EBNHC Receives $100,000 New Balance Foundation Grant

February 13, 2013, East Boston, MA—The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBHNC) today announced a $100,000 grant award for the health center’s Let’s Get Movin’ Program, which promotes physical activity, nutrition, and healthier lifestyle choices for children, teens, and their families. The New Balance Foundation presented the grant award today at EBNHC, joined by families who have benefited from the Let’s Get Movin’ program. The funds will be used to expand the existing program, as well as to launch a new initiative to educate parents with newborns about obesity prevention.

“We’re honored to receive such a substantial gift from our generous donors so that we can continue to not only offer, but expand, great programs like Let’s Get Movin’,” said Manny Lopes, CEO of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. “This program is critical in helping children, teens, and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Thanks to the support of our donors, we can promote wellness even further by educating parents with newborns.”

EBNHC will also collaborate with New Balance Foundation’s Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, where EBNHC pediatricians and health care providers can share successes and strategize with other experts in the field.

“The New Balance Foundation shares the mission of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center’s Let’s Get Movin’ program, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them to make an impact on families in East Boston and the surrounding area,” said Anne Davis, Managing Trustee, New Balance Foundation.

The Let’s Get Movin’ program is a lifestyle-change program for children, teens, and families that focuses on enhancing fitness and encouraging fun physical activity. The program also teaches basic nutrition and advises families on ways to obtain access to healthy food. Let’s Get Movin’ is offered throughout the school year and offers summer programs in July and August. The program includes field trips, community events, cooking classes, and educational seminars for adults to learn more about supporting healthy lifestyles for children.

“While adopting healthy lifestyle changes can be very difficult, EBNHC’s Let’s Get Movin’ program offers additional support and guidance to children and families,” said Dr. Allison Brown, a pediatrician and Medical Director of the Let’s Get Movin’ program at EBNHC. “We are very grateful for the support and vision of our donors as we launch a new initiative, Babies Get Movin’, which targets mothers and infants with the goal of preventing obesity from the very beginning.”

With Jack Cradock (EBNHC President) and Manny Lopes (EBNHC CEO) in photo above are Let’s Get Movin’ families (left to right): Lesly and Yancy Portillo; Gloria Tejada and sons Angel and Jonathan; and mom, Claudia.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of the community for 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.

Since 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission: to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities. The heart of the focus of the Foundation is the prevention of childhood obesity.