About JLT Kickstart for Health

WHAT:
JLT Kickstart for Health is an exciting series of projects designed to empower teenage girls and their families from St. Alban's Boys’ & Girls’ Club to embrace a healthy lifestyle by building confidence, developing new skills, and inspiring positive life choices.

WHY:
JLT Kickstart for Health was created in 2007 with the goal of helping youth in Toronto to develop healthy lifestyles so they are at less risk for juvenile diabetes, obesity and other serious health issues.

WHO:
The program was established in 2007 by The Junior League of Toronto in partnership with the St.Alban's Boys and Girls Club.

The Junior League of Toronto is a vital, volunteer-run charitable organization that welcomes all women who are committed to voluntarism. Established in 1926, the Junior League of Toronto (JLT) has had a positive impact on the quality of life of countless Greater Toronto Area residents. Since then, we have contributed more than 40 million volunteer hours, provided approximately $4 million to the community, and initiated or supported over 400 community projects.

PROGRAM DETAILS:
JLT Kickstart 10km Run - This is a comprehensive after school pilot program led by the Junior League of Toronto (JLT) in partnership with St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club, Quest Personal Training and FitSpirit. The goal of the program is to enhance self-esteem and health behaviors among teenage girls by helping them to train for and ultimately complete a 10k race.

JLT Kickstart Healthy Living Workshops - The JLT Kickstart workshops are designed to educate pre-teen and teenage girls in the areas of mind and body, covering topics such as body image, conflict resolution, making healthy snack choices, hygiene and skin care, as well as alternative forms of exercise.

JLT Kickstart Nutrition Workshops for Moms - Since healthy habits begin at home, JLT Kickstart offers a series of workshops designed to help teach and encourage the mothers of teen girls to make healthy living a part of everyday life. From demystifying the nutritional labels at the grocery store to making exercise fun, these sessions offer hands-on learning experiences, along with valuable tips and advice.

JLT Kickstart Cookbook - As a healthy lifestyle is a balance of exercise and nutrition the JLT Kickstart Cookbook will be a compilation of easy to use, teenage friendly, healthy recipes matched with inspirational quotes and pictures encouraging the girls on their journey to health.