Newton PMMA Awarded $10k Grant from BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas

Newton Presbyterian Manor has been awarded the “Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Achievement Grant” from BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas for $10,000.

“I was inspired to apply for this grant because I have really enjoyed working with WorkWell Kansas and BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas. I truly believe in their mission of creating healthier worksites for all employees. Looking within our PMMA community, we have so much potential to make some much needed improvements to our on-campus Wellness Center. After hearing about the opportunity that presented itself, I knew right away it was something we were going to apply for,” said Alex Ramos, wellness director at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

The application process for this grant started in the fall of 2018. To be applicable for the Pathways to a Health Kansas grant, communities must commit to partnering with the BCBSKS Pathways team for four years to receive funding. Funded communities will be expected to work on all of the outlined focus areas – healthy eating, active living and commercial tobacco control – throughout those four years.

“Newton Presbyterian Manor wellness center members can expect some new equipment, several renovations, and other needed improvements so that we can all continue to achieve our health and wellness goals,” said Ramos.

Newton Presbyterian Manor received the $10,000 grant in May.

“Our employees mean so much to us and this grant will give us the tools to offer more options in our Wellness Center for them. Healthy and strong employees not only are more satisfied, but they can serve our residents and our mission even better. We are extremely excited about this opportunity,” said Marc Kessinger, executive director of Newton Presbyterian Manor.    

Congrats to everyone in our community, especially those who worked so hard to make this grant possible.

“The achievement of this grant is a direct reflection of what can happen when everyone has one common goal. I can’t thank our Wellness Committee and coworkers enough for buying in and stepping up when needed! They provided so much to this process and deserve recognition as well,” said Alex.

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