Our Grant Winners

January 2016

Let Me Run, Inc.

Let Me Run, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to reduce challenges associated with a lack of emotional expression in pre-teen and teenage boys, which can lead to stress, sickness, disease, addiction and violence. The $5,000 grant will used for need-based scholarships in the Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo chapter.

Let Me Run implements a seven week program that combines exercise with fun activities and lessons to help boys learn teamwork, build relationship skills, create friendships, grow emotionally, amplify their self esteem, empower themselves and others and live an active lifestyle. At the end of the seven weeks, the boys celebrate their hard work by running a 5k road race.

July 2015

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

DSAWM used their grant to fund their Shape Up! and Rapid Runners programs in Kent County. Shape Up! offers weekly health and nutrition education and exercise sessions to teens and young adults with Down syndrome. Each 90-minute class offers 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 45 minutes of health and nutrition education.

Rapid Runners is a couch-to-5k training program for individuals with Down syndrome ages 12 and over. Participants are paired with buddies who join them for group and individual runs, offering support and encouragement along the way. Training programs are tailored to each individual’s ability and needs.

July 2015

Pathways, MI

Pathways, MI used their grant for its Total Trek Quest (TTQ) program. TTQ aims to increase third through fifth grade boys’ health and wellness while preventing high risk behavior through physical activity and training. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will train for a 5k run while learning how to develop a healthy lifestyle, make healthy decisions, grow social and relationship skills, and increase self-worth.

TTQ used grant funds to expand from Ottawa into Allegan and Muskegon counties.