A POWERful Partnership with The Junior League of Dayton

The POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources) is an excellent example of the lasting impact partnerships can have on our community. POWER is a children's advocacy partnership between the Junior League of Dayton and The Children's Medical Center of Dayton, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. POWER provides broad community outreach of health and wellness, safety, prevention and nutrition education to children and families throughout the Miami Valley.

Through various outreach events and activities Junior League members collaborate with pediatric experts from Dayton Children’s to provide children and families important health and safety information.

Since March 2005, the Junior League of Dayton has provided financial funding and volunteer resources, which have enabled the POWER Program to:

Provide education and resources to more than 40,000 children and their families
Distribute and fit approximately 15,000 bicycle helmets
Distribute approximately 1,505 car and booster seats
Conduct a helmet safety poster contest to more than 4,440 fourth grade students within Dayton, Kettering, West Carrollton and Huber Heights Public Schools
Provide nutritional information to more than 2,800 children, adolescents and parents
Provide 33 scholarships for The Body Shop at Dayton Children’s
Conduct Safe-Baby workshops for approximately 600 teenage parents
Provide court preparation kits, transportation tokens and lunch coupons for clients of CARE House

Throughout this time, more than 2,400 hours of community service have been donated by Junior League of Dayton volunteers to improve the health status of children in our community.

The Junior League of Dayton's POWERMobile

The POWERMobile
The POWERMobile, the POWER program's most visible outreach tool, is a retired Dayton Children's ambulance transformed into a fun education mobile for kids. It is filled with child-friendly computer and magnetic games, emphasizing general safety and healthy food choices. In fiscal year 2009-2010, the POWERMobile was explored by over 2,500 students.

As a volunteer organization, the Junior League of Dayton can commit the PowerMobile to a limited number of community events each year. At this time, the Junior League has filled their 2010-2011 calendar of events.

Injury Prevention
Car and bicycle accidents are the leading causes of serious injury for children in the Miami Valley. The Junior League of Dayton provides monetary funding to purchase and distribute helmets and car seats. Helmets are distributed at bike rodeos & helmet fitting events throughout the Miami Valley as part of Dayton Children’s Stay Ahead of the Game Program. Car seats are distributed at area car seat check-up events by Safe Kids Greater Dayton and checked by certified car seat technicians, with Junior League members providing administrative support.

In addition, the Junior League Injury Prevention Team empowers children and families to lead safe and healthy lives. Safe-baby workshops are presented to pregnant teens and to teenage mothers who have recently given birth. These workshops highlight general safety measures to help moms make safe choices and keep babies out of danger. In 2009-2010, 152 young parents participated in this program.

The Injury Prevention Team also conducts a poster contest for 4th grade students within local school districts. This contest emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, roller blades, or skateboard. Winners are selected from each participating school & receive a bicycle or scooter, helmet & lock! In 2010, over 1,200 students participated in the contest.

Healthy Lifestyles: Kids in the Kitchen
The goal of the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative, supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and its member Leagues, is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. In 2009, the Junior League of Dayton partnered with Dayton Children’s and local YMCAs to conduct healthy lifestyles education for the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Days. Through these events over 480 children received healthy recipes and tips on staying active in 2010.

In summer 2010, the POWER program continued to educate the community by creating the Junior League of Dayton Deli at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. This interactive, permanent display teaches children about the importance of choosing healthy foods, limiting sugar and proper portions.

Visit the Dayton Children's blog and join in the conversation with Dr. Ramey, child psychologist, Jessica Saunders, mommy safety and Dr. Mom on parenting tips and how to keep your kids healthy and safe.