We proudly recognize the Washington Street Community Center (WSCC) as a long-standing and stellar partner in our Out of School Time (OST) program initiative. Since joining us in 2017, WSCC has continuously demonstrated what it means to embed health and wellness into the fabric of a community-based afterschool program. In the photo above, Dasia McKinnon, Project Director (OST), stands with Ms. Leila Elkins, WSCC Music Director and HealthMPowers Liaison, after a long day of gardening and filming at the WSCC garden.
🌿 Curriculum Innovators: In Summer 2023, WSCC served as a pilot site for OST garden lessons, offering insightful feedback that helped us enhance the curriculum for future afterschool partners. Their input has helped shape the direction of garden education across Georgia.
Ms. Elkins created a photo slide show of students completing the OST garden lessons each week. In week 5, students explored plant parts and added to their gardening journals.
Ms. Elkins created a photo slide show of students completing the OST garden lessons each week. In week 6, students made newspaper pots and planted seeds in them.
🌱 Sustainable Health Champions: Through intentional HEPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity) goals, they maintained a strong focus on providing adequate equipment for games, activities, and sports, aligning with NAA Content and Quality standards.
“One of the favorite games from the HealthMPowers Game Locker for WSCC students is the Activity Wave. Each student gets to create an exercise and every student in the circle completes it in a wave as quickly as possible.”
-Ms. Leila Elkins, WSCC Music Director and HealthMPowers Liaison
Students enjoying playing a game from the HealthMPowers Game Locker
Their garden program has remained active year-round, offering youth hands-on learning, even in the colder months! WSCC also volunteered to serve as one of our main filming sites for HealthMPowers’ upcoming video series, Three Seasons Garden Basket Tips.
WSCC took several photos of their garden’s first harvest, which included tomatoes, herbs, and squash!
🏆 Environmental Change Leader: WSCC led the way by establishing a designated file cabinet to house HealthMPowers physical activity equipment and resources, including the HealthMPowers Jump Rope Kit and HealthMPowers Game Locker — ensuring access, visibility, and consistent use across programming.
📸 Legacy of Engagement: Although they formally rolled off as a partner in FY23, Ms. Leila Elkins, director of the music department and HMP champion and liaison, continues to send us monthly updates showcasing youth engaged with the HealthMPowers Game Locker resource and thriving garden spaces. Her dedication to learning and innovation remains unmatched — she frequently reaches out to HealthMPowers for best practices, proving that growth doesn’t stop at graduation.
“With the help from HealthMPowers, the WSCC students have learned to exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables.”
-Ms. Leila Elkins, WSCC Music Director and HealthMPowers Liaison
🗣️ Advocacy & Community Roots: WSCC has been more than a program site — they’ve been a voice at the table, with Ms. Elkins serving multiple terms as a Local Advisory Committee participant, helping to shape HealthMPowers’ direction and resources with insight grounded in community needs.
🌟 Did You Know?
WSCC was one of the first educational institutions in Newton County to serve Black students — a legacy of inclusion and leadership.
They successfully secured and used 10 cubic yards of compost via our partnership with CompostNow in 2023!
Youth at WSCC benefit from sign language and music programming, showing the holistic approach they bring to enrichment.
👏 To WSCC and Ms. Elkins — Thank you for being a shining example of what HealthMPowers partnership can look like beyond a contract. You continue to inspire us with your commitment, creativity, and community leadership. You are, and always will be, a HealthMPowers champion site.
