging from $1,253 to $3,000:

Athletics for Education and Success, Fort Dodge
The Taking Back Our Youth project focused on breaking the cycle of youth violence by providing enriching activities on weekends for at-risk youth. Activities included sports, arts, performing arts, and more. Webster County Juvenile Court Services and Fort Dodge Community School District referred youth to the program and the Fort Dodge Police Department provided volunteers to assist in program activities.

Carry on Bags, Fairfield
Carry On Bags aimed to provide food security for children during weekends or long breaks when school was not in session. Through this project, they sought to increase visibility and develop an evaluation process.

Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, Mason City
The Worksite Wellness Education, Reward, & Recognition Program established a program for local businesses to address strategies for supporting employee wellness. “Lunch and learn” presentations were given on packing healthy lunches, strength training, and ergonomic assessments and safety in the workplace. Workplace Wellness Awards were presented at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.

Hamilton County Public Health, Webster City
The Building Shared Leadership project sought to advance inter-generational dialogues and allow middle and high school youth to engage in shared leadership roles in their community. Community conversations were held to explore the concept of public health and identify public health issues important to youth. Students were asked about what their ideal community would look like and what a responsible adult would look like to help make the community better.

Southern Prairie YMCA, Creston
The Brighter Smile, Brighter Y, Brighter Future project partnered with Creston High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and local dentists to strengthen community well-being through preventative dental care to reduce health and financial risk. The program targeted all third graders in the Creston school district.