This past year, the YMCA of Greater Michiana’s Healthy U program has been transforming how local children learn to lead healthy lives—bridging school hallways, kitchens, and playgrounds with wellness lessons that stick.
At the heart of Healthy U is the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum, a nationally recognized framework that equips students from pre-K through 8th grade with the tools to make healthier choices. Certified YMCA Healthy U Leaders use CATCH to weave together nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness in fun, interactive lessons—supported by family-centered take-home guides that keep the learning going beyond the classroom.
Reaching Kids Where They Are
Throughout the 2024–25 school year, Healthy U partnered with 16 schools and community organizations, reaching more than 1,800 children and delivering over 9,500 wellness interactions. Activities ranged from classroom sessions on the five food groups to stress-relief strategies for families at community playgroups. Lessons were designed to require little to no equipment, making them accessible for any setting.
The program also brought health into daily life. Parent handouts and activity calendars encouraged families to practice wellness at home—whether spotting fruits in the grocery aisle or training together for a YMCA 5K. As one proud elementary student shared, “Look, I have apples in my cart.”
Expanding Beyond the Classroom
Healthy U’s impact stretched well beyond school walls. YMCA staff led family wellness playgroups with Berrien County RESA, joined students for cardio drumming and pickleball clinics, and even celebrated Father’s Day with fitness events at the Pillar Center. In each setting, children and families put Healthy U lessons into action—showing that wellness is not just taught, it’s lived.
In 2024–25, Healthy U also introduced mental health lessons for the first time. The response was immediate and heartfelt. At River of Life School, students eagerly asked, “When is Healthy U coming back?”—a powerful sign of the program’s meaningful impact.
Looking Ahead
As the program grows, Healthy U plans to:
- Expand to additional schools, prioritizing underserved zip codes through grant funding.
- Deepen staff training, equipping YMCA instructors to deliver stress-relief support for teachers and families.
- Launch a dedicated Healthy U web presence, offering resources and stories to inspire even more community connections.
Leading with Heart
Behind the program is Jennie Giesler, Community Wellness Coordinator and Healthy U Lead. Jennie is part of a global community of CATCH leaders, but her focus remains close to home: supporting youth in low-income communities, many of whom face challenges such as the absence of one or both parents. For her, Healthy U isn’t just about teaching facts—it’s about creating environments where children feel empowered to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
As research continues to show, early wellness education pays dividends for a lifetime. With Healthy U, the YMCA of Greater Michiana is helping children not only learn healthy habits—but live them, every day.
For more information about the YMCA of Greater Michiana’s Healthy U program, visit www.ymcagm.org or call (269) 683-1552.
