EBNHC Announces Award for Let’s Get Moving Program

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBHNC) announced a $100,000 grant award for the Center’s Let’s Get Movin’ Program, which promotes physical activity, nutrition, and healthier lifestyle choices for children, teens and their families. The New Balance Foundation awarded $100,000 for the Program, and presented the grant award today at EBNHC, where they were joined by families who have benefited from the Program. The funds will be used to expand the existing program, as well as launch a new initiative to educate parents with newborns about obesity prevention.

“We’re honored to receive such a substantial gift from our generous donors, so that we can continue to not only offer, but expand great programs like Let’s Get Movin’,” said Manny Lopes, CEO of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.  “This Program is critical in helping children, teens and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Thanks to the support of our donors, we can further promote wellness by educating parents with newborns.”

EBNHC will also collaborate with New Balance Foundation’s Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, where EBNHC pediatricians and health care providers can share successes and strategize with other experts in the field. The Let’s Get Movin’ Program is a lifestyle-change program for children, teens and families that focuses on enhancing fitness and encouraging fun physical activity. The program also teaches basic nutrition and advises families on ways to obtain access to healthy food.

“The New Balance Foundation shares the mission of the Health Center’s Let’s Get Movin’ Program, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them to make an impact on families in East Boston, and the surrounding area,” said Anne Davis, Managing Trustee, New Balance Foundation.

The Let’s Get Movin’ Program is offered throughout the school year, and offers summer programs in July and August, including field trips, community events, cooking classes and educational seminars for adults to learn more about supporting their child’s healthy lifestyle.

“While adopting  healthy lifestyle changes can be very difficult, EBNHC’s Let’s Get Movin’ Program offers additional support and guidance to children and families,” said Dr. Allison Brown, a pediatrician and Medical Director of the Let’s Get Movin’ Program at EBNHC. “We are also very grateful for the support and vision of our donors, as we launch a new initiative, Babies Get Movin’, which targets mothers and infants to prevent obesity from the very beginning.”

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) has been a vital part of its community for more than 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East

Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop.  EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year – more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.

Since 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission: to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities.

The heart of the focus of the Foundation is the prevention of childhood obesity.

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