Our Whole Community receives $2,500 grant

Our Whole Community, the local Christian non-profit focused on community health initiatives, has received a $2,500 grant from Healthy Central Florida to help develop a health ministry manual.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, a health ministry is a recognized team of people who sponsor regular educational events and experiences that promote well-being. The health team may also provide opportunities for the congregation to have their health concerns answered through surveys and meetings, educate the congregation on health through speakers, maintain a community garden, host an annual health fair, provide opportunities for physical activity, include health messages in bulletins, have a community nurse, and more. These are just a few projects that a healthy ministry may initiate.

Lavon Williams, Our Whole Community (OWC) president/CEO, said the manual will help churches develop ministries focused on mental and physical health.

OWC was one of 10 organizations that received monies from Healthy Central Florida’s inaugural Health Innovation Grants. Healthy Central Florida (HCF) is a community-based initiative created and supported by Florida Hospital and the Winter Park Health Foundation to help local communities embrace health and wellness.

Jill Hamilton Buss, HCF executive director, says the programs that were chosen have the best chance to create lasting change and the ability to impact those who are not already actively inclined.

“We congratulate the winners for participating in the critically important work of making our community a healthier, happier place to live, work, learn, worship and play,” Buss said.

For more information on the OWC initiative, email Leah Nash at [email protected] or call 407-758-5324.

Our Whole Community, a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization that brings communities together to establish relationships and share resources resulting in innovative programs that inspire, motivate and educate individuals in their pursuit of optimal health. For more information on Our Whole Community, please visit ourwholecommunity.org. Our Whole Community is pleased to contribute monthly to the Winter Park-Maitland Observer.