Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition Grant Program is sponsored by Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition. Provides annual funding for wellness projects benefiting local residents with grants reviewed twice yearly in May and November. Supports community health and wellness initiatives.

One Big Connection Volunteer Portal Now Live | 5 Healthy Towns Manchester Wellness Center Stockbridge Wellness Center One Big Connection Volunteer Portal Now Live One Big Connection Volunteer Portal Now Live One Big Connection Volunteer Portal Now Live [Chelsea, MI] – Volunteering in the 5 Healthy Towns service area just became easier, as 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) and One Big Thing unveiled a new volunteer portal on onebigconnection.

org . Inspired by an earlier Chelsea Wellness Coalition and 5HF supported project called Volunteer Chelsea, the One Big Connection Volunteer Portal will make it simpler for organizations and volunteers alike to find a match right for them. The Volunteer Portal can be found at onebigconnection.

org . Non-profit organizations, schools, and government bodies within the Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester or Stockbridge community school district boundaries, or organizations providing projects within the service area, are welcome to post their volunteer opportunities on the portal at no-cost to the organization. Postings must align with One Big Thing’s mission.

Guidelines can be found on the posting page. “Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to strengthen your own sense of purpose while making a meaningful difference for others who benefit from the services provided by our collaborative partners and grantees,” said Steve Petty, Executive Director of 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.

“The Volunteer Portal integrates seamlessly into the infrastructure of the One Big Thing initiative, which is designed to connect individuals with opportunities and resources that strengthen social connection and collective well-being across our communities, while also amplifying the impact of the organizations working to meet those needs. ” Contact Matt Pegouskie, at 734-433-4599 or matt@5healthytowns.

org, for more information or to schedule a tutorial. Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition Call for 2026 Grant Proposals (Chelsea, MI) – The Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition, comprised of community volunteers and leaders, recently revised its process for funding grant proposals.

The coalition is supported by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) to award local grants that address Moving More, Eating Better, and Improving Mental Wellbeing among all residents. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that address the wellness needs of underserved populations. The grant budget is $30,000 per year for projects and $3,000 for sponsorship requests.

Grants will now be reviewed twice per year, at the May and November meetings. To be considered, organizations must have 501c3 nonprofit status or be municipalities or school districts serving the Chelsea area. Grant application deadlines are: April 1, 2026 – to be reviewed at the May meeting; October 1, 2026 – to be reviewed at the November meeting.

“The coalition has funded some great projects over the years,” said Reiley Curran, coalition chairperson. “Our signature projects include the Chelsea Farmers Market, Community Reads, and fun runs like Run for The Rolls and Heart & Sole. None of these initiatives could have taken place without support from community partners and local residents.

” A grant application template is here and submitted proposals will be forwarded to coalition voting members. To be considered a voting member of the coalition, participants should attend 50% of meetings on a rolling basis. For more information about the coalition meeting schedule, contact Lori@5healthytowns.

org . # Farm to Table Dinner on the Farm – Tickets Going Fast July 31 is the last day to purchase tickets at a reduced price for the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation annual Farm to Table Fabulous Feast. Full price tickets will be on sale starting August 1st.

This year’s event, at beautiful Gee Farms in Stockbridge on Sunday, September 14, will feature a down-home chicken barbeque prepared by members of the Stockbridge Firefighters Association with help from the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority cadets, using poultry raised by Future Farmers of America students in Stockbridge.

“You won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening,” says Jackie Scheller, the Open Air Market of Stockbridge manager and this year’s event coordinator. “The annual Farm to Table gathering brings together neighbors, farmers, and community to celebrate our local farmers markets. It’s more than a meal – it’s a tribute to the fun of gathering together.

” Vegetarian menu options are also available, including side dishes prepared using local produce sourced from area farms. Tickets include dinner, 2 drink tickets, and live music. Purchase individual tickets ($70) or a table for 8 ($550) here: https://www.

5healthytowns. org/farm-to-table-dinner/ After August 1, ticket prices will be $75. Proceeds from this event support farmers markets in the 5 Healthy Towns region, including Chelsea, Dexter Winter Farmers Market, Grass Lake, Manchester, and the Open Air Market of Stockbridge.

Farm to Table 2025 will also feature music by The McDonald Brothers, a silent auction of gift baskets and gift cards from area businesses, and tours of the Gee Farms Arboretum and grounds. For more information, go to www. 5HealthyTowns.

org . Farm to Table 10th Annual Fabulous Feast – Tickets Now on Sale (Chelsea, MI) – You don’t want to miss out on this year’s Farm to Table Fabulous Feast, Sunday, September 14 at spectacular, sesquicentennial Gee Farms in Stockbridge. T his popular event always sells out.

This outdoor celebration highlights our local farms, local chefs, and the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) communities coming together to support 5 farmers markets – Chelsea Farmers Market, Dexter Winter Farmers Market, Grass Lake Farmers Market, Manchester Farmers Market, and the Open Air Market in Stockbridge. Tickets are $75 and available online but buy tickets by July 31 and save. Meat and vegetarian entrees are offered.

Kary Gee, owner of family-owned Gee Farms and this year’s event host, knows how important it is to recognize the efforts that continue all year to keep our farms and markets going. “After putting our event on hold because of covid in 2020, we are so honored to work with our Open Air Market of Stockbridge for this event.

We are excited to showcase our 800-acre campus, and hope that attendees will enjoy the arboretum which is so beautiful in September. ” Steve Petty, 5HF CEO , adds that “in each of our 5 towns, farmers markets offer more than fresh produce—they create connections between local growers who rely on these markets and families like ours who shop there.

The Farm to Table Fabulous Feast brings together farmers, local chefs, and community members to celebrate that relationship. Funds raised help cover the annual operating costs of all five markets. If you haven’t attended before, we hope you’ll join us for a day of fun and fellowship at beautiful Gee Farms as we celebrate how much local food—and local people—matter.

” WHAT: 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Fabulous Feast, a multi-course dinner and celebration WHEN: Sunday, September 14, 4pm – 7pm (doors open at 3pm) WHERE: Gee Farms, Stockbridge, Michigan, 14928 Bunkerhill Road COST: Tickets are $70 before August 1, available online. To purchase tickets, sponsor, donate or attend this year’s event, scan the QR code above.

2025 Farm to Table Dinner Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC) and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation granted $10,000 to Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council (Chelsea, MI) – On Monday, July 22 nd , Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC) and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation granted $10,000 to Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council (MASCC) to help support the Manchester Seniors’ efforts to build a permanent home for MASCC.

The funds were allocated from MWC’s budget provided by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation as part of 5HF’s overall coalition support. The $10,000 will be used as part of a local match as MASCC works with the City of Manchester and other local partners to transform a portion of the City of Manchester’s cold storage facility into 1,200 square feet of fully functional community gathering space.

“5HF commends MWC and the City of Manchester for its commitment to providing healthy opportunities for connections and physical activity. Using a challenge match allows organizations to leverage local funding like 5 Healthy Towns grants into greater financial impact for the community,” commented 5 Healthy Towns CEO Steve Petty.

MASCC and the City of Manchester are partnering with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to raise $100,000 that will be dedicated for this project as part of a Patronicity funding challenge. The community is tasked with raising $50,000 by September 3, 2024. Once the community has raised $50,000, MEDC will provide a $50,000 match to be used for construction.

5 Healthy Towns and coalition funding has been used for Patronicity matches on several other projects in the 5HF service area, including the former Acorn Market and Café, Grass Lake’s Community Events Park pavilion, and a portion of the Border-to-Border trail connecting Chelsea’s Timbertown Park to the larger trail system.

Renovations include updated heating and cooling systems, flooring, ADA bathrooms, kitchen facilities, new seating, windows and doors that provide access to the River Raisin patio, storage and more! Construction is expected to start soon after the September 3 rd deadline. “Manchester Wellness Coalition and the larger community knows how important senior services are to Manchester,” said MWC chair Ray Berg.

“A permanent home for MASCC will allow that organization to better serve our residents and help advance our efforts to attract more wraparound senior services including housing and health care. ” Farm to Table 9th Annual Fabulous Feast UPDATE – Ticket Sales have closed for the Farm to Table Dinner. (Chelsea, MI) – What came first … the chicken or the egg?

To find out, please join us to celebrate our local farmers markets, and our great Michigan seasonal bounty, at this year’s Farm to Table Fabulous Feast event, on Sunday, August 18 at Gordon Hall in Dexter. This is a zero-waste event. This volunteer-led annual event is being hosted in Dexter this year and historical Gordon Hall is the perfect setting.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support 4 summer farmers markets in Chelsea, Manchester, Grass Lake and the Open Air Market in Stockbridge, and the Dexter Winter Farmers Market which is held at Huron River Drive Methodist Church November through April. “Gordon Hall has welcomed us for the second time,” said Anne Young, planning committee chairperson.

“This venue is the perfect place to celebrate community and our local farmers, and a wonderful dinner prepared and served by your friends and neighbors. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate Dexter’s bicentennial. ” The planning committee has lined up local chefs to prepare the feast and is pleased to welcome back chefs from Smokey Michigan, Silver Maples of Chelsea, and Kitchen Little.

We are excited to announce that chefs from Mama Mercantile, Ratterman and Jolly Pumpkin will also participate. This year’s silent auction features great gifts, services, and gift cards from local businesses. The auction will open on the day of the event, and donations can be made on the link.

Steve Petty , CEO of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, sees the event as much more than a dinner. “Our local farmers markets are a cornerstone of our mission, making it easy and fun to access fresh, local produce while supporting our farming communities.

The Farm to Table event is a wonderful time to celebrate these vibrant markets and the essential role they play in helping our communities eat better and connect in healthy ways, both important elements of the Foundation’s mission. ” WHAT: 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Fabulous Feast, a multi-course dinner and celebration WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 4pm – 6pm (doors open at 3pm) WHERE: Gordon Hall, Dexter, Michigan COST: Tickets are $75.

Available online at www. 5healthytowns. org or at the Farmers Markets in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.

To volunteer , sponsor, donate or attend this year’s event, go to link below. https://www. 5healthytowns.

org/farm-to-table-dinner For more information about the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation or the five farmers markets, visit www. 5healthytowns. org .

3rd Annual Skate Party Rescheduled to March 17 (Chelsea, MI) – Calling All Teens! You’re invited to join us for some fun and physical activity at Arctic Coliseum (501 Coliseum Drive, Chelsea) for a free ice skating party. 5 Healthy Towns, Chelsea State Bank, and SRSLY are hosting the 3rd annual teen skating event on Sunday, March 17 from 3:30 – 5 pm.

Any middle or high school aged youth living in the 5 Healthy Towns service area (Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Gregory, Manchester, Munith and Stockbridge.) is welcome to attend. Skate rental and access to the ice are provided at no cost.

Free refreshments and giveaways will be available. Doors open at 3 pm. Pre-registration is required at this link: 5healthytowns.

org/5hfskatingparty For more information, contact Matt Pegouskie or Lori Kintz, at 734-433-4599. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation hiring Action Team Facilitator (Chelsea, MI) – 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) is accepting applications for a part-time Action Team Facilitator to support its One Big Thing initiative.

This position will serve as the point person for three community Action Teams and will coordinate their work with action team leads from 5HF, Chelsea Hospital, Michigan Medicine, and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. It is an 18-month grant funded position.

Under the direction of the Community Outreach Coordinator, the Action Team Facilitator will guide the work of Action Teams focusing on isolation, access to mental health resources, and alcohol and other substances pertaining to mental well-being. One Big Thing, launched in 2019, focuses on the prevention of mental health crisis in the region, including youth and adults in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.

The ideal candidate possesses strong intercultural skills and group process skills and uses empathy and objectivity to engage with a wide audience, including health care professionals, volunteers, non-profit leaders, school district staff, faith-based and business community members, and those with lived experience. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references to Lori Kintz Lori@5healthytowns.

org and Sheila Gillman, sheila@5healthytowns. org . The application deadline is January 15, 2024 (or until filled).

You can view the full job description here . About 5 Healthy Towns Foundation: 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) is a private foundation governed by a volunteer board of directors that serves the Michigan school districts of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.

The mission of 5HF is to cultivate improvements in personal and community wellness by encouraging people in its five healthy towns to eat better, move more, avoid unhealthy substances, and connect with others in healthy ways. For more information on 5HF, visit 5healthytowns. org .

Wellness Centers Launch New Teen Membership Chelsea , Dexter and Stockbridge Wellness Centers are excited to announce the launch of their new Teen Membership! This membership is designed to provide teens ages 14-17 with a fun, safe and supportive environment to get active and healthy. A teen membership is a great way for teens to meet new friends, build up social connections and develop healthy living habits that will last a lifetime.

With a variety of group exercise classes available, teens can find activities that they enjoy. “We are committed to providing our community with the resources they need to live healthy and active lifestyles,” said Cindy Cope, Senior Director Chelsea Wellness Center.

“Our new Teen Membership makes it easier for teens to get the exercise they need to stay healthy and active, and it provides them with a safe and supportive environment to do so. ” The teen membership allows teens to have full access to the Wellness Centers without their parent or legal guardian needing to have a membership.

Chelsea and Dexter Teen Memberships are available for $46 per month, with a $50 enrollment fee at the time of enrollment. Stockbridge is available for $23 per month, with a $25 enrollment fee at the time of enrollment. Parent/legal guardian must provide EFT for electronic billing.

To register for a Teen Membership, parents/legal guardians must attend the center with their teen to complete the registration process. Scholarships are available to individuals who meet financial criteria.

To learn more about the Teen Membership or to schedule an enrollment appointment, please visit the Member Service Desk at Chelsea, Dexter, or Stockbridge Wellness Center or call 734-214-0220 (CHE), 734-580-2500 (DEX), or (517) 851-4486 (STK). Introducing the “Rock the Mock” campaign [Chelsea, Michigan] This month marks the launch of the Rock the Mock campaign.

Members of the One Big Thing action team that focuses on the use of alcohol and other substances are inviting local bars and restaurants in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge to join their efforts to support community members who are either in recovery or choose not to drink alcohol by offering more mocktail and nonalcoholic beer and wine options for customers.

Local bars and restaurants who participate in the campaign will display a “Rock the Mock” vinyl cling in their windows so community members can easily identify the places offering special alcohol-free drink choices. The campaign aims to foster a more inclusive environment where everyone in our communities can enjoy a drink without feeling excluded.

According to Chef Emily VanderWaard, from Chelsea Alehouse, “It’s awesome to have an option for people to come out and enjoy something without alcohol that is still delicious and flavorful. We recently added a jalapeno tonic, a ginger pineapple tonic and an orange pineapple mocktail. ” The names of participating bars and restaurants who are partnering with One Big Thing for the Rock the Mock campaign will be listed on onebigconnection.

org and featured in Connected magazine.

The following businesses have already agreed to participate in the Rock the Mock campaign: Arctic Breakaway in Chelsea Portage Lake Parlor in Grass Lake Chelsea Alehouse in Chelsea Stockbridge Bowl in Stockbridge Cleary’s Pub in Chelsea Ugly Dog Distillery in Chelsea Jet’s Pizza in Chelsea Valiant Bar and Grill in Chelsea Los Tres Amigos in Chelsea ZouZou’s Café in Chelsea The Rock the Mock campaign is one of the many efforts the One Big Thing action teams are working on to promote better mental health within our communities.

For inquiries, please contact. Kimberly Gillow Kimberly@5healthytowns. org 5HF, City of Chelsea, Chelsea School District pilot teen passes at Wellness Centers (5 Healthy Towns, MI) – 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) and the Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers are partnering with the City of Chelsea and Chelsea School District to launch a new teen membership program.

The program will allow 13 – 17-year-olds from any of our 5 Healthy Towns the opportunity to have their own membership to Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers. The pilot runs from July 31 – August 25 and is intended to provide youth with access to local wellness facilities, while also helping to collect feedback to inform about future needs related to youth and family wellness programming.

“We are excited to launch this pilot membership for youth and are thankful for the support and vision that our partners share for increasing access to the incredible amenities available in Chelsea and Dexter,” says Steve Petty, 5HF CEO. “We hope this is a catalyst for greater collaboration in future.

” Passes cost $15 and include: Access to the centers from 12 – 5 pm Monday through Fridays Access to the centers from 12:30 – 2:30 pm on Saturdays Access to the gymnasium at Chelsea School District’s Washington Street Education Center from 2 – 4 pm, Monday through Friday, between August 7 – 25. Wellness Center access includes full access to the fitness floor at both Wellness Centers, and the gymnasium at Dexter.

Access to pools, steam rooms and whirlpools will not be available due to lifeguard shortages. The City of Chelsea , Chelsea School District and 5 Healthy Towns Foundation are each contributing resources to subsidize the cost of the membership for teens. Financial Assistance is also available for any teens who are unable to afford the cost of membership.

“Chelsea School District is proud to partner with the City of Chelsea and 5 Healthy Towns to be able to provide additional summer recreation options for our students and families,” commented Chelsea School District Superintendent Mike Kapolka. Teens who need transportation help to get to the centers should visit the Western Washtenaw Area Value Express website ( ridethewavebus.

org ) to learn more about options like the Chelsea Community Ride and Chelsea – Dexter connectors. Silver Maples Announces Change in Ownership More than 25 years ago, a vision to establish a quality, local senior living community was realized with the creation of Silver Maples of Chelsea .

The original collaboration between Chelsea Hospital and United Methodist Retirement Communities demonstrated the impact that organizations could have by investing together in our community. In 2009, Chelsea Hospital and the St. Joseph Mercy Health System merged; at that time the hospital’s 50% interest in Silver Maples was transferred to the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.

Silver Maples of Chelsea continues to remain as vibrant as ever, excelling at creating and supporting a positive aging experience. Given our strong position in the Senior Living Industry, the Board of Directors believe this is the right time to shift our relationship with one of our Sponsor organizations, Brio Living Services.

On June 22, 2023, Brio Living Services’ 50% ownership of Silver Maples of Chelsea was transferred to a newly created entity, Silver Maples, Inc.; the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation continues to be a committed partner with Silver Maples.

“We are proud to continue our sponsorship of Silver Maples of Chelsea and look forward to working closely with their talented leadership team to provide a healthy, vibrant community for residents,” said Steve Petty, CEO of 5 Healthy Towns Foundation in a press release.

“Together, we share a commitment to supporting the health and well-being of seniors, building places of connection, and inspiring all members of our communities to reach their fullest potential.

We are grateful to UMRC, (now Brio Living Services) for their partnership and investment in Silver Maples over the last 25 years and look forward to seeing Silver Maples continue to flourish in its efforts to serve older adults in Chelsea,” said Petty.

Jim Alford, Silver Maples Board member, said, “When the opportunity presented itself to our Board, we decided that local ownership would be best in order to protect the heart of the organization and continue the outstanding leadership and management of Silver Maples. Local ownership allows the residents of Silver Maples, who are our first priority, opportunities to meet with the management and board members who serve them.

This direct line of communication is what makes Silver Maples so special. ” “It is an honor to be asked to chair Silver Maples, Inc., and be part of the continued growth of such a wonderful organization,” Alford said. Julie Deppner, CEO of Silver Maples, said, “Brio Senior Living and the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation have been our steadfast sponsors since the beginning, over 25 years ago.

Our new ownership structure and ongoing commitment from 5HF ensures Silver Maples of Chelsea will continue to provide the highest level of quality care, is fully engaged in the Chelsea community, and is well-positioned to continue this success into the future. ” Deppner said, “We look forward to all that is to come.

This new sponsorship structure paves the way for an opportunity for Silver Maples to become independent of any sponsors if desired and allows the organization to remain financially strong, with a very bright future. ” Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood was built in1997 to provide housing options and a lifestyle that encourages older adults to take an active role in their lives.

As a leader in the industry, Silver Maples is passionate about creating and supporting a positive aging experience for their residents while exceeding expectations. The warm, vibrant community culture and beautiful wooded setting is an ideal location for those looking for independent or assisted living homes in southeast Michigan.

Silver Maples of Chelsea is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that is jointly sponsored by Silver Maples Inc. and the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation. If you’re interested in learning more about this award winning retirement neighborhood near Ann Arbor, visit www. silvermaples.

org , follow and connect on Facebook or Instagram, or call (734) 475-4111 to schedule a visit and see it for yourself. Farm to Table 8th Annual Fabulous Feast – Tickets Now on Sale (Chelsea, MI) – An apple a day keeps the doctor away – or so the story goes! Join us to celebrate our local farmers markets, and our great Michigan seasonal bounty, at this year’s Farm to Table Fabulous Feast event, on Sunday, September 10 .

Tickets are now on sale. Farm to Table Fabulous Feast Tickets, Sun, Sep 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite This annual event has come full circle, being hosted by each of the 5 Healthy Town communities since 2016.

Last year, the event made its way back to Chelsea, and for 2023, the volunteer planning committee is excited about working with community members from each of the towns, as well as this year’s host – Alber Orchard & Cider Mill in Manchester. “Alber Orchard has welcomed us for the second time,” said Laura Wohlgemuth, planning committee member.

“This venue is the perfect place to celebrate the Fall harvest season, local farmers, and a wonderful dinner prepared and served by your friends and neighbors. This year we will use the barns and inside seating areas accessible to everyone, so we will be protected rain or shine!

” The planning committee has lined up local chefs to prepare the feast and is pleased to welcome back chefs from Smokehouse 52, Silver Maples, Chelsea Alehouse, and Moveable Feast. New contributors include Lakehouse Bakery, Manchester Market, Smokey Michigan, River Raisin Distillery, Chateuaux, and Millie’s Coffeehouse. This year’s silent auction features great gifts, services, and gift cards from local businesses.

The auction will open on the day of the event, and donations can be made on the link. Steve Petty , CEO of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, sees the event as much more than a dinner. “Our local farmers markets are our partners in every way – helping families in our communities to eat better and connect with each other – two important elements of the Foundation’s mission.

Our farmers markets play an essential role in the five healthy towns to support greater access to fresh, local foods at affordable prices. ” WHAT: 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Fabulous Feast, a multi-course dinner and celebration WHEN: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 3pm – 6pm WHERE: Alber Orchard & Cider Mill, Manchester COST: Tickets are $75.

Available online at Eventbrite or at the Farmers Markets in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. To volunteer, sponsor, donate or attend this year’s event, click on the link below.

Farm to Table Dinner – Save the Date 2024 Coming Soon 5 Healthy Towns Foundation posts job opening for new Action Team Facilitator position (Chelsea, MI) – 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) is accepting applications for a part-time Action Team Facilitator to support its One Big Thing initiative.

This position will serve as the point person for three community Action Teams and will coordinate their work with action team leads from the Foundation, Chelsea Hospital, Michigan Medicine, and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. It is a two-year grant funded position.

Under the direction of the Community Outreach Coordinator, the Action Team Facilitator will guide the work of Action Teams focusing on isolation, access to mental health resources, and alcohol and other substances pertaining to mental well-being. One Big Thing, launched in 2019, focuses on the prevention of mental health crisis in the region, including youth and adults in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.

The ideal candidate possesses strong intercultural skills and group process skills and uses empathy and objectivity to engage with a wide audience, including health care professionals, volunteers, non-profit leaders, school district staff, faith-based and business community members, and those with lived experience. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references to Lori Kintz Lori@5healthytowns.

org and Sheila Gillman, sheila@5healthytowns. org . The application deadline is June 19, 2023 (or until filled).

You can view the full job description at 5healthytowns. org. Job Title: ONE BIG THING – ACTION TEAM FACILITATOR .

5 FTE – 5 Healthy Towns Foundation – this is a grant funded two-year assignment Tentative Start Date: July 10, 2023 Position Summary: The One Big Thing Action Team Facilitator serves as the community coalition facilitator for (3) Action Teams as directed by One Big Thing, whose mission is to promote opportunities for connections, optimism, resilience, and engagement and address mental health crisis in the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation region.

Under the direction of the 5HF Community Resource Coordinator, the Action Team Facilitator will coordinate the coalitions in implementation of evidenced-based programming, policies and strategies that target social determinants of health related to social isolation, barriers to accessing resources, and alcohol and other substance use.

The ideal candidate possesses strong intercultural skills and uses empathy and objectivity to engage with a wide audience, including health care professionals, volunteers, non-profit leaders, school district staff, faith-based and business community members, and those with lived experience.

The Action Team Facilitator will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred, with concentration in public health, social work, education, psychology and /or community planning and organization. Training and experience in mental health programming is preferred but not required. Strong experience with virtual meeting management and Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint required.

Excellent time management, project management, and organizational skills Enthusiasm and ability to work independently and with diverse team members. Able to attend occasional weekend and/or evening meetings.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Organizes, plans, and facilitates the chart of work of OBT Actions Teams, including but not limited to, monthly Action Team meetings, community events and other related OBT activities, in coordination with the assigned co-leaders.

Attends all required and related meetings, including but not limited to One Big Thing meetings including 5HF staff meetings, Stewardship Council quarterly meetings, Core Team meetings, all Action Team monthly meetings, appropriate community organization meetings. Facilitates relationship-building with key community stakeholders to raise awareness of and increase participation in the Action Team process.

Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and project deadlines, including expertise in the use of facilitation tools to run online, offline and hybrid workshops. Uses data-driven decisions