Eating right and getting fit are two goals that are being actively promoted among Downeast Horizons (DEH) consumers and staff. Healthy Peninsula, an organization that supports healthy communities by providing leadership and guidance to non-profit agencies, awarded a $500 grant to DEH’s new Deer Isle community supports program to meet health and fitness goals.

Helen Eaton, the lead Direct Service Provider for the Deer Isle program, stretched those dollars through smart shopping and purchased a DVD player, exercise videos, hand weights, ankle weights, exercise mats, resistance bands, stability balls, an abdomen workout device, instructional posters, a microwave, nine cookbooks, dishes, cooking utensils, silverware and kitchen towels.

Consumers in Deer Isle now plan, shop for and prepare a nutritious meal and a well-laid table every Thursday with volunteer cooking specialist Carla Wallace. In addition, exercise workouts are now a regular part of the Deer Isle routine and clients complete regular checklists each week monitoring their exercise commitments.

Since 1974, Downeast Horizons has been devoted to the establishment of community-based services for local people with developmental disabilities and their families. Downeast Horizons is a non-profit organization helping to serve these needs in Hancock and Penobscot counties.