As part of our “new year, new you” programming, Goodwill Community Opportunities Club(COC) North felt it was time to brush up on our healthy living skills. Recreation Assistant Joey James realized some of our participants were coming in without having a chance to apply deodorant or brush their teeth, so he came up with a solution: Hygiene Club!
Anyone who was interested joined and was provided a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a stick of deodorant, as well as a personal cubby and toothbrush cover for storage. Everyday participants like Karen F. independently get their toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant from their hanging cubby and go and take care of their personal hygiene. Since Joey began the club, half of the members of COC North participate daily! This not only helps them build healthy habits, but also promotes independence and self-care.
Nutrition Club was another healthy push created by Joey. Joey teaches a different topic each week on nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, and then helps the participants prepare a healthy snack. Some of our favorite snacks have been chicken tacos with lime, yogurt parfaits and veggie pizza. The class on “how much sugar?” was particularly eye-opening for our participants. Joey filled bags with the amount of sugar found in some of our favorite drinks like soda, lemonade and juice. We had no idea just how much sugar we were drinking every day! Other topics including hand washing, stress management and how to exercise at home have been covered. We love these clubs!