PITTSFIELD, IL — In a significant step toward enhancing student health and wellness, the Health and Wellness Foundation of Pike County (HWFPC) announced on Monday that it has awarded a total of $80,000 in grants to four school districts in the region. The recipients include Pikeland CUSD No. 10, Griggsville-Perry CUSD No. 4, Western CUSD No. 12, and Pleasant Hill CUSD No. 3.
The funding is intended to support various health and wellness-related initiatives tailored to benefit students across these districts.
Griggsville-Perry Superintendent Jeff Abell expressed gratitude for the support, stating, ‘The grant funds provided by the Health and Wellness Foundation of Pike County will provide a variety of equipment and support for students of the Griggsville-Perry School District. We are grateful for the foundation’s support in helping us provide and maintain health and wellness programs for our students.’
The HWFPC’s Executive Director, Patty McIntosh, noted the vital role that local schools play within their communities. ‘These grants were given with the intent of helping ensure all districts have access to resources that afford positive and healthy youth development encompassing student’s physical, social, mental, and emotional health,’ she stated.
Each district is empowered to utilize the grant funds in a way that maximizes health benefits for their students, which may include purchasing curriculum materials, equipment, technology, services, or support systems.
The HWFPC has been a long-standing supporter of local educational institutions, previously funding fitness equipment, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and mental health resources through its collaboration with the Mental Health Centers of Western Illinois (MHCWI).
Pikeland Superintendent Jo Campbell remarked, ‘The generous grant is providing valuable support for the health and wellness programs of our schools. Students are benefiting from the online counseling service that is used to supplement our school counseling program. The purchase of mental health manipulatives and supplies has also been facilitated by the grant funds. Pikeland is very grateful for the support.’
Pleasant Hill Superintendent Kylie Orr mentioned plans for the funds, stating, ‘We plan to use the funds to improve school health and wellness programs by creating outdoor seating areas and providing additional healthy food options for students during the school day and over extended school breaks.’
Western Superintendent Darin Powell affirmed the importance of the funding, saying, ‘We will be using these funds to provide new opportunities and equipment for our pre-K through 12 students to enhance their health and wellness experience here at Western.’
Since its inception in 2003, HWFPC has functioned as a public charity dedicated to serving the health and wellness needs of Pike County, contributing over $2 million toward health-related projects and initiatives. The foundation’s mission is centered on providing meaningful financial resources that enhance the health and wellness of Pike County communities and families.
For further information regarding the HWFPC or ways to support its initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.hwfpc.org or contact the foundation at 217-285-6080.
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