American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers announce joint contribution to support health programming for families

(Milwaukee, Wis.) (May 28, 2021) – American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers are teaming up on another community initiative in Milwaukee, to support the creation of Fit and Focused health programming for families. The program will focus on a comprehensive physical/mental approach, emphasizing holistic healing, physical activity, self-care and social-emotional learning.

The programming will be developed and offered by two local non-profit organizations, Grateful Girls, Inc. and Hands at Home Milwaukee, each receiving $25,000 from American Family Insurance and the Brewers Community Foundation to bring the program to Milwaukee County community members.

Fit and Focused addresses six core areas

The Fit and Focused Program aims to educate youth and families on both physical and mental healthy lifestyle habits using a holistic approach. Exercising, meditating and learning healthy habits are included to improve emotional health, increase focus and enhance other qualities that contribute to a better life. The program will also incorporate siblings, parents and caregivers.

The program will have six core areas: physical activity (sports, team-building); health choices (nutrition and cooking); self-care (yoga, meditation); youth entrepreneur and job training; family dynamics (parent and blended family support, parent self-care); and cultural enrichment (fine arts, music/video, arts and crafts).

“The emotional impact of the pandemic made us all more aware of mental health’s critical role in overall well-being, in addition to physical health,” said JoAnne Sabir, American Family corporate and social impact advisor. “During Mental Health Awareness Month, our hope is these important issues are acknowledged and destigmatized, and our investment in Fit and Focused programming gives families the tools they need to enjoy the benefits of good health – both body and mind.”

“Brewers Community Foundation appreciates partnering with American Family and the two outstanding organizations for the inaugural year of Fit and Focused,” said Cecelia Gore, executive director, Brewers Community Foundation. “Our community is fortunate to have organizations that are supporting families during these challenging times.”

Organizations background and leadership

Grateful Girls, Inc. is committed to inspiring, motivating and encouraging girls, teens and women of all ages, while recognizing one of the most critical times in a woman’s life is between the ages of 12-25. Grateful Girls provides needed support and guidance during this time to ensure young women make healthy decisions and have healthy relationships.

Hands at Home Milwaukee  is a single-family home, located in a residential community, dedicated to helping individuals maximize their full potential in a compassionate, caring and safe environment, while fostering independence and individualism. Hands at Home offers services to meet the needs of individuals with a wide range of disabilities, and encourages integration into, rather than isolation from, the surrounding community.

Both organizations are led by women leaders in the Milwaukee community.

Chandra Cooper is a successful and multi-talented entrepreneur/business owner, youth, women and community advocate, on-air television reporter and producer, and professional counselor. She is the founder and executive director of Grateful Girls, Inc. More about Chandra.

Clarindria (Claire) Addison, MS, LPC, NCC leads Hands at Home Milwaukee and is an accomplished licensed mental health professional and counselor with more than 20 years of experience in a variety of roles. She has owned and operated several successful businesses and also serves as an educational facilitator and program creator. More about Claire.

Tickets for mental health professionals in Milwaukee

American Family and the Milwaukee Brewers are also partnering to provide tickets to a Brewers game for mental health professionals in Milwaukee in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and in appreciation for their important work.

American Family Insurance investment part of larger initiative

The contributions for this program are part of Free to Dream, a new initiative announced in February by American Family that supports investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

Blog recognizes mental health professionals

Also in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Joy Ippolito of the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social impact shared her call for action for people to thank mental health professionals who have supported so many people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.