$13,000 investment brings new fitness equipment and prevention programming to Johnstown High School
Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties is collaborating with the Greater Johnstown School District (GJSD) on an exciting new initiative designed to strengthen student engagement, promote healthy decision-making, and support the overall well-being of Johnstown High School students.
Through funding secured from the Fulton County Youth Bureau, Catholic Charities’ Youth Services Program received a $13,000 award to support this collaborative effort. Of that funding total, $9,500 will provide new fitness equipment for Johnstown High School and support the implementation of a prevention program that works hand-in-hand with the District’s physical education department.
$3,500 is earmarked to support Catholic Charities’ Student Assistance Prevention Specialist (SAPS) in implementing the SPORT Prevention Program, which provides prevention education, early intervention, and supportive services aimed at reducing risk factors and encouraging healthy choices. The program will complement the District’s existing prevention, health, fitness, recreation, education, and intervention initiatives, making it a natural addition to the physical education curriculum.
Together, Catholic Charities and GJSD are creating new opportunities to proactively engage students – particularly those considered at risk – by supporting their physical, emotional, and academic development.
“Young people in our community have tremendous potential, yet many face barriers that make it harder to stay engaged in school and maintain healthy lifestyles,” said Denise Benton, Director of Youth Services at Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties. “Socioeconomic challenges along with other personal issues, can directly impact student participation and well-being. Through this partnership, we are introducing our SPORT prevention program and early intervention services alongside physical education classes to increase access to personal fitness opportunities and empower students to make positive, healthy choices.”
“We are grateful to Catholic Charities and the Fulton County Youth Bureau for their support. Their commitment will help our students thrive academically and personally. Our alliance clearly demonstrates the positive effects of community collaboration on our students and the Greater Johnstown community,” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster.
“Increasing physical activity and fostering a positive relationship with one’s body can significantly reduce risk factors for youth who may be vulnerable to unhealthy behaviors,” said Robert Kraemer, Director of Athletics, Health, and Nursing for the Greater Johnstown School District. “This collaboration will bring renewed energy to our Fitness Room and introduce the SPORT program, helping students build lifelong healthy habits. These improvements will benefit students across physical education classes, personal fitness courses, Teen Intervene programming, athletics, and extracurricular activities.”
About Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties Youth Services Program
Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties Youth Services Program oversees substance use prevention education, counseling, parenting support, problem gambling prevention, and tobacco control initiatives throughout the community. Staff work closely with youth and adults in schools and community settings to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors that support healthy decision-making. Programs emphasize school connectedness, early intervention, and skill building to help individuals make positive, proactive choices and reduce the risk of early or persistent substance use.