Fort Wayne, Ind. — Easterseals Northeast Indiana has been awarded a $1,200 grant from the HEALing Initiative, a partnership of Parkview Health and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, to support a six- to eight-week cooking class for individuals with disabilities.
This initiative reflects Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s commitment to disability health education, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain essential life skills that promote healthier living.
Empowering Adults Through Hands-On Learning
The class will be hosted at Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s hospitality learning lab, using the Our HEALing Kitchen curriculum—a garden-to-kitchen program designed to build confidence and independence in the kitchen.
Ten adults enrolled in Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s day programs will participate in weekly sessions that teach food preparation, nutritional awareness, meal planning, and how to make healthier food choices. The interactive approach makes the information accessible and engaging for all ability levels.
Fostering Disability Health Education Through Cooking
The program is a key part of Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s broader focus on disability health education. People with disabilities often face unique barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including limited access to nutrition education and healthy food options.
By incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients, the class emphasizes the value of healthy eating and provides practical tools that participants can apply in their daily lives. It’s not just about learning recipes—it’s about promoting independence, building self-confidence, and improving overall wellness.
Celebrating Skills and Community
At the conclusion of the course, participants will plan, prepare, and host a celebration meal for family members and community guests. This final event allows participants to demonstrate their new skills and reinforces their role as active, contributing members of the community.
Community Support Drives Innovation
Thanks to the generosity of the HEALing Initiative, Easterseals Northeast Indiana continues to develop innovative programs that empower individuals with disabilities. Funding from Parkview Health and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation plays a crucial role in expanding access to disability health education in Fort Wayne and beyond.
Easterseals Northeast Indiana remains dedicated to creating opportunities that support healthy, independent lives for people with disabilities.