Chancellor Helen Benjamin received a plaque recognizing the District as a Gold Level Start!
Fit-Friendly Company at the kick-off of the
association's 15th annual Heart Walk in Danville.
The District was listed in The Wall Street Journal on September 25 along with other
recipients of the annual recognition.
"The response has been
phenomenal," Benjamin remarked
after the ceremony. "Employees
throughout the District are showing
they value a culture that promotes
health and wellness by participating
in walking programs, nutrition
workshops, and related training
opportunities."
The award recognizes companies
that contribute to changing attitudes
by creating a culture of fitness.
Two years of walking programs at the colleges and District Office have instilled new
habits by encouraging teams and participants to take breaks for fresh air and exercise.
The recognition also made note of the District's decision to ensure that healthy snacks
are offered in 30 percent of the vending machine choices, as well as its education,
training and annual health-risk assessment opportunities.
"Our involvement will continue," said Andrea Gonzalez-Lewis, who is the District's
Principal Human Resources Representative in Staff & Organizational Development.
"We're encouraging people to take what they have learned home to their everyday,
personal lives."
Along with District Office Staff Development Chairperson Pat Kaya, Andrea introduced
the Fit-Friendly program to the District Office and Districtwide staff development
committees after the chancellor had brought information about it to them last year. Pat
and Andrea prepared the recognition application this summer to spread the word about
the initiatives undertaken by employees. The American Heart Association provides
benefits and new ideas to organizations that have received gold level recognition, in
order to further stimulate the culture of physical activity and healthy living.
"We hope to apply for the next tier of recognition, which challenges us to continue to
demonstrate leadership in programs that benefit the health and well-being of
employees," said Pat.
Start! Fit-Friendly programs are available at the colleges and District Office. Take your
first step to learn how you can participate by contacting one of the Districtwide Staff
Development representatives listed below:
CCC: Ellen Geringer DVC: Ted Wieden LMC: Ruth Goodin, Jennifer Victor DO: Andrea Gonzalez-Lewis, Pat Kaya
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