Program Purpose
This voluntary program of formal and informal activities is designed to improve the health and well- being of all students/residents and reduce or eliminate personal problems affecting resident’s health and productivity.
Program Objectives
The Primary Goal of the Mended Reeds Wellness Program is to strive to increase the well-being and productivity of ail students/residents and staff, through the enhancement of all aspects of health. The program seeks to increase awareness of positive health behaviors, to motivate students/residents and staff to voluntarily adopt healthier behaviors, and to provide opportunities with a supportive environment to foster positive lifestyle changes.
Measurable Outcome/Impact Objectives
Having the Wellness Program available contributes to a more positive school/facility climate. By the end of each week 100% of students/residents will have participated in at least one wellness activity. By the end of each day each resident should have participated in the scheduled activity (Unless they are unable to participate).
- “Awareness” activities will report that the activities increase their knowledge about healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- “Awareness” activities will report that the activities increase their motivation to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- Students/Residents who regularly participated in “Lifestyle Change” activities will report that they maintained the activity for at least 6 months.
- Wellness Program will be sensitive to the needs and interests of students/residents.
Resident’s Needs
Students/Residents were surveyed to gather data on the interest in wellness activities, types of events, topics of interest, and preferred times for activities. A summary of the results are attached (see attachment)
Eligibility Requirements
All Residents are eligible for voluntary participation in the wellness activities. Staff members are eligible to participate per guidelines set by the organization.
Use of Facilities
Wellness program activities will take place in designated space. This may include conference rooms and other available onsite indoor and outdoor areas as well as offsite locations.
Providers of instruction or services for the wellness program will include:
- (Health educators, nutritionists, mental health professionals, certified fitness Instructors.
- Only persons with accepted degrees or recognized training/certification will be selected. All providers’ qualifications will be reviewed to ensure the highest standards are met.
- All leaders of vigorous exercise will meet all required criteria including: Current CPR certification, personal liability insurance, and certification from an appropriate fitness instructor-certifying agency.
Program Content
The Wellness Program will consist of activities which include awareness, lifestyle change and supportive environment; depending on availability of funds and personnel support.
Awareness:
- Wellness bulletin boards
- Periodic review of activities in newsletters
- Occasional education events
Lifestyle change:
- Education/Movies/Handouts Supportive Environment:
- Continued encouragement for healthy food options
- Smoke-free environment policy
- Policies and physical facilities that encourage physical activity
All residents who participate in vigorous exercise have a consent form on file. These forms should be available and kept on file.
- Program Costs: Incorporated into the daily cost of running the facility
- Providers of instruction/services, awareness, lifestyle change, supportive environment activities
- Equipment and supplies/ See attached list.
- Incentives/Awards / scored appropriately/ intrinsic value
- Costs may be allowed for items such as memberships in health clubs, i.e. (Ashland YMCA) for ongoing lifestyle change activities hosted on-site, such as aerobics, like basketball, football, hiking, walking, and running are incorporated daily.
Program Scheduling
Wellness activities may be scheduled during the normal daily schedule.
Times:
- Before school
- During school and daily activities between School and (lunch) after school.
- Flexible schedules are allowed in order to provide adequate time to participate in wellness activities.
Program Coordination
Actions are being discussed regarding a Wellness Coordinator (incorporated within the facilities daily activities).
Expected Results
It is expected that students/residents will report that the availability of wellness activities contribute to a positive, safe and thriving environment and healthier behavior.
Methods for monitoring and evaluating the programs will include at least the following:
- Periodic residential surveys to assess awareness of, participation in, and satisfaction with the program.
- Reports of participation in the various lifestyle and awareness activities offered throughout the year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employee, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibit bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
ADDENDUM TO WELLNESS PLAN
Nutrition Education
Our facility’s written wellness policy includes measurable goals for nutrition education.
We offer standards based nutrition education in a variety of subjects (e.g. science, health, math, etc).
We offer nutrition education to students in: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School
Nutrition Promotion
Our facility’s written wellness policy includes measurable goals for nutrition promotion.
We promote healthy eating and nutrition education with signage, use of creative menus, posters, bulletin boards, etc.
We serve fresh fruits and vegetables.
We ensure students have access to hand-washing facilities prior to meals.
We regularly share school meal nutrition, calorie, and sodium content information with students and staff.
We offer taste testing or menu planning opportunities to our students.
We have plans for a school garden.
We only promote nutritious foods and beverages on school grounds (e.g. buildings, playing fields, etc).
We have nutritional standards for foods/beverages served at school parties, celebrations, events, etc.
We provide teachers with samples of alternative reward options other than food or beverages.
We prohibit the use of food and beverages as a reward.
Nutrition Guidelines
Our facility’s written wellness policy addresses nutrition standards for USDA reimbursable meals. We operate the School Breakfast program before school, we follow all nutrition regulations for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). We also operate an Afterschool Snack Program.
We operate the Fresh Fruit Program.
We have a Certified Food Handler as our Food Service Manager.
Physical Activity
Our facility’s wellness policy includes measurable goals for physical activity.
We provide physical education for elementary, middle school, and high school students during a term or semester.
We provide opportunities for physical activity integrated throughout the day. We offer before or after school physical activity:
Competitive sports
Non-competitive sports
Other clubs
Other School Based Wellness Activities
Our facility’s written wellness policy includes measurable goals for other school-based activities that promote wellness.
We provide training to staff on the importance of modeling healthy behaviors.
We provide annual training to all staff on:
Nutrition
Physical Activity
We have childcare staff who are CPR certified (e.g. instructors, childcare staff, counselors, and food service staff).
We actively promote walking for students or other related programs.
We have future plans for a recycling/environmental stewardship program.
We have a recognition/reward program for students who exhibit healthy behaviors.
We have community partnerships which support programs, projects, events, or activities.
Mended Reeds has added new recreational equipment to the site in order to encourage the residents and staff to become more physically fit. Items that have been added are: Pickle Ball, Volley Ball, All new Softball equipment, Badminton, footballs, basket balls and an Outdoor Ping-Pong table.