Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants aimed at promoting health and wellness in some of Massachusetts’ most at-risk communities by creating jobs for low-income teens that promote increased physical activity. Through the office’s Project YES Initiative, the grants were awarded to active youth programs for the purpose of battling both high teen unemployment rates and the physical inactivity that is a major factor in rising youth obesity and other chronic illnesses. The grants were awarded to programs that work with at-risk youth and that encourage physical activity, teach nutrition and healthy diet, and help to develop professional skills and work ethic. In Fall River, eleven youth workers are employed by CD- REC in programs related to fitness, health and wellness in after-school programs at the Spencer Borden and Tansey Elementary schools. For more information, contact CD-REC Executive Director Grace Gerling at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, left) YES Youth Worker and Diman student Daphne Reyes watches as Spencer Borden third-grader Mollee jumps rope. (Top row, center) Volunteer Steven Reth, YES Youth Worker and Diman student Daphne Reyes and Spencer Borden second-grader Sidney Andrade jump rope together. (Top row, right) YES Youth Worker and B.M.C. Durfee High School senior Savyroth Chhem shows Kenny and Hannah some dance moves. (Middle row) YES Youth Worker Jaheem Allahsmith plays an active game using a parachute with Spencer Borden students. (Bottom row) Community Development Recreation Executive Director Grace Gerling announces the award of $99,000 for Project YES while students from Spencer Borden school and youth workers Daphne Reyes, Savyroth Chhem, Reinaldo Garcia, Matthew Bodden, Jaheem Allah Smith, and Jessica Wong stand behind her.