Faced with ballooning obesity statistics among Broward adults, 66 percent of whom are considered overweight and 24 percent of whom are considered obese, Community Foundation of Broward today announced the award of three grants to local organizations with projects that address chronic health and weight-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Grants totaling $180,194 were awarded to help prevent and reverse chronic weight-related illnesses.
Three grants were awarded from a total of 15 applications. The successful applicants were:
- YMCA of South Florida, based in Fort Lauderdale, which received $90,000 per year for two years for the program “Health Navigation by Community Health Workers,” who are peer residents that provide individualized support, mentoring, healthy food and connections to resources. YMCA will work collaboratively with the American Heart Association to improve health outcomes of 200 residents in the Sistrunk area and expand to Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill.
- University of Miami in partnership with Hispanic Unity, for a program called “İActuaYa!” or “Act Now.” With a grant of $65,000, the program will target 50 Hispanic women in Hollywood, West Park and surrounding areas who are 50 years and older, educating them on nutrition and engaging them in exercise programs.
- Lighthouse of Broward, Fort Lauderdale, received $25,194 for a program called “A Vision of Health.” The existing program for seniors will expand to reach 20 adults ages 18 to 64 who are visually impaired and living with diabetes. It will focus on diabetes management, cooking classes, wellness education and exercise classes.
$700,000 in BFit grants since 2016 has helped helped more than 1,700 Broward residents make healthy choices and increase their activity levels. 2019 grants are aimed at adding more programs into the mix to improve the health of more Broward residents.
“For the sake of our community, we must take bold action on this issue,” said Linda Carter, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Broward. “Diseases related to chronic obesity are the second leading cause of death, behind cigarette smoking.”
For more information about the BFit grants, please email Angelica Rosas, Grants Manager at the Community Foundation (arosas@cfbroward.org) or call 954-761-9503.
About Community Foundation of Broward:
Founded in 1984, Community Foundation of Broward helps families, individuals, and corporations create personalized charitable Funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 453 charitable Funds represent more than $197 million in assets, distributing $100 million in grants over the past 34 years. The Community Foundation provides bold leadership on community solutions and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. The Foundation empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community – and BE BOLD. www.cfbroward.org.
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