HOUSTON— The Pediatric Health Center and the Joanne Watford Nutrition Center at Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) hosted a Wellness Fair where families had the opportunity to learn about healthcare, nutrition, receive free flu shots, free eye exams, and go home with free groceries.
There were 143 families, with a total of 433 family members, who stepped through NAM’s doors on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Walgreens offered flu shots, UT Health Prevent Blindness Texas Program conducted eye exams, and healthy living information was provided to families and individuals at NAM’s Wellness Fair.
“This is a great way for people to get connected with community resources and nourish their mind, body and soul,” said Abiya Malhotra, Director of NAM’s Pediatric Health Center. “I am grateful to the volunteers and community partners for making NAM’s Wellness Fair fun and engaging.”
Everyone who walked in was given a “Wellness Fair Passport” which helped them keep track of which booths they visited. The community partners in attendance, which also included 24 Hour Fitness, American Lung Association in Texas, Avenue 360, Community Health Choice, H.E.B., Loam Agronomics, Lone Star Legal Aid, Physicians & Health Science Center, Sea Smile Dental, Spring ISD Smart, Start Program, Transamerica Financials, United Healthcare, and WIC Program, provided helpful information and resources; along with a few treats and fun activities for the kids. Once the guests were done visiting the booths, volunteers helped them carry a bag full of fresh vegetables and a sack of potatoes, provided by the Houston Food Bank, out to their cars.
“People enjoyed themselves so much that they were asking when NAM will be having its next Wellness Fair.” said Malhotra. “Mark your calendar for April 2019,” she shared.
The Joanne Watford Nutrition Center (JWMC) is a choice food pantry that operates like a grocery store. Clients choose their own food from designated categories, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and frozen items. During the fiscal year 2016-2017, the JWNC served 19,380 people by providing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable groceries for well-balanced meals. It provided supplemental monthly groceries for 125 low-income seniors through the Senior Food Program and it delivered holiday meals to more than 1,000 families.
The Pediatric Health Center is a unique partnership between NAM and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). While bringing excellent care to its patients, the clinic also serves as a training facility for UTHealth Science Center students as well as other local universities and community colleges.
Northwest Assistance Ministries is a non-profit, community-based social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education and domestic violence awareness and intervention. During its last fiscal year, NAM touched the lives of more than 129,000 people through its many programs and services.