Our vision is to help develop the healthiest children by supporting grassroots welling initiatives that foster positive relationships between youth and trusted adults in our community.
These moving testimonies illustrate how we fulfill our mission, vision, and values. Together, we GROW healthy kids, and GROW healthy communities.
From: Whitney Collier, Volusia County, Florida Executive Coordinator, Ash M. Photography
Sent: December 2024
In 2012, as a young single mom of two little girls, TraNeice and Mariah, I was doing the best I could to provide for them. One day, my first grader, TraNeice, came home bursting with excitement about doing run club at Lake Orienta Elementary in Seminole County. I saw her joy and knew this was something special.
That small act of initiative from my daughter quickly turned into Saturday morning cross-country meets. Through it all, Colleen Gonzalez poured words of encouragement and confidence into my children. She encouraged them to engage in physical activity, eat healthy fruits and vegetables, build their confidence, and treated my family like her own. Her love and commitment created a bond that still stands strong.
My story did not stop at Lake Orienta Elementary. Years later, I had to move my children to Pine Crest Elementary in Seminole County. I noticed that the playground was in poor condition and recognized that the teachers needed support for recess beyond what the PTA could do. I reached out to Colleen without hesitation. True to her nature, she stepped in with GROW Health Kids to revitalize the recess playground and provide teachers with recess supplies. Although the playground was old, it became a vibrant and bright play zone. The students at this Title I school had a happy place for them to play and thrive during recess.
Fast forward to today: TraNeice is now a high school graduate, and Mariah is a freshman on the track team. Watching them grow into their potential reminds me of the pivotal role Ms. Gonzalez played in their lives.
This unwavering dedication defines Colleen Gonzalez and nonprofit, GROW Healthy Kids. GROW Health Kids is more than a resource; it’s a lifeline for families like mine, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for positive change.
From: Alexandria Mirisola
Sent: December 2024
BeMy daughter, Makayla, has always been an energetic and spirited child. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism, Makayla often found it challenging to focus and harness her energy in productive ways. However, our lives changed dramatically when we discovered GROW Healthy Kids through the Seminole County Public Schools elementary running program.
Makayla joined the running program when she was just five years old, and it became a pivotal part of her life. GROW Healthy Kids provided a safe, supportive environment where she could channel her boundless energy and develop a love for running. Her very first race in 2017 was a defining moment. Although she did not place in the top 10, she proudly received a participation ribbon. Instead of feeling disappointed, Makayla's joyful words were, "I'm just happy to run and be able to finish with the other kids."
That spirit of determination and joy continued to grow within her. Year after year, Makayla participated in the running program, fueled by the encouragement and support from GROW. In 5th grade, after years of perseverance, Makayla achieved a significant milestone: she placed in the top 10 for her age group and received a medal. This accomplishment made her incredibly proud and further ignited her passion for running.
Through the years, GROW Healthy Kids has not only provided new running shoes but also fostered a healthy lifestyle and a sense of belonging for Makayla. The program has been instrumental in helping her develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of achievement. Makayla has learned that with determination and effort, she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
Today, Makayla continues to thrive, not just in running but in all aspects of her life. Her journey with GROW Healthy Kids has been a testament to the power of community support and the incredible impact that dedicated programs can have on children's lives.
We are forever grateful to the team at GROW for their unwavering support and commitment to our daughter's growth and well-being. Makayla's success story is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to nurture and empower its young members.
From: Mariann Testa, 2nd grade teacher Hamilton Elementary, Seminole County Public Schools
Sent: April 21, 2023
Because we have so many students, the children have limited access to playground equipment. The days kids were "in the field" for recess were not as engaging, which often resulted in frustration and arguments that would carry over to our classroom. It's difficult to continually come up with a variety of independent activities for students at recess when there are limited supplies. It's also hard to see students not enjoying their free time as they should. Having the donation of balls, jump ropes and games for our students to use at recess was such a help during the school year! The supplies make an impact day after day - not only at recess but also long after the play is over. The smiles, laughter and joy carry into our classroom and changes how we feel about facing the rest of the day. Not only are students happier, but they are building relationships beyond recess and are much more engaged in the classroom. Thank you so much for caring about the health and welfare of our students! We truly appreciate what you have done for us!
From: Officer Pablo Vargas, UCF Police Department
Sent: May 5, 2023
On behalf of the UCF Police Department, we want to thank the Grow Healthy Kids program for the opportunity to receive these sports balls. Having these sports balls has provided us several great outreach opportunities for us at our Downtown UCF campus. The ability to provide sports balls to the kids in the community has proven to show meaningful and impactful relationships. This community outreach opportunity has been very refreshing and well accepted in the community. Thank you again for all you do in your continued efforts to make greater communities.
From: Officer Rebekah Matviak, Orlando Police Department, North Patrol Division
Sent: August 22, 2021
I was dispatched to a call where a missing juvenile had returned home. When I arrived, mom was waiting for me outside and began to tell me some issues she was having with her son and why he possibly ran away.
She quickly called for him to come out of the house as I wanted to put eyes on him and speak to him myself. When he came outside, I saw his demeanor which was angry, frustrated and from the way he was engaging with mom it was evident that mom was overbearing, and their relationship was contentious.
Whenever I tried to ask the son questions about why he ran away and where he was, etc., mom interjected and began to argue with her son as to his answers and tried to contradict what he was saying. The son became very introverted at that point and would not even look at me.
Knowing I would be met with resistance as far questioning the son as to the reasons why he ran away, I diverted his attention and asked him what his favorite sport was. This was an open door. I told him to follow me to my patrol vehicle and asked mom if she could just stay outside the house and I would be back.
The son and I walked to my patrol vehicle as I told him I had something for him. He told me he loved football, so I opened my patrol vehicle and from the bag of GROW balls was able to pick out a football for him.
It was at this point; I saw breakthrough with the son. His demeanor changed, he was so thankful for his new football and from here I began to inquire about his life and find out what it was that truly was upsetting him and what had provoked him to run away. After a long , in-depth conversation with the son where he had sincerely opened up to me, I was better able to understand the full dynamics of the family unit.
Had I not changed my course of questioning about his running away to " What is your favorite sport", I would never have been able to understand him and then speak to his mother about resources that are available to her and her family. Handing the son the football, provided by GROW, was the conduit in which I was able to connect and understand the son which in turn also allowed him to feel comfortable enough to speak to me!
From: Officer Orlando Roman, Orlando Police Department
Sent: July 28, 2021
To: Corporal Marcus Hyatt, Orlando Police Department
Subject: RE: G.R.O.W. Central Florida
Corporal Hyatt,
Good afternoon sir, I just wanted to speak about an incident here in India 8 that occurred a two months ago (05/05/21). I had the opportunity to
foster a great relationship with some of the youth and parents here at the Pacifico Place Apts through the use of GROW Healthy Kids’s Athletic Balls.
Pacifico Place Apts is home to many Central and South American immigrants. Many of our community members are undocumented immigrants, moving here for an opportunity for honest work and a better prospective future for their children. I had the great opportunity to shape the interactions between our law enforcement officers and the youth/parents of the neighborhood by starting an impromptu soccer game with the kids. We spent over an hour just playing street soccer, laughing and bonding over the experience. The parents thanked me for bringing a different light/perspective to law enforcement within the neighborhood.
Pacifico Place is a common area for proactive patrol, in an effort to combat substance use/sales within East Patrol. Through GROW’s donation to the city’s youth, I was able to change the narrative for these young kids and their parents, who have historically seen Orlando PD as a mechanism for arrests, rather than a catalyst for community outreach.
Please extend my thanks to Colleen and GROW Healthy Kids, and if there are any more soccer balls (since the kids were eager to keep them!), I’d love to grab some more!
Respectfully
Orlando Roman
India Alpha Midnight Squad, East Patrol
Orlando Police Department
From: Valerie Lopez, Edgewater High School, Principal’s Secretary (Orange County)
Sent: December 9, 2021
It’s the Holiday season and here at our high school (identified students are asked if they need/want a lil something for the Holidays in ways of a season gift) we tell the kids it’s a random selection so we don’t upset anyone’s pride. I can tell you, every “wish” list students make have SHOES! as wants /needs. It’s wonderful that because of the GROW program we have shoes to offer them
Thank you for helping us help our students!
From the beginning of the year we have had students come to receive shoes so that they can participate in a sport, or have decent shoes so that their peers don’t make fun of them. When kids are younger the stigma of fitting in may not be as much as it is in High School – BUT high school students would rather not come to school if they don’t have the nice, proper fitting shoe. it’s SO important that students are afforded the opportunity to have a nice/great pair of shoes.
Thank you for all you do. We here at Edgewater High School thank you for blessing our students.
From: Sharon Hill, Stenstrom Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher (Seminole County)
Sent: October 21, 2021
Dear Colleen,
Thank you so much for your generous donation of recess equipment to our classroom. The students are so excited to have some items to enjoy when we are outside! They are also very appreciative of the bookmarks you provided. I appreciate GROW Healthy Kids's investment in our students' lives by increasing the opportunity for them to be physically active. It's nice to have some ways to encourage them to engage in fun activities to better their physical and mental health. Thank you for your commitment to our students!
Appreciatively
Sharon Hill
From: Mary Lynn Hess, k-5 STEM Resource Teacher, Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School (Seminole County)
Sent: October 25, 2021
Colleen,
On Friday I received my materials for my Run Club. GROW Healthy Kids is too kind. ❤️
It was just in time for our first practice today. I had 60 kids show up. I am super pumped! It's great to know parents value exercise as a part of raising a healthy child. One kid said to me after practice, "This is the best club ever!". That made my day.
GROW really does make a difference! Your determination, kindness, and belief in your program is much appreciated.
Thank you from all of us at GEMS.
Mary Lynn
From: Christine Peacock, Lake Orienta Elementary School, Principal (Seminole County
Sent: August 9, 2021
The work of GROW Healthy Kids has brought new life to our campus. Staff and students are thrilled to see how the recess playground, flagpole, and other common areas "pop" with color. LKO is forever grateful!
Mrs. Chris Peacock
Principal
Lake Orienta Elementary School
From: Beth Davalos, MSW, RPT-S, LCSW-S, School Social Worker, Seminole County Public Schools
Sent: March 29, 2021
Hi Colleen,
Thank you so much for the sneakers. I can't tell you how much it meant to this student and the timing was more than perfect. This student really needed this gift more than ever today. GROW Healthy Kids is a blessing!!!
Thank you so much!!
Best regards,
Beth Davalos MSW, RPT-S, LCSW-S
School Social Worker
Intervention Services
Student Support Services Department
Seminole County Public Schools
