In January and February, the Greenheart Community Program, in partnership with Franklin County MU Extension, hosted a Family Cooking Class at our St. Clair location. Despite some challenges with the weather impacting our schedule, three dedicated families joined us for this hands-on experience, gaining valuable skills in the kitchen and learning how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals together.
Each week, families participated in interactive cooking demonstrations, physical activities, and food tastings designed to encourage healthy habits. Parents and children worked side by side to create meals they could easily recreate at home, reinforcing the importance of nutritious food and family mealtime. Some of the favorite recipes from the class included fruit pizza and fresh salsa, which were both big hits with kids and parents alike! Beyond cooking delicious meals, families also gained valuable kitchen skills through educational lessons on hand washing, knife safety, and measuring both liquid and dry ingredients. These lessons helped build confidence and independence in the kitchen, ensuring that cooking remains a fun and safe activity for the whole family. To support families beyond the class, participants received free goodies, recipes, and resources to continue their cooking journey at home. Now, they are equipped to make cooking a regular family activity, strengthening bonds while making healthier food choices. While the class has come to an end, the impact of these lessons will continue in the homes of those who participated. We hope to bring more nutrition education opportunities to our community in the future! Thank you to MU Extension, our wonderful participants, and everyone who helped make this program possible. Stay tuned for more upcoming events and workshops! Franklin County - MU Extension: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/franklin JFCAC Greenheart Community Program: https://www.jfcac.org/greenheart.html Exciting News: Expanding Mental Health Support for Rural Youth!
We are thrilled to announce that the JFCAC Behavioral Health Program has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks with the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation Regional Grantmaking program! This funding will help JFCAC to address the pressing mental health needs of youth aged 0-21 in our rural community, with a focus on underinsured families who often face barriers to care. With this support, we will increase our outreach efforts, expanding community partnerships, and provide vital therapy services to ensure our young people receive the mental health support they need to thrive. Our team currently includes two dedicated licensed therapists, who see clients in-office, virtually, and in-school when available. Our Behavioral Health Coordinator will be conducting outreach efforts in Franklin and Jefferson County to connect with local schools, organizations, and families to raise awareness about available resources. We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for their commitment to the well-being of rural youth. This partnership will help us create lasting, positive change in the lives of children and families, building a stronger and more resilient community. Stay tuned for more updates as we put this funding to work! For more information about our Behavioral Health: Call: 636-789-2686, option 7 or complete an inquiry form: www.jfcac.org/behavioralhealth For general program details, visit www.jfcac.org To learn more about the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and their impactful grantmaking programs, visit www.cfozarks.org |
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