Rice County Organization in Running for $100,000 for a 'Healthier Community'

Growing Up Healthy—Broaden and Build is one of three finalists in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation's Connect for Health Challenge. The finalist with the most votes will receive a grant of up to $100,000 to build social connections for a healthier community.  

“The broaden and build initiative is a way for us to expand the work that we do in the neighborhoods by actually adding more neighborhoods but then at the same time build upon that work by adding a mental health component,” said GUH coordinator Janet Lewis Muth.

She said there’s a sense of disconnect among community residents—between neighbors, the programs offered to them and the community as a whole.

Watch a video about Broaden and Build by clicking the attached video.

Growing Up Healthy was established in 2007 to address the social factors influencing the health of young families in Rice County, according to its website. Growing Up Healthy is a coalition of organizations and agencies serving families and residents.

Through the Connect for Health Challenge, up to 20 grants of up to $20,000 each will be awarded, and one grant of up to $100,000 will be determined by Minnesotans in a statewide vote. Voting is open July 9-20.

Lewis Muth said if they can combine work that's being done in neighborhoods, which aims at social connectedness, with Growing Up Healthy's workshops that help build quality of life, “then we’re going to see increased social connectedness and overall well-being for the whole Rice County community.”

A total of 386 entries were submitted from across Minnesota, with 72 for the $100,000 grant.

“We are impressed by the great work going on all over the state to help people connect with each other in their community and be healthier as a result,” said Carolyn Link, executive director of the Foundation, in a press release. “The people of Rice County can be very proud of the work being done by Growing Up Healthy.” 

Detailed descriptions of all 386 entries can be found at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth.

HOW TO VOTE

You can vote for Growing Up Healthy—Broaden and Build by:

• Texting 'Build' to 83224
• Online at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth
• Calling (612) 547-6145
• Emailing ConnectforHealth@bluecrossmn.com

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