The Children’s Center has been a designated worksite for the wellness program through the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce for the past five years. As a business, we work very hard to focus on many different aspects of health and wellness. Some of our most exciting initiatives have been partnering with SHIP (State Health Improvement Program) along with the Blue Zones Project.

In the past five years, we have become a tobacco-free worksite, added bike racks for our employees, added a water bottle filling station and added standing desk options. One of our wellness programs we are most proud of is our Mommy and Me room. This room is set aside for nursing moms.  Both employees and parents of children we serve can use this room for their nursing needs. We also use this room as a mental health room for staff. It is a quiet place that staff can go on their break.  We have received recognition on the state level for this innovative room.

Our wellness committee has offered several opportunities for our staff to participate in activities focused on wellness. We have participated in walking moais, freeze a meal, painting parties, game nights, aerobic classes offered on site and team-building events. This committee also provides incentives to staff through weight-loss challenges and step challenges.

As a business-decision maker, I believe that all businesses need to invest in the wellness of their staff. This includes both their mental and physical health. We know a healthy workforce is better for your business and is better for the employees. We would like to thank our community partners for supporting us and assisting us in making several of these opportunities available.

 

Kim Nelson

executive director

The Children’s Center