Ellie Gramer retired from teaching four years ago. But that’s not what defines Ellie these days. Instead, it’s her continuing interest and desire to help children become the best they can be. One way she does that today is by helping children learn how to live healthy lives through CATCH Healthy Habits.
Led by trained adults age 50 and over, CATCH Healthy Habits offers kids fun and imaginative ways to learn how to live healthy lives. The program is sponsored in Indiana by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. Nationally, the WellPoint Foundation has made a grant to expand CATCH Healthy Habits in 14 states.
Ellie has volunteered with the program since it came to Indianapolis OASIS, and she’s quite a fan of the program.
“It’s so easy for the kids to learn how to live healthier, because the information, the activities and the snacks are all geared toward them as children,” says Ellie. “They just eat it up, so to speak, and become very committed to taking away as much information as they can.”
“A couple of the children who have seen me in the grocery store have come up to me to say ‘Hi! You taught me about food!’” laughs Ellie. “Others have come up to me after they’d completed the program to say ‘I told my mom about (a particular recipe or healthy food) and she made it for us!’”
Being active is another key component to healthy living. And after completing CATCH Healthy Habits, the kids say they enjoy playing outside and joining in games, sometimes even more than watching television or playing video games.
“They enjoy all the activities and the healthy snacks,” she continues. “But I’m especially happy to see how interested they are in learning about good foods to eat and reading labels.”
“And of course we’re all glad to hear that it’s alright to eat foods that aren’t as healthy every once in a while!”
But Ellie gets even more from volunteering with CATCH Healthy Habits. “I love to spend time with the other adults who volunteer with the children. We really have such a great time together.”
OASIS’ and WellPoint’s CATCH Healthy Habits is a win-win for children and adults. And that’s a defining experience for all.