WHO: Jamboree Housing Corporation, a leading nonprofit housing developer in CA, and Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together), Jamboree’s Resident Services Group
WHAT: Jamboree Day
WHEN: In its second year, more than 375 children, youth and parents from 15 of Jamboree’s affordable housing properties spanning four Southern California counties gathered for
WHERE: Jamboree Day on August 22 at Woodbridge Park in Irvine, CA. Aimed at helping to turn around the national trend towards childhood obesity, activities focused on teaching participants a new skill and encouraging them to commit to increasing daily physical activity by 30 minutes.
Workshops and clinics included handball, soccer and basketball as well as an obstacle course, field games, and a parent’s health walk. Two residents from each community were recognized with a Community Virtue Award for exemplifying integrity, discipline, tenacity and good citizenship.
Celebrity host Lucious Harris, a 13-year NBA veteran who played for the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers, led basketball clinics throughout the day and spoke to the residents about his professional career and the importance of keeping physically active.
WHY: Jamboree has been selected by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports as a Spotlight Award nominee. This award honors individuals, organizations and events that positively impact the physical activity and fitness levels of California’s children and youth. If selected as a 2009 winner, the 3rd Annual Jamboree Day in 2010 will be underwritten by the Council. Jamboree Day provides a day of fun in the park that focuses on developing healthy habits and fitness as beneficial components in the lives of its residents.
HOW: Jamboree’s mission is to create opportunity for residents with the homes it builds and the services it provides – exceptional resident services such as computer training and Internet access, health and fitness, and financial literacy. By developing environments that foster education, involvement and self- sufficiency, opportunities are created for families to access homes they can afford, with distinctive and essential services that are responsive and that strengthen the community as a whole.
About Jamboree: Founded in 1990, Jamboree Housing Corporation is a broad-based nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing for lower-income families and seniors throughout California. Jamboree is Orange County’s leading nonprofit developer with a portfolio that includes the development of and/or ownership interest in nearly 6,000 affordable rental apartment homes in more than 55 California communities.
Housing with HEART, a 501 (c)(3) organization, is Jamboree’s resident services group. Putting the “heart” in affordable housing – Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together – Housing with HEART provides access to essential tools and customized services critical to improving the knowledge, skills and opportunities of its residents. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 36 Jamboree’s 55 communities with designated staff at each location. More information is available at www.jamboreehousing.com.