The Regional Health Council (RHC), a program of the Community Foundation, sponsored a dynamic training on August 31, 2016 at the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center in Charleston. Michael Kuczala presented ‘Wellness and Physical Activity in Work and School Setting’ attended by representatives in the fields of academics, health, business and non-profit work. The day-long training offered unique ideas to keep people moving and learning as they work, attend conferences and seminars, and teach. Less movement when learning results in participants learning less. Utilizing his book Training in Motion, Kuczala explained (and demonstrated) how the latest neuroscience research shows that movement enhances learning and increases retention through simple body-focused techniques.
The Training was funded, in part, through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of the Regional Health Council’s obesity prevention initiative, which started in 2007. The council has many community health success stories throughout the Community Foundation’s 11-county region including: completion of health assessments, mini-grants for healthy eating and active living, faith-based health ministries, and environmental changes which have improved the quality of life within communities. Two of the council’s charter members have received accolades for their community health-related work. Dr. Michael Minor, pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church/The Hill-Hernando Church Family and executive director of Get Covered MS, Inc. Though he may be best known as the “pastor who banned fried chicken,” Dr. Minor also led the Community Foundation’s Healthy Congregations initiative. Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson has been a leading figure in promoting many public health issues throughout the city, including those to promote healthy eating and active living. These individuals have been recognized by the White House and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign. To access resources on community health, go to www.cfnm.org.
The Community Foundation manages 233 donor-established funds and has distributed $18.3 million to support more than 420 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501.c.3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Tunica counties. A board of 19 volunteer civic leaders governs the Community Foundation. Learn more about the Community Foundation at www.cfnm.org or call 662.449.5002.