Empowering a Healthier Generation Program
Sullivan 180 has intentionally focused our attention toward youth. The Empowering a Healthier Generation (EHG) Program is the flagship program of Sullivan 180.
Empowering a Healthier Generation engages Sullivan County, NY School Districts in promoting health and wellness among students, staff, parents, and their communities.
The goal of Empowering a Healthier Generation is to create a grassroots movement that will change policy and environments; while demonstrating that individuals and families have an important role to play in building a culture of health for themselves and the next generation. Efforts focus on access to healthy food and physical activity as well as social and emotional wellness.
Since the program launch in 2021, Sullivan 180 has welcomed Healthier Generation Advisors representing all Sullivan County public school buildings and Sullivan BOCES.
Healthier Generation advisors receive an annual stipend from Sullivan 180 to serve as liaisons and coordinators for the Healthier Generation work in their school building.
In addition, they are eligible to apply for grants to support and implement initiatives that advance the wellness goals of their schools.
Together we have built the Empowering a Healthier Generation Council, made up of School District Wellness Coordinators, Healthier Generation Advisors, and organizations that offer resources to the schools and the community.
Empowering a Healthier Generation Competition
Empowering a Healthier Generation also facilitates a competition phase among schools where participants receive grants, staff support, and technical assistance.
During the 2022-2023 school year, five school buildings were awarded Healthier Generation Competition Grants in the amount of $5,000 each; and competed for Healthier Generation Awards in the amount of $75,000 and $50,000 that were presented in September 2023.
Participants in the Empowering a Healthier Generation Competition included:
Sullivan West Elementary - 1st Place - $75,000
Benjamin Cosor Elementary, Fallsburg - 2nd Place - $50,000
Livingston Manor Elementary - Judges’ Choice - $5,000
Livingston Manor High School - Judges’ Choice - $5,000
Cooke Elementary, Monticello - Judges’ Choice - $5,000
New in the 2023-24 School Year is the Healthier Generation District Impact Grants, which support specific goals of the school district’s wellness policy to improve the health and wellness of the school community, district-wide or in a particular school building.
“The Empowering a Healthier Generation Program provides our Sullivan County school communities with the opportunity to pursue health and wellness from a new vantage point. Healthier Generation Committees made up of diverse voices including staff, students, families, and administration work together to create health initiatives that continue to grow a culture of wellness. The EHG Program encourages and fosters relationships between school buildings and community resources to better serve our school communities as a whole and empower the next generation.” — Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, Director of Health & Wellness
Reach out to Meaghan to learn more.
Email | 845-295-2685
Turtle Awards
The Turtle Awards acknowledge schools and school leaders for guiding their students, faculty and parents toward healthier lifestyles.
Turtles symbolize longevity, endurance, persistence and the continuation of life, sometimes against incredible odds.
These awards recognize that although change takes time, we can progress with small steps toward long lasting solutions. Along the way we are moving closer to positive health outcomes for our children and community.
Each Turtle Award is a $500 grant to further health related initiatives identified by the school’s Healthier Generation Committee. For more information, or to become a Turtle Award Sponsor please send an inquiry to Info@Sullivan180.org.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a national not-for-profit that has worked with schools, youth-serving organizations, businesses and communities to empower the next generation to develop lifelong healthy habits by ensuring the environments surrounding them provide and promote good health.
Teachers, guardians and community organizations can register with the Alliance to stay connected, review and utilize available resources, and become a part of the movement.
What People Are Saying About the Empowering a Healthier Generation Program
“The Healthier Generation Grant from Sullivan 180 has allowed our school to start the conversation and take action on the health of our community!”
– Kayleigh Bowles, Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary, Monticello High School Advisor
“Sullivan 180 has provided our families, students, and staff with healthier opportunities to incorporate into their daily lives. We now have a thriving garden, sensory paths, and outdoor classroom spaces that we would not have had without the support from Sullivan 180.”
– Calley Erlwein, Livingston Manor High School Advisor
“The Empowering a Healthier Generation program through Sullivan 180 has positively impacted my schools. There is a noticeable excitement from students, staff, and the entire school community surrounding some of our recent wellness initiatives.”
— John Evans, Superintendent, Roscoe and Livingston Manor Central School Districts