Northwestern Mutual Foundation Awards $12,000 Grant to The Capital District YMCA’s Troy Branch to Develop Community Outdoor Play Program

6/22/2011 10:55:26 AM

”Play Every Day Outdoors” helps families make long-term improvements to their health and well-being through outdoor recreation

Troy, NY – The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has awarded the Capital District YMCA’s Troy Family branch a $12,000 grant to develop “Play Every Day Outdoors,” a national initiative to increase family time, reintroduce children and families to play, and energize children and families to spend time outdoors.

The Troy Family YMCA is one of eight Ys to receive a grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation to launch “Play Every Day Outdoors.”  As part of this program, the Troy Family YMCA will collaborate with families, adults and children in the Troy community to develop and implement an ongoing, outdoor-based, community play program that includes interactive games and fun activities for all.  

“We are very grateful for the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s support of our healthy initiatives,” said Chris Bins, Senior Program Director  “This collaboration will further our efforts to give people access to resources that will help them and their loved ones lead healthier lives by making time to get together and play outdoors.”

The “Play Every Day Outdoors” project is aligned with the YMCA’s Healthy Family Home, a free resource of helpful information, tips and tools to support parents and children as they jumpstart healthy family habits based on the five pillars of:  Eat Healthy, Play Every Day, Get Together, Go Outside and Sleep Well.

According to research, an estimated 80 percent of Americans live in cities and suburbs and are faced with issues such as unplanned urban sprawl and a decrease in physical education and recess in schools.  Having an awareness of, and access to safe outdoor environments can help them find balance in their lives. 

“We know how crucial it is to teach kids healthy habits early on so we’re proud to collaborate with the Y,” said Deanna Tillisch, Northwestern Mutual Foundation vice president.  “If we can persuade kids to eat healthier and get active, we’ll lay the groundwork for healthier generations in the long-term.  By working together, we have tremendous potential to help more people make positive lifestyle choices.”

The Y is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  “Play Every Day Outdoors” will be free-of-charge and open to all families in the community.  For more information, please visit www.cdymca.org or call 518.272.5900.