Fitness and Health Focus of Albion-Homer United Way Grant

Albion-Homer United Way is helping kids “Jump Into Food and Fitness” (FITT) this spring. 

The program grant of $1,500 will help create a healthier community through improved food choices and fun exercise. Harrington Elementary School students in Albion will have the opportunity to join the FITT after-school program this spring. Under the leadership of Erica Pompey this Michigan State University 4-H Extension Program will emphasize improved food choices and adding regular exercise that will positively impact the entire family. 

According to the AHUW grant students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will learn about nutrition while exploring new foods and creating healthy take-home snacks. In addition participants will also create “make-and-take” meals to bring home for the whole family to enjoy and replicate. Participants will also make their own “exercise equipment” to make working out more enjoyable at home.

Now living in Marshall, Pompey was born and raised in Albion. She was a teacher at Harrington before changing careers and becoming a nurse. “I always want the best for my hometown, “ Pompey said. “ As I started by BSN and got into the community nursing course, I wanted to focus on the needs for kids in the Albion community.” 

Her goals of  helping students make “better food choices and exercise so they have healthier and longer lives” fits the mission of the Albion-Homer United Way to improve the lives of residents.  She hopes to develop partnerships with other community agencies to strengthen her after-school program and perhaps encourage other groups to replicate it in the future.

Albion-Homer United Way’s commitment is to help fund non-profit programs through grants. On-going donations throughout the year are needed for funding these efforts. 

According to AHUW Executive Director Marcia Starkey there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier. Donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563. 

AHUW board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, Robert Hawkins, Ryan Hopkins, Art Kale, Marc Newman, Isabell Nazar, Gary Tompkins, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.