Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthier Communities Initiative

Today the Connecticut YMCA Alliance Activate America ® Capacity-Building YMCAs (and those aspiring to be so) for a Technical Assistance Meeting, to prepare YMCAs across The Constitution State to assemble funding proposals under the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Pioneering Healthier Communities Initiative. YMCA State Alliance collaborators – Connecticut Association of Schools, Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, and the Connecticut Departments of Public Health – shared in the leadership of this highly-interactive conference, hosted by the Connecticut Association of Schools.

Connecticut Department of Public Health Deputy Commissioner Norma Gyle keynoted the morning program, emphasizing the epidemic of chronic disease in the state. Dr. Michael Buckley of the Connecticut Association of Schools stressed the power of collaboration among public schools, municipal recreation departments and YMCAs. Connecticut YMCA Alliance Chair Andrew Roberts, CEO of the Greater Waterbury YMCA, highlighted the opportunities YMCAs have to shift the prevailing culture to one with greater emphasis on healthy lifestyles. Jay Cohen, President of the Connecticut Recreation and Park Association, introduced the audience to the concept of the “default option”, as communities make it easier for individuals to “choose healthy”.

Philip Dwyer, President of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, who is vice chair of the Alliance’s Public Policy Committee, organized today’s session and gave leadership to the conference program.

Activate America ® Project Manager for Healthier Communities Initiatives, Sam Becknel, Jr., MPA, offered a national perspective on the unique opportunity presented to the Connecticut YMCA Alliance to address one of the most pressing society issues confronting the United States.

Commendation to the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, Darien Community YMCA, Greater Hartford YMCA, New Canaan Community YMCA, Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, Valley Shore YMCA, Wallingford Family YMCA, Greater Waterbury YMCA, Westport / Weston Family YMCA, and the Wilton Family YMCA for participating today.

[L-R: Howard Thiery, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Southington, CT;
Bill Marci, Director of Recreation, Southington, CT;
Joe LaPorte, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Southington, CT;
Tony Palmieri, Director of Operations, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA;
Wendy Stevens, Branch Director, Cheshire YMCA, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA;
Karen DiGirolano, Health and Wellness Director, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA]