This year we were exicted to learn that we had won one of the Healthy Places, Active Spaces grants that will allow us to further improve the park and to introduce an outdoor activity program for kids.  This grant, an initiative of The Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch (PAN), is intended to increase the capacity of community organizations to implement sustainable physical activity and healthy eating opportunities for underserved children and youth in Wake County.

One of our new offerings is an after-school outdoor activity club that meets twice a week to give kids an opportunity to learn and play various games and activities such as soccer, flag football, volleyball, and horseshoes.  Two part-time coordinators direct the club teaching kids about new sports and activities, and promoting the importance of eating healthy and getting their daily exercise.  The club is held during the spring and fall for eight weeks and during the summer for four weeks.  This year, we averaged 30 kids per day at the club.

Another new program this year was a summer soccer league that met on Saturdays to play under the direction of the Boys & Girls Clubs.  Over 20 kids participated in the games and increased their exposure with the Boys & Girls Clubs.   Our last new program was the addition of a walking program with the assistance of Wake County Human Services.  Over 25 residents have gotten pedometers and are logging their steps each week.  They are walking daily and are already seeing positive results.

We have maintained our partnership with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle for our community garden.  Each season, the garden is gathering more interest as we continue to grow corn, beans, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and other fresh food.  This fall, eight middle school kids worked with a NC State soil science class to learn about nutrients, soil, and the planting process.  Through a partnership with Inter-faith and NC Cooperative Extension, we have been able to offer adult and kids cooking classes throughout the year.  Approximately twelve people attend each class and learn proper cooking techniques and how to shop and use healthy ingredients.

Nessie Foundation continues to support and encourage participation in summer programs at four area Boys & Girls Clubs by providing camp fees and transportation.  Noteworthy this year was the number of kids who participated and the high numbers that attended each day.  We increased our overall days attended to the clubs from 334 to 771 – a 124% increase from last summer!  We had 45 kids from ages 6-17 and our bus traveled over 1,800 miles during this time.  On numerous days the bus was almost filled to capacity!

We believe our new initiatives will greatly enrich the community and allow us to increase our positive impact on children and their families.  The board and officers continue to serve as volunteers and all or our donations go toward program expenditures.  Please consider a donation today online or by mail at 4500 Parrish Manor Drive, Garner NC 27529.