Sussex County YMCA Partners with County, Franklin School on Middle School Wellness
Students participate in a group fitness class at the Y.
HARDYSTON, NJ - The Sussex County YMCA, in conjunction with the Sussex County Division of Health and Franklin Borough School District, recently kicked off Empower U-Franklin Fit Club, a six-week program aimed at promoting healthy habits among middle school students. The program takes place on Friday afternoons, when students come to the Y to engage in teen training in the facility's Wellness Center and try out a new group fitness class each week.
"We are thrilled to be able to work with our local partners and empower young people to take charge of their well-being by teaching them important lessons in nutrition, exercise, and self-care. By providing a supportive environment where students can explore healthy habits and learn how to make positive choices for their bodies and minds, we can help set them up for a lifetime of wellness,” said Corey Brown, Executive Director at the Sussex County YMCA.
Twenty-six students spend two hours each week at the Y exercising under the guidance of expert wellness staff. Franklin School offered students the option to enroll, and the Y is providing them free memberships through the Y’s Middle School Initiative, a program that is supported by fundraising during the Y’s Annual Support Campaign. Families of participants also receive a free 3-month Family Membership to the Y upon completion of the program.
The program was implemented in response to local health studies of student BMI throughout the county. The goal is to increase the proportion of Franklin Elementary school aged children who are at a healthy weight, and to improve nutritional food choices and encourage physical activity, said Danielle Osellame from the Sussex County Division of Health, who is spearheading the program.
“It has been a wonderful experience and opportunity to be able to bring together so many different resources in Sussex County to make this program successful,” Osellame said.
"As educators, our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that not only focuses on academic success but also promotes healthy habits and physical fitness. By instilling these habits early on, we can help our students lead healthier, happier, and more active lives. I am excited to work collaboratively with our community partners to provide new opportunities and programs to the students at Franklin Borough School,” said JR Giacchi, Superintendent of Franklin Borough School and also a member of the Sussex County Y Board of Managers.
With grant funding from Atlantic Health System, students of the program were able to receive sweatpants, T-shirts, a gym bag and shorts. Skylands Ride public transportation was available to pick students up near school grounds and take them to the Y. A healthy snack is provided by Sparta Food Pantry prior to exercising. Students also receive a bag of fresh groceries each week after the program, so they can make a healthy meal at home.
“This program has definitely changed my kids for the better. They are more health conscious, confident, stronger and independent,” said Peggy Askew, a Y member with two kids, ages 11 and 12, attending the program. ”We are all thankful for this wonderful opportunity.”
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ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.
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