Wednesday, May 9th (Rehoboth Beach, DE): On Wednesday, May 9th, Amanda Peters, owner of RISE Fitness + Adventure hosted First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, Children & Families First CEO, Leslie Newman, and a gathering of eager community members, to kick off the inaugural RISE TO THE CHALLENGE: 34 Feet to Defeat Childhood Hunger food drive.
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE is a 3 week drive to collect baby and toddler foods; diapers and wipes that will support the newborns, infants and toddlers enrolled in Children & Families First’s nurse home visiting programs. The name for the drive came about in recognition of the impressive rock climbing wall within the RISE gym. “The goal of the drive is to fill thirty four, one foot boxes, so that if stacked up they would reach the top of our rock wall,” stated Peters, “it creates a really great visual about overcoming a significant challenge and I wouldn’t be surprised if we exceed 34ft.”
Aligned with the First Lady’s First Chance Delaware, specifically the Task Force to End Childhood Hunger, this drive will provide expanded access to nutritious food for low income children that will encourage healthy brain and physical development so they can thrive to their full potentials. “First Chance Delaware seeks to promote a culture of commitment to our children ensuring all of Delaware’s children have a first chance to succeed,” stated Quillen-Carney, “This is a great example of how a private business and a non-profit working together can have tremendous impact.”
Also speaking to impact, Children & Families First CEO, Leslie Newman shared that each year the agency provides home visiting services to over 1000 Delaware mothers and their children through the Nurse Family Partnership and Healthy Families America programs. “Backed by brain science, our early intervention and prevention programs improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce child abuse and neglect,” stated Newman, “creating multi-generational positive change that will build and sustain thriving communities for us all.”
Multiple organizations and individuals have made the commitment to RISE TO THE CHALLENGE including: All Walks of Life Outreach Ministries, ALOFT Aeroarchitects, Beebe Healthcare, Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Lovey Buddies, MidCoast Gymnastics, the Millville By The Sea neighborhood, Shore View Personalized Medical Care, and the Sunrise Rehoboth Rotary Club.
The drive will continue through Friday, June 1st with RISE Fitness + Adventure, the official collection point, accepting donations during their normal business hours: Mon – Fri: 5am to 10pm, Sat: 6am to 8pm, and Sun: 7am to 5pm.
In Pictures:
Cover: Residents of the Millville By the Sea neighborhood, Maureen Walker, Walter Bartus, Paul DuCott, Carole Bartus and Julie DuCott with First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney
#2: Amanda Peters, owner of RISE Fitness + Adventure, Laura Rimmer, Development Officer for Children & Families First and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney
Children & Families First helps children facing adversity on their journey to adulthood. We use proven methods to help Delaware families raise their children so they can flourish. Our continuum of programs span mental health, healthcare, education and social services; working together to support families through major life phases: helping moms have healthy babies, enhancing early childhood success, supporting teens, positive parenting, and family resources for success at home and work. Founded in 1884, CFF serves more than 40,000 clients statewide each year. With locations in Wilmington, Hockessin, Dover, Georgetown and Seaford, our child-centered and family-focused services are delivered where they are needed most: in homes, schools, agency locations, and other community sites. www.cffde.org | Children & Families First. It’s not just our name, it’s our promise. | 800.220.3092
