MDI ACHIEVE grant funds “A Wii Bit of Healthy Fun” project for adults and children with developmental disabilities.

          

            Christmas came early for clients att the Downeast Horizons (DEH) MDI center Thursday where a new technologically enhanced recreation area was unveiled during the organization’s holiday party.

Program participants, staff and board members of DEH were joined by a member of the Greater MDI ACHIEVE group as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new equipment. Nintendo Wii consoles, Wii games and media cabinets were all purchased as part of the recreation area with the help of a $1500 grant received through the MDI YMCA and Healthy Acadia ACHIEVE initiative community health improvement grant program.

“Downeast Horizons is very thankful to the MDI YMCA and Healthy Acadia for their support,” said Downeast Horizons Executive Director Tony Zambrano during the ceremony. “This fun filled technology will improve our program dramatically. It has given Downeast Horizons a wonderful opportunity to improve the health and mobility of individuals with developmental disabilities.”

MDI ACHIEVE is a team of community leaders convened by Healthy Acadia and the MDI YMCA as part of the national ACHIEVE initiative (Action Communities for Health, Innovation and EnVironmental ChangE.) Grant funding was made available for projects that would make healthy choices easier for members of the community. The new equipment will enable program participants of DEH to participate in fun, physically active recreation that encourages an active on-the-go lifestyle.

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