CAVBI recognized as a Champion of Change

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) was presented a Champion for Change recognition award from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s SNAP-Ed Program (CCEOC SNAP-Ed) for contributing to a culture of health through their Mother Cabrini Health & Fitness program.

In March 2021, CABVI began an annual multi-week program that provides participants with education in all aspects of health and wellness and forging connections with various health professionals in the community. The program is open to both consumers and members of the community. SNAP-Ed has been invited to provide nutrition workshops for their community members for the past two years of the program.

“Our mission is to help those we serve live their most independent lives,” said Karen Romeo, outreach and services promotion coordinator at CABVI. “We know that a healthy body is a healthy eye, so health and wellness is the best vehicle.”

SNAP-Ed is a nutrition education program that helps those who qualify for SNAP benefits eat healthier and stay physically active. The SNAP-Ed team also provides technical assistance to partnering agencies so they can support healthier environments where people eat, live, work, and play. Community settings play a large role in promoting or inhibiting healthy behaviors.

“Partnering with local organizations to become role models or Champions for Change can help impact healthy changes in our communities,” said Kristen Obreza, central region SNAP-Ed lead nutritionist.

CABVI was recognized as a Champion for Change due to their outstanding achievements in positively impacting the wellness of the local community through their health & fitness program.

“Teaching people to make healthier choices and giving them tools and vehicles [will help] implement a healthier lifestyle,” Romeo added.

The team at CABVI has continued to create a culture of health through their wellness initiatives, another key factor in the Champion for Change recognition.

SNAP-Ed is looking to recognize more community partners and their outstanding work to promote health and wellness in the central region, including Oswego, Oneida, Herkimer, and Hamilton counties. If your community agency or group would like to become involved with the Champion for Change SNAP-Ed initiative, contact Carol Watkins, SNAP-Ed central region program manager, at 315-736-3394 ext. 231 or at cnynutrition@cornell.edu.

To learn more, visit the SNAPED NY website at snapedny. org, CCE Oneida County food and nutrition programs at cceoneida.com/food-nutrition, and CABVI’s programs at cabvi. org.