Chris Reinsma knows firsthand that giving people a bit of hope can make a big difference.
Chris, program supervisor for older adult health and wellness at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Grand Rapids, Mich., was one of the designers of the center’s Restoring Health program that received the national Excellence in Programming Award for Kroc Centers in the Central Territory last November.
When COVID-19 shut down the Kroc Center, Chris took an online course in wearable technology, focusing on products like the Fitbit fitness tracker. He and other Kroc staff began to talk about a health-coaching program where people could be equipped with wearable technology.
When the pandemic restrictions were lifted, Grand Rapids Kroc Center staff were granted $100,000 from the Michigan Health Endowment to launch a program for underserved—mainly Black and Brown—populations.
Participants in Restoring Health were given weekly health-coaching on nutrition, exercise and self-care, along with a Fitbit to record their daily walking steps.
And something very positive began to happen, Chris said.
People in the program began to lose weight, gain muscle strength, walk more each day, lower their blood pressure and feel more optimistic about life.
One participant said, “My doctor wondered what I have been doing, as my last checkup reflected that I lost weight, my blood pressure went down, and I had a better attitude. This is due to the lessons I learned from this program and all the support I received.”
Another explained, “I have kidney disease and felt tremendously isolated during COVID, and just wanted to give up; but I met so many wonderful people who have become my family and support system, and this program gave me a reason to live again.”
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is one of the organizations that partnered with the Kroc Center and provided a grant to help Restoring Health continue for a second year.
Vanessa Greene, CEO of GRAAHI, said, “This has been one of GRAAHI’s best partnerships. I speak of the program in terms of its comprehensive approach to health and wellness…and the fact that every participant raves about the benefits they have gained from the program.”
Major Carol Huffman, senior Kroc Center officer in Grand Rapids, said Chris has been the backbone behind the success of Restoring Health.
“The impact Chris makes in the lives of these people is tremendous,” Major Carol said. “He embodies the highest level of health, wellness and excellence. And he moves them from merely existing to thriving. He does this by providing a system of health and hope and healing. It’s a beautiful thing for all of us here to watch.”
Chris thanked his fellow Kroc staff and others.
“It takes a village,” he said. “I have great people to work with, great Kroc officers who support me and
great partnerships in the community. It takes a lot of people; a lot of heroes.”
In the first two years of Restoring Health, more than 100 people have changed their lives for the better, Chris said, adding that the majority of them met some sort of goal, whether it was weight loss or taking more daily steps.
“They were moving more. Not just sitting on the couch. Some wanted to get off blood pressure medication. Some wanted to be able to get down on the floor and play with their grandchildren. We want to be alongside them to help them do that,” Chris said.
Participants began to support and network with one another, celebrating each other’s victories. They also would meet in groups with Kroc staff to share stories of being a minority in the nation’s healthcare system.
“It was a privilege for me to sit in those rooms and hear them talk about their health stories and how difficult some of them were—in particular, their experience with the healthcare system was not always as good as mine had been, as a Caucasian male,” Chris said.
The third year of the program began in March. Two groups are participating: new members and returning graduates. The graduates are being given a bit of structure, but have much more independence now.
“They have been through the program, so we are upping the ante. We put them in small groups with other graduates. They need to take ownership together and move forward sustainably,” said Chris.
About 20 new people and 20 graduates are involved in the program now. Later this year, another 40 participants are expected for the autumn session.
“These folks really do want to live their best lives,” Chris said. “Sometimes they just feel stuck. Healthcare at a doctor’s office can feel transactional. But at the Kroc Center, we say, ‘This is our time. What is important to you?’ We work on these things together. We really do enjoy meeting with them, talking with them. And they feel that they are heard.”
