Great news!!! Thanks to the generosity of Women In Northfield Giving Support (WINGS), Growing Up Healthy has received grant funding for an exciting new project with the Viking Terrace neighborhood this summer. The project is called “Martes en el Parque” and it’s exactly what the title describes—weekly gatherings on Tuesday evenings in Dresden Hill Park right behind Viking Terrace.
The goal of these weekly gatherings is to provide a structured, but relaxed, space for neighbors in Viking Terrace to convene on a weekly basis. Building connections and the feeling of social support takes time. So often, we approach a situation where we don’t know many people with reservation. But, with more regular opportunities to meet neighbors, a once unfamiliar face slowly becomes more familiar; after three or four times, you might be more comfortable striking up a conversation with someone. This is how connectedness and feelings of belonging are built and strengthened. These connections and this perception of social support has a powerful benefit on both physical and mental health. This is the heart of the work of Growing Up Healthy.
Martes en el Parque will be held from 6:30 – 8:30PM and will begin on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 and run through August. There will be activities for the children led by volunteers from the community. If you are interested in volunteering to lead games, literacy or craft activities with the kids, click here to sign up for a Tuesday or two!