Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Smiles Project thanks AVID teens for help

FALLBROOK — The Fallbrook Smiles Project (FSP) After School Exercise Task Force would not be able to function without the help of Fallbrook High School’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.

Teens from AVID are the backbone volunteers to this program for elementary school children. Responsibilities include coordinating and supervising exercise activities, preparing healthy snacks and providing mentorship to the younger children, all under adult guidance.

FSP recently held its annual thank you and recognition event for the AVID teens who have participated in the after school program for the past year. An outdoor picnic at Live Oak Park was held, which included food from El Toro market, a volleyball game and certificates of recognition for the community hours the teens have provided to the program.

Special attendees at the event included Denny Lindeman, president of the board of FSP; Janine Loescher, coordinator of FSP; and Pat Sica, coordinator of the After School Exercise Task Force.

FSP is a local 501©3 nonprofit grant-funded program whose mission is to improve the health of area citizens through education and services such as the After School Exercise Task Force.

Other FSP programs include dental screenings and treatment, BMI and blood sugar screenings and various health-oriented classes. The AVID teens who participate with FSP were also provided with a CPR class this past spring, taught by James Beebe.

The after school programs are typically held at a local church or other similar venue. FSP assists the location with the startup organization for the program with the intent of continuation (on their own) after a month or two.

The program not only helps children with a healthy after school activity to prevent and treat childhood obesity but also assists in building community relations for the host location and fosters a sense of neighborhood for the attendees and their families.

FSP is interested in identifying new locations for the fall semester. Those interested in finding out more may contact Loescher at (619) 261-0871 or Sica at (760) 728-3039 or e-mail [email protected].

 

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