The ripple effects of a community-driven recreation programming a success story of a mom’s group supporting healthy eating, healthy living and each other Crystal, Erica and Mary – Moms & Advocates of Moms in Motion

Session Outline 1.Moms in Motion story 2.Ripple effects of Moms in Motion 3.Group discussion: The ripple effects in your community and tracking targeted community- based recreation programs

The goal: Eat, play/create, learn, share, support, relax, enjoy Introduce and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle for families by providing a safe, supportive environment for moms and their kids Peer support - safe space - food Who is involved: – On average 8 to 15 moms, 10 to 15 kids, 1 to 4 volunteers – One program coordinator passionate about healthy food, physical activity and supporting moms – Advisory board

Cross-sector Advisory Board Public Health Home Visitor, Heathy Beginnings, Kings County Public Health Nurse, Healthy Beginnings, Wolfville Great Beginnings Coordinator, Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (part of Kids Action), Canning Children Outreach Worker, Chrysalis House, Kentville Recreation Director, Town of Kentville Coordinator of Recreation, County of Kings Valley Regional Physical Activity Coordinator, Provincial Department of Health and Wellness Department of Community Development, Acadia University The Advisory Committee is committed to collaborating with the program coordinator, participants and each other to ensure a successful, sustainable program.

Why we think it is working: – Societal need – Partnerships – Recreation first – Safe and positive space Consistent and dedicated program coordinator – Transportation – Sharing and making wholesome food – New leisure activities and outings Take home tangibles – Social capital/network for kids and moms

Challenges: – Dynamics and relationships – Funding and sustainability – Based on our philosophy of parenting

Recreation:

The Ripple of Active Living/Connection to Nature Their family and friends go for walks in the ravine, and view the trails as part of their community They talk about their walk with friends and family Malika takes her boyfriend to Ravine for a Walk MiM go for a Walk in the Ravine Nature-based Recreation for whole family Community Engagement Ownership & Confidence Leisure Education

The Ripple of a Supportive Environments Social network is created for Nina outside of group for Moms and Kids Nina continues to come & supports others outside MiM Kelly brings friend, Nina, who was having a rough time MiM creates a safe, welcoming environment with food, kids, and activities Social Network Community Engagement Ownership Empowerment Friendship

The Ripple of Inclusion and Access Participated in the Apple Blossom Children’s Parade - Quilt as Banner Stitched quilt panels together – connecting the group Role- modeling Sense of Belonging Creative and artistic expression Self- advocacy Ownership Leadership Created personal quilt patches representing MiM Advocating for group Participating in fundraising/grant writing

The Ripple of Healthy Eating Charlotte now saves money on groceries every week, and is more creative with meals Lily offers to go grocery shopping with Charlotte Moms discuss strategies to save money on food Healthy, tasty and inexpensive food made at MiM, recipes are given out Food security Families eating healthier with more variety Confidence Less stressful More creative and organized in the kitchen Enjoying grocery shopping and cooking

The Ripple of Recreation-Based Programs Bev’s school age kids participated in the town’s summer camp program Bev meets staff, and learns about program & resources Bev walks through main office area of Town Hall to get to program MiM’s home- base is a recreation centre in the Town Hall Social Network Community Engagement Ownership Empowerment Friendship

The Ripple Effect in your Community? What are the ripple effects of community-based recreation programs in your community? How do you track these ripple effects?

Thank you! Questions? Ideas? Advice?