Woodbury Citizens Creating a Healthy Community Together
Join your friends and neighbors in building a healthy community and be a part of the excitement of Woodbury THRIVES, a new community initiative to make Woodbury the best place to live and work in Minnesota, now and in the future.
“I take great pride in our active, healthy community,” said Mary Giuliani Stephens, Mayor of Woodbury.
“Woodbury THRIVES is an exciting opportunity for everyone to help develop a healthy community for all who call Woodbury home.”
Woodbury THRIVES is a grassroots community effort by community members and organizations collaborating together to create a healthy place to live. The founders of the initiative have included the City of Woodbury, Washington County, the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, the Woodbury Community Foundation and HealthEast. More than 30 other Woodbury organizations from all across our community have become engaged in planning the initiative since the start of the year.
“Healthier families, a more vibrant source of employees for economic development, and better access to services that help citizens adopt a lifestyle of health and well-being will benefit us all,” said Barbara Tuccitto Warren, Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. “Long term success in a healthy community comes from grassroots efforts involving Woodbury citizens, our places of worship, non-profit organizations, city and county government and businesses,” said Maria Bitanga, Woodbury THRIVES Project Manager.
Join the conversation about community health
Woodbury THRIVES will host a number of community conversations about healthy communities beginning in April and continuing through June. The goal is to gather recommendations from residents, businesses and organizations on what defines a healthy community. These discussions will go beyond “health” as more than just the absence of disease and address the broader consideration of overall wellness of mind, body and soul.
“We need your help. The first step will be attending and participating in the community conversations. We hope to hear from 500 or more participants representing a full cross-section of the community to help shape the future of the program,” said Jack Lanners, Woodbury Community Foundation Board Chair. “This will be a great opportunity to gather together, get to know your neighbors and have a meaningful influence on developing this initiative.”
Woodbury Mayor Guiliani Stephens says this effort reminds her of the Feed My Starving Children packing event hosted at Bielenberg Sports Center last fall. “We came together – individuals and community groups of all kinds – to pack four million meals in four days, supporting worldwide hunger and the local emergency food shelf. I think we can do something similar with his effort. “
For dates, times and locations of community conversations, visit Woodbury THRIVES Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WoodburyTHRIVES. Questions should be directed to Maria Bitanga at the Woodbury Community Foundation at 651-788-6586 or wcf@woodburyfoundation.org.
We would like to thank the following early partners
City of Woodbury: A leading community in which to live, work and thrive. Woodbury will continue to be a leading community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through professionalism, responsive services and leadership we will strengthen our tradition of public trust and effective resource management.
Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce: The Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the spirit of the Woodbury Area, enhances a progressive business environment and serves as the business voice of the community.
HealthEast Care System: We are called to improve the health of our neighbors. Optimal health and well-being for our patients, our communities and ourselves. The HealthEast family empowers you and your family to live life better.
The Woodbury Community Foundation: The Woodbury Community Foundation (www.woodburyfoundation.org) is a local philanthropic nonprofit agent acting on behalf of the community, to provide leadership and financial leverage to combat needs of our Woodbury residents.