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?