Field Placement: Santa Monica Family YMCA
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Preceptor: Venessa Johnson
Student Name: Maggie Lee
Year: 2004

The Santa Monica Family YMCA is just one of more than 2,500 YMCAs in the United States that provide health and social services in order to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. The YMCAs are one of the largest non-profit community service organizations in the United States. The Santa Monica Family YMCA is committed in providing quality programs and services that enrich the lives of its members in the community.

For my field studies experience, I had the opportunity to deliver and implement a brand new community health program for youth called Shaped for Life: Starting Today for a Healthy Tomorrow. My preceptor was Venessa Johnson, Wellness Director and Shaped for Life Program Director. My field studies took place at the Santa Monica Family YMCA. My experience was conducted in the summer, between July 2004 and September 2004.

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has dramatically increased over the past 20 years. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and continues to remain an important public health concern. It is important to address this problem at the level of the community. Community organizations, such as the YMCA, have the capacity to empower youth to take charge of their health and well-being. The YMCA offers a supportive, comfortable and nurturing environment away from the pressures of school so that youth can participate in healthy programs and activities.

Shaped for Life is a community-based youth and family program led by the Santa Monica Family YMCA in order to: 1) address the growing rates of youth and adolescent overweight and obesity; 2) help youth and teens meet the California Physical Fitness Testing requirements; and 3) to provide our youth with essential tools to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and skills. Shaped for Life is a 12-week comprehensive program that addresses physical activity, nutrition, self-esteem, and weight management. The target population for our program was overweight and obese youth and teens between the ages of 9-17 years. The program aimed to capture our target population in our service areas that include Santa Monica, Ocean Park, Venice, and Mar Vista.

My position was to assist with the delivery and management of the Shaped for Life program, to help our participants reach a new level of fitness, to set realistic weight loss goals, to establish healthier eating habits, and to build self-esteem. These were accomplished through bi-weekly health and fitness meetings throughout the 12-week program. During these meetings, I provided recommendations, evaluations, and education for youth. I welcomed them to discuss with me the program materials and any challenges they were facing in reaching their goals. To supplement the program, I offered and led youth group exercise classes every week in strength training and indoor cycling. I organized and hosted weekly nutrition, health and wellness seminars that covered a wide range of topics that included smart snacking, restaurant dining, and healthy grocery shopping.

This field experience proved to be an invaluable one. I was working in an organization that was rooted in community service and leadership. I felt I was able to make a contribution both in the community and in the organization through this program. I chose this organization because I felt I can utilize my knowledge and skills to improve the health of the community while gaining valuable skills and experience. I would highly recommend this field site.

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