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 Motion3. Group discussion: The ripple effects in your

community and tracking targeted community-based recreation programs

• The goal: Eat, play/create, learn, share, support, relax,

enjoyIntroduce 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

OwnershipEmpowerment 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-modelingSense 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

ConfidenceLess 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

OwnershipEmpowerment 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?