Community Engagement
We provide education & support to Pennsylvania families and caregivers about food and nutrition during childhood and we connect with the local community through public outreach events.
- On this Page
- Who We Are
- What We Do
- Outreach Programs
Who We Are
Meaningful change begins with a strong, trusting relationship. Our community outreach efforts are designed to build these connections, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
Giving
We provide education programs, materials & supplies to support health initiatives, training for teachers and community agency staff, and participate in events that promote healthy behaviors.
Collaboration
We invite community agencies to participate in our research studies. By working together, we ensure that our research is grounded in real-world experiences and addresses the unique needs of the community.
Mutual Support
Communities receive support and resources to improve their health outcomes, while we gain valuable insights and data to enhance our research. Together, we drive impactful change and improve the health of children and their families.
Penn State Healthy Families & Kids
As the outreach component of The Child Health Research Center, we are deeply committed to community outreach, aiming to combat childhood obesity through education and engagement.
Our community partners know the Child Health Research Center community engagement team as Penn State Healthy Kids or Penn State Healthy Families.
Jennifer Savage Williams Ph.D.
- Professor
- Director, Center for Childhood Obesity Research
Dr. Savage Williams studies: Behavioral (feeding practices, sleep) and individual factors that impact food intake; Responsive parenting; Clinical and community-based childhood obesity prevention interventions
Lindsey Hess
- Research Project Manager (Lab Manager)
Lindsey oversees the development, coordination, and evaluation of CCOR’s research and outreach programs.
Heather Kimble
- Outreach Manager
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Heather manages and oversees the ONE PATH research study's planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation.
Allie Baney
- Education Program Specialist (Nutrition Educator – SNAP-Ed)
Allie’s role at CCOR includes implementing approved nutrition and physical activity lessons to low-income families at Head Start and Pre-K counts classrooms within Blair County through our SNAP-ED funding.
Amber Vesnesky
- Education Program Specialist (Nutrition Educator – SNAP-Ed)
Amber delivers SNAP-Ed approved curricula to low–income families at Head Start Child Care settings and WIC Clinic sites, interacting and coordinating with program partners in the community and staff in Huntingdon, Snyder, Union and Mifflin counties.
What We Do
We administer educational programming to children & their families throughout 12 counties in Pennsylvania. We also have a partnership with Pennsylvania Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the state level.
CHRC delivers programming to Blair, Brandford, Cameron, Elk, Huntingdon, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties.
Much of our outreach for low-income audiences is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). This funding allows us to provide essential resources and support to communities in need.
Through these diverse outreach initiatives, our team is making significant strides in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing childhood obesity. Our Center’s efforts are a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration.
Our Impact
Each year, we reflect on the progress we’ve made alongside families, communities, and partners across Pennsylvania. Our Annual Report highlights the stories, research, and collaborations that are driving real change in children’s health and family well-being.
View the Annual ReportOutreach Programs
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). Click here to access the full USDA non-discrimination statement.