MobilizeYouth

By Toronto4Kids

MobilizeYouth, founded by Dina Lieberman, is an intervention program for weight-challenged youths aged 7 to 16, who have poor eating habits. The latest research tells us that ‘the cornerstone of management for childhood obesity is modification of dietary and exercise”.

Through an intensive fitness and nutrition program involving the family through the moms’ weekly meal planning sessions, youth and teens get fit through intensive cardio (spinning, circuit, running track) and customized weight training. In addition, non-competitive sports develop new skills and raises self-esteem so that participants will be physically active outside the program. The youth and teen nutrition program instils awareness about making healthy choices through information, labelling and food tasting sessions and trips to the supermarket.

The MobilizeYouth program began in January 2006. As Senior Officer on the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation’s Diabetes & Transplant Campaign, Lieberman become conscious of the burgeoning statistics in diabetes and childhood obesity. It was painfully obvious that the escalating numbers would be catastrophic not only for families and their children as they grew older, but for the future of the Canadian health care and employment industries.

MobilizeYouth Phys Ed and Kinesiology coaches are passionate and committed to the cause, providing close guidance to each participant. Kids are encouraged to take charge of their health as they learn to make the connection between feeling good and being fit. Parents are also provided with support so that they may help their child for the long-term.

There really was no choice but to apply years of organizational development and fundraising experience towards this issue. With four kids on board, an investment of $25,000, a top notch advisory (Dr. Glenn Berall, Chief of Paediatrics, Head of the Paediatric Nutrition Program at North York General Hospital; Barrie Shepley, Personal Best Health & Fitness Management’s Olympic Triathlon coach and George Dickson of FitLinxx Technology), Lieberman kicked off the program.

MobilizeYouth’s vision is to license the program to community centres or private facilities throughout Ontario and Canada so as to ensure affordable, accessible programs for youth who need to stop the weight gain. MobilizeYouth would steer the implementation of the program and supply all resources such as the Operations/Program Manual (staff recruitment and training), marketing and print materials, website access, promotional DVDs and more. ”Treading that fine line between community responsibility and growing a successful business is always a challenge”, Lieberman envisions the licensing being underwritten by corporation sponsorship with a matching dollar fund set up by the Ministry of Health for families unable to pay the fee. A strategy is desperately needed as we’re missing the boat with this group.

MobilizeYouth has led the way, but does not absolve funding institutions such as the Ministry of Health, OPHA and others that promote and fund physical activity and nutrition programs in schools to address obesity prevention in the general population. MobilizeYouth is for the already overweight and obese who come with emotional baggage, ingrained habits and low-self esteem. The outlook is poor for these kids as weight issues do not go away. The successful child is the one whose self-confidence has grown through this experience who can walk away with the tools and awareness to take up new challenges. Parents’ support is essential.

Lieberman invites you to come for a tour at the Columbus Center, 901 Lawrence Avenue West (at Lawrence & Dufferin) and see everyone in action! Getting kids in early is the best prevention to a lifetime of health risks.

The MobilizeYouth Get Fit! Summer Boot Camp for kids 8-16 years, builds on the after school program, providing a concentrated daily program for youth & teens who want to get fit, lose weight and raise stamina for the summer and coming school year.

For more information, visit their website at: www.mobilizechange.com. Or contact Dina Lieberman 416-294-4356.