Partners in Learning, the child development and family resource center located on Catawba College’s campus, has earned excellence recognition for reaching the highest standards in workplace health and prevention by WorkHealthy America.
Partners in Leaning achieved this recognition by earning straight A’s in four modules of WorkHealthy America, a Prevention Partners initiative addressing tobacco use, physical activity, nutrition and the overall culture around health and wellness. The award honors Partners in Leaning’s commitment to employee health as demonstrated by its policies, programs and benefits to support employee health, optimize employee productivity and integrate wellness into daily operations.
“Partners In Leaning sets a high bar in establishing a workplace where employees can make healthy choices,” said Meg Molloy, president and CEO of Prevention Partners.
The center has had a wellness plan for four years enhancing the wellness of staff, children and families.
“Each year, Partners in Learning continues to advance our mission of providing a model wellness program and ensuring quality services to all children,” said Executive Director Norma Honeycutt. “Workplace wellness is a priority because it leads to happy, healthy teachers who model positive behavior for children.”
Employees participate in staff development programs on wellness and model good choices for the children. Staff members eat the food the center serves in a family style manner with the children. No outside food is allowed in classrooms to be consumed in front of the children. Staff members are offered gym membership reimbursement and breaks to take time to exercise.
“Wellness is an accepted part of the environment at Partners in Leaning, with significant improvements in overall health each year of our program,” said David Freeze, wellness director.
“Each staff member receives regular counseling that is individually tailored to their needs,” he added. “The kids and staff are eating fresh, locally grown produce as well as a significantly improved diet while at the center. Our wellness committee has played a big part in the continued successes of the ongoing programs, and we continue to look for new and exciting ways to keep the momentum building. Both staff and children are up and moving, and it shows.”
This latest award is added to the growing list of recognition the center has earned in the area of wellness. Last year, the center received a statewide award for Innovative Policy to Create a Healthier Environment Award from the North Carolina Child and Adult Care Food Program, Eating Smart, Moving More. Center staff and volunteers on the wellness committee have given several presentations at conferences on the program.