The last in a series about the recipients of this year's Seeds of Hope
Grants to develop and expand social justice ministries in Southern
Virginia. Learn more about Seeds of Hope grants here.
The Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk, was awarded two Seeds of Hope
Grants this year. One of the grants will fund the expansion of the very
successful "Life is a Choice - Get Smart About Your Health!" program.
The other will fund "Building Dreams," a new partnership with Old
Dominion University Canterbury students to help members of the Mission
succeed in school.
The
"Life is a Choice - Get Smart About Your Health!" program presents
healthy lifestyle choices to the Mission's children and families. Most
programs of the Mission are focused on at-risk youth, but this effort
brings in family members so that each family works together to improve
their health. The program addresses topics like disease prevention,
nutrition and exercise and helps families to make healthier choices.
Seeds of Hope Grant funds will allow the Mission to expand on this
already successful program. A ten week program in Spring 2013 will
continue to provide health education. A partnership with Old Dominion
University nursing students provides one-on-one health assessments,
individualized recommendations and encouragement for each participant.
The program will add a segment on healthy shopping and cooking on a
budget to help steer participants away from processed and fast foods
that have little nutritional value. The program will also sponsor a
Spring Health Fair at St. Stephen's, Norfolk, inviting Mission families,
volunteers and supporters and the community at-large. The fair will
provide screenings for blood pressure, vision, asthma and more, along
with information about community health services and making healthier
lifestyle choices.
The
Mission of the Holy Spirit began as a ministry of the Diocese of
Southern Virginia in 1993 to address spiritual, physical, emotional and
educational needs of inner city "at risk" youth in the Norfolk area. For
many participants, the Mission has provided the first, and perhaps
only, opportunity to hear and experience the Good News of Jesus Christ. A
Sunday worship service and dinner have been the core activity of the
Mission as well as regularly schedule weekday activities. Most
participants suffer from socio-economic related health issues such as
obesity, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and poor nutrition. The "Life
is a Choice" program will encourage exercise, an active lifestyle, good
nutrition, disease prevention, and an understanding of why good health
is so important.
The
second Seeds of Hope Grant project is "Building Dreams," a new
partnership with the Canterbury Center at Old Dominion University. For
younger members of the Mission, the program will focus on reading,
elementary level skills and completion of homework. Older members will
receive coaching in the skills necessary to be successful in school. The
program will be presented one evening each week and will include a
nutritious dinner.
When
the Mission was started, few of the participants had much hope of
graduating from high school. In June 2012, six members graduated from
high school and five of them are now attending college. Several other
members are starting their second or third year in college. By
incorporating the skills and dedication of the Canterbury Center
students with a planned tutoring program, the Mission hopes to encourage
more youth to seek success in education.
You can learn more about the Mission of the Holy Spirit at www.missionoftheholyspirit.org,
or like them on Facebook (MissionOfTheHolySpirit).
