YMCA of South Florida recognizes Sistrunk area businesses for being Good Community Health Partners
Walker’s Grocery receives special award as a key partner
Ivory’s Take Out
Avenue East Barbershop
Walker’s Grocery
By Tongelia Milton, YMCA of South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL —During the month of April, the YMCA of South Florida will recognize 20 small businesses located in the Sistrunk area who have been good community partners in health over the years.
The 33311 zip code has one of the highest rates of health disparity in Broward County. As part of the Y’s efforts to improve the health and wellness of the residents in the communities in the 33311 zip code, the Y has been working with local small businesses in the area to provide health empowerment options.
Each business will receive a small token of our appreciation that includes a thank you letter from the YMCA of South Florida CEO & President Sheryl Woods, along with a plaque recognizing their contribution as an active agent to improving their community’s health.
On April 1, Walker’s Grocery, 1217 NW Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, was recognized with a special award as a key partner for, among other things:
- Being a partner in health for many years
- Being involved in the Good Neighbor Store initiative, helping youth in an afterschool program develop leadership skills
- Advocating for community health by working with local convenience stores to offer healthier food options for residents
- Having the business considered a “Safe Place” by residents of all ages
- Refraining from offering alcohol and tobacco in the store
Residents have shared that they trust his place of business as a resource in the community, beyond that of just a place to purchase goods. Walker’s Grocery truly exemplifies the goals of The Good Neighbor Store Initiative. The Good Neighbor Store is a youth-led initiative that brings awareness of healthier food options, afford-able choices and tobacco-free living in neighborhood stores throughout Broward County.
Ronnie Walker has been a true leader in community health since 1938, and the YMCA appreciates his partnership and leadership.
Other local businesses to be recognized include:
East Barber, Ivory’s Takeout, Exxon (Northwest 27th Avenue), Lucy’s Market, Boyd Funeral Home, Ray’s Market, Sistrunk Meat, The Red School House, Van’s Car Wash, Roberts Barber, Vision Unity Unisex Salon, Mavericks High School, Bass Brothers, Family Dollar (NW Seventh Avenue), BG’s Restaurant, Dolly’s New Image, Jimmy John’s (Northwest Sixth Street), Heavenly Nails & Hair Studio, Mizell Funeral Home.
The YMCA’s team of community health workers has built relationships with these businesses and in exchange, they have helped spread a positive message of healthy living. Without these partners, the Y would not have the reach, exposure, trust and creditability needed to engage the community in healthier lifestyles and resources.
To learn more, visit www.ymcaofsouthflorida.org, connect on Facebook or Twitter, or call a Y near you.
