Special Initiatives

Volunteer Mower County

Obesity

The United Way of Mower County Board of Directors identified obesity as a community wide issue that needed to be addressed. In January of 2007, United Way of Mower County launched Get Fit Mower County Healthy Living Challenge. The focus behind the challenge is to promote the importance of living a healthy life and helping individuals make those changes through team weight loss competition, seminars, web links and community events. The event is in it's 5th year.

2011-779 participants
2010-535 participants
2009-637 participants
2008-826 participants
2007-923 participants

United Way of Mower County initiated Healthy Living Grants in 2009 to fund programs throughout Mower County focused on healthy living.

2010:
Austin Catholic Schools: $1,168 Upgrade Physical Education Equipment
KSMQ: $1,072 physically active techniques for caregivers and children
Sumner Elementary School: $750 Subsidy for Healthy Snack Cart
Woodson Kindergarten Center: $750 Subsidy for Healthy Snack Cart
YMCA of Austin: $750 After School Program Healthy Snacks
St. Johns Church of Elkton: $584 Healthy Snacks and Nutrition Ed
Riverside Figure Skating Club: $500 Open Ice Time
Mower County 4-H: Young Gardner Program

2009:
Austin Catholic Schools: $1,00 Weight /Wellness Room Equipment
Apple Lane Child Care: $1,000 for Physical Education Equipment
Girl Scouts: $1,000 for Wellness Programs
Southland Schools: $1,000 Summer Program
YMCA of Austin: $750 After School Program Snacks
Austin Youth Soccer Association: $750 Youth Soccer Scholarships
ACES: $500 Park It Program