Nine Non-profits to Work With Denver Youth in Developing ‘HEAL’ Initiatives

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On March 13, 2013, nine non-profit organizations met at the Swansea Rec Center in Denver, Colorado to kick-off an 18-month partnership to engage youth in sustainable healthy eating, active living (HEAL) initiatives.

The partnership, led by LiveWell Colorado, is supported by a $500,000 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) IMPACT Grant which will target three low-income Denver neighborhoods: Globeville, Elyria-Swansea and Northeast.

For the project, six non-profit groups and local business executives will guide youth in the development of innovative recreation center projects. The top 50 youth proposals will then be selected and implemented.

LiveWell Colorado’s six community health partners include:

• Share our Strength
• Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver
• LiveWell Northeast Denver
• Globewill Elyria-Swansea LiveWell
• Earth Force
• The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.

Additionally, the Spark Policy Institute will serve as evaluator for the project and GSK will  act as a business partner.

To commemorate the occasion, a representative from Governor John W. Hickenlooper’s office, read a state proclamation signed by the governor recognizing the healthy changes taking place in Colorado. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock also attended the event and spoke in support of the community’s efforts to create a healthier city.

Learn more about the GSK Impact grant here. 

See more pictures from the event here.