NANCY’S STORY

“With United Way’s help, we’re able to make healthy eating and fitness fun for our after-school program.”

After teaching all her life, Nancy Walker has a passion for helping children. Now, in her position as a Healthy Out-of-School Time (HOST) site coordinator for Neighborhood Learning Alliance (NLA)/Bloomfield Garfield Cooperation’s (BGC)/Arsenal Elementary after-school programs, she continues to teach through activities that promote healthy eating and physical fitness.

The HOST program is a partnership between United Way of Southwestern PA’s fitUnited initiative, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and other local agencies, including The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The initiative strives to teach children at after-school programs the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

“Through HOST, we are giving these kids skills they can use their entire life,” Nancy explained. “The kids are excited to learn about being healthy. We make it fun.”

At Arsenal Elementary, HOST grant money has allowed for new equipment for the gym and nutrition books, offering new and different ways for students to learn about positive eating habits and participate in fun games and outings. By making physical activity and nutritional choices fun and engaging, students will take these skills home with them and into their futures.

“Last year, we partnered with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to take students to local parks and explore nature. It was so cool to see the kids become nature lovers,” Nancy said. “Teaching these different ways to be healthy will foster positive decision-making long into their futures.”

As for this year, Nancy’s site will partner with other local programs to plan monthly themes for various lessons and activities. United Way will support through activities, books, visiting programs and field trips.

Nancy can see the difference in her students. “I started with after-school five years ago. I remember not being able to get the kids to eat their fruits or vegetables, or interest them in games other than competitive kickball. Now they love their apples and bananas; they love exploring the outdoors and they enjoy playing fun cooperative games” Nancy said. “I see a change in their interests and their behavior and I can see that they are making healthier choices.”