Goals of Project H.O.P.E
Promote healthy habits and attain personal goals that are consistent with healthy (mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually) lifestyles.
- We will continue to offer our bi-weekly Social Emotional Wellness sessions (SEW) for seniors. We will partner with such organizations as NAMI Mid-Carolina and Prisma Health in order to assist the senior participants with managing their wellness journey. Under this proposal, we will expand the program to include monthly H.O.P.E. Walks (Healing Ourselves through Park Experiences). Each month we will secure a community professional to kick off our walks with a brief discussion on a specific topic of health, such as diabetes, self-care and heart health. Following the discussion, SEW participants will enjoy a walk along park trails, followed by a healthy lunch.
- According to NRPA, “more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress. Making sure that all people have access to parks and outdoor programming is a critical way to increase these positive effects on health and quality of life for your community.” With this in mind, TECC will offer Park Excursions to the beautiful state parks of South Carolina for program participants. We will visit waterfalls, walk trails and partake in recreational activities, all in an effort to Heal Ourselves through Park Experiences (H.O.P.E.)
Expose students to hospitality careers in South Carolina as it pertains to Park, Recreation & Tourism.
- According to the National Recreation and Park Association, “Park and recreation agencies must be intentional in building and retaining a diverse workforce that will lead the field into the future. Having a staff that reflects the communities they serve is critical in ensuring agency services, programs and amenities meet the public’s needs and desires. One way to do this is by exposing young people to the many career options in the field.” Without opportunities for viewing careers in this field, students are unable to consider park and recreations as a possible employment opportunity. Trinity Educational Community Center will provide students in the Blooming Minds Weekend program an opportunity to see park and recreation careers in action by visiting multiple South Carolina parks. In addition, to observing careers, students can participate in STEM activities and other unique experiences that are normally foreign to them.
