SOSMentor’s Latest News

"Inspired to Run, Part II": Ledys' Marathon Story

2012-01-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Part II of our "Inspired to Run" series, in anticipation of the upcoming 2012 LA Marathon, features the story of Ledys Lopez -- SOSMentor board member, Team ShapeUp runner, and mentor. Ledys shares how the LA Marathon has impacted her personal health, and her big plans for this year's Charity 2-Person Marathon, where she'll be running with SOSMentor ShapeUp student Alex Yarza. Enjoy! Until

"Inspired to Run, Part I": Sumi's Marathon Story

2012-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

As the 2012 Honda LA Marathon approaches, we wanted to share some of the inspiring stories of our Team ShapeUp members, who are raising money for SOSMentor while training for the Big Day. Part I of "Inspired to Run" is the story of Dr. Sumi Kawaratani, who ran her first marathon last year. You can support Sumi and Team ShapeUp by donating any amount to the team HERE! In

We Want YOU to Be a Mentor!

2012-01-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

“As a volunteer, I have seen firsthand how SOSMentor’s program impacts a child’s life. I have witnessed a child’s behaviors and attitudes change for the better through the program and am proud to have been a part that transformation. It’s an awesome process to observe!” – Alan Bernstein, SOSMentor volunteer Many of our dedicated volunteers, like Alan, have expressed how deeply rewarding it is

Need help sticking to your resolutions? Check out SuperTracker!

2012-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

By now you’ve probably seen MyPlate, the healthy eating visual released by USDA last year that recommends we fill half our plate with fruits and vegetables. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, sometimes it’s easier said than done. That’s why we were excited to see the new SuperTracker tool on ChooseMyPlate.gov. As many Americans set resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more in 2012, the

SOSMentor holds Fit for Gold training session in the South Bay

2011-12-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

For the past 3 years, SOSMentor has worked with youth from South Bay 1 Stop as part of their Fit For Gold program, a work-training program that enables high school students to earn money and high school credit while mentoring younger children. Nutritionist and SOSMentor staff member Dana Griffis, teacher Grace Fabian, and athletic trainer Billy Locke led the 8-hour

SOSMentor Featured on KABC Los Angeles!

2011-12-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

SOSMentor was featured yesterday on ABC7 News for our work in the ShapeUp program. The segment highlighted our Executive Director, Robert Donahue, Registered Dietitian Jennifer Genens, and students from Monroe High School and Gledhill Elementary School. Watch the video and read the article below: Mentor program teaches kids exercise, nutrition LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Centers for Disease

"Fit for Life!"

2011-12-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Every ShapeUp physical activity workshop ends with students gathering in a circle, hands together in the center, to shout out our motto: “Fit for life!” Physical trainer Billy Locke, who leads our P.A. workshops, uses this motto to remind students that fitness is a lifetime goal that we work toward day in and day out. ShapeUp students not only learn the fundamentals of good exercise habits,

Gobble Give-Back at Gledhill

2011-12-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

The season of giving is upon us, and SOSMentor is getting into the holiday spirit! On November 23, Vons, SOSMentor, and LA’s BEST held the “Gobble Give-Back” at Gledhill Elementary School in North Hills. Vons distributed free turkeys to more than 60 students and their families, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. The students participate in SOSMentor’s ShapeUp program, funded by Kaiser

Nutrition education can ease transition to healthier school lunches

2011-11-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

As LA Unified School District works hard to revamp its school lunch menu with healthier fare, it must face a hard-to-swallow fact: Just because the new dishes the district is serving up are innovative, culturally diverse, and more “gourmet” than ever before, does not mean kids will necessarily like them at first. With 700,000 students, LAUSD is the second largest school

Kids, Meet Your Mentors!

2011-11-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

The children at Gledhill Elementary School huddle around their new high school mentors in small groups, listening intently to their advice about healthy eating and exercise. The mentors are from Monroe High School and they have completed 5 weeks of nutrition education and physical activity workshops in the ShapeUp program. After being mentored by adult volunteers from the community, now it’s

Sandpaper in a nutrition class?

2011-10-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sandpaper in a nutrition class? You bet! Students in the ShapeUp program use sandpaper to demonstrate the process of refining whole grains. It's a fun activity that helps students remember the difference between whole and refined grains and understand why it's so important to eat plenty of whole grains. First, Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Gallardo draws a diagram on the board to teach the

The Power of Mentoring

2011-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

One of the most important aspects of our work in the ShapeUp program is the personal connection that is built between the students and their mentors. We believe that when students know their teacher cares about them, they learn better. A little care and attention make a big difference. Our ShapeUp mentors help students define their goals, encourage them to make lifestyle changes little by little

Event Wrap-Up: Masquerade Ball 2011

2011-10-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

SOSMentor’s Masquerade Ball on October 1, 2011 was full of intriguing surprises and entertainment. Eighty guests filed into the Redondo Beach Castle, many of them wearing intricate, handmade masks or dressed in costume. A belly dancer wowed the audience with her daring sword routine and a palm reader offered her insight to curious guests, while the viola player set the mood. The guests bid on

Let's Get Physical

2011-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our resident athletic trainer, Billy Locke, has been teaching our ShapeUp students the fundamentals of fitness in his physical activity workshops. With over 16 years of training experience under his belt, Billy knows how to motivate and challenge our students to reach their full potential. At Belmont High School last week, Billy led the students through ladder drills that focused on improving

Fun Times at Monroe High

2011-10-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Where can you find high school students singing, dancing, playing games, and chowing down on quesadillas? SOSMentor's ShapeUp program, of course! The students at Monroe High School are learning about nutrition and physical activity in a fun, interactive environment that's anything but boring. The SOSMentor curriculum is designed to engage all different types of learners, get everyone moving, and

Donate $10 for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind handmade mask!

2011-09-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Click on the mask to donate now In just 2 days, SOSMentor will be holding our Masquerade Ball, an enchanting evening of magic and mystery at the Redondo Beach Castle that will raise money for our ShapeUp programs. Whether you'll be in attendance or not, we have an exciting opportunity for you to win a one-of-a-kind, handmade, Venetian-style mask created by artist and craftsman Steve Pogni!

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

2011-09-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

May you enjoy your apples and honey... May you find it easy to give and receive... May you know when to surrender, and do so with grace... May you remember that some people's lives are parched dry...and be grateful for the abundance in yours... May you find beauty in unexpected places... May you learn and teach well... May you move with as much joy and ease as you can... May your tense and

Feeling Cranky? Hunger May Be the Reason

2011-09-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel cranky and irritable, but can't pinpoint exactly why? Next time this happens, ask yourself when you last ate. New research by University of Cambridge researchers suggests that the commonly held notion that hunger can cause crankiness may indeed be true. The study, which appeared in the journal Biological Psychiatry, found that when participants' diets were manipulated, levels of

We Are an Official Charity of the 2012 Honda LA Marathon!

2011-09-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last year SOSMentor was featured on KTLA5 as an official charity of the 2011 LA Marathon. SOSMentor is thrilled to be part of the Honda LA Marathon for the third year in a row! Our participation as an official charity of the Marathon reinforces and expands upon our organization's mission, which is to decrease rates of childhood obesity by educating and mentoring children of all ages in nutrition

Food for Your Mood

2011-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

By Yelena Nisnevich, MS, RD Do you ever find yourself feeling upset, bored, or tired after a long, stressful day? Well, did you know that you can use food as an antidepressant? Scientists are proving that what's in the foods you eat can affect the chemical composition of your brain. In particular, what you eat can affect your mood, level of alertness, and your perception of pain. To fight

"Bob's Winter Garden": Getting Started

2011-08-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

There are countless benefits to starting your own garden, whether it's a tiny herb garden on the balcony of your apartment, a raised bed in your backyard, or a plot in your local community garden. In addition to getting more fruits and vegetables in your diet, growing some of your own food gives you a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency, saves you money, and - if you have little ones -

Help SOSMentor Win a Spotlight Award (And Reach Even More Students!)

2011-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that SOSMentor is a nominee for the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Awards! The awards recognize outstanding organizations, teachers, schools, and more for positively impacting California children's physical activity and fitness levels. The Gold Medalist winner in the Organizations category will receive $10,000, Silver receives

First Lady Announces New Plan to Expand Healthy Food Access

2011-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

"How can we eat healthy if we can't buy healthy food where we live?" This is a question that 23.5 million people, over a quarter of them children, must face every day. That's because they live in "food deserts," communities where healthy, affordable food is hard to come by. The city of Baldwin Park in Los Angeles County, for example, has "6 fast food restaurants and a convenience store for every

Kids Live Well Campaign Promises Healthier Options for Kids

2011-07-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to a restaurant near you...healthier options for kids! Thanks to a National Restaurant Association campaign called Kids Live Well, a network of restaurants including Burger King, IHOP, Denny’s, Chili’s, and El Pollo Loco will now be offering at least one kids’ meal under 600 calories and with a more healthful nutritional profile, according to an article in today’s LA Times.

Join SOSMentor's Team ShapeUp in the 2012 Honda LA Marathon!

2011-07-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Do you want to help raise money to defeat childhood obesity? Join Team ShapeUp in the 2012 Honda LA Marathon and "go 26.2 for a healthy youth!" By running in a marathon together, we can unite our collective energy and raise the necessary funds to endow students with the tools to lead healthy, successful lives. Why should you join Team ShapeUp? It's a fun way to stay in shape! Participating in

Delicious and Nutritious 4th of July Snacks

2011-06-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

SOSMentor is excited to announce that Wolfgang Puck will be the celebrity guest speaker at our Poster Contest Awards Reception & Dinner on June 13! Wolfgang will join our staff, partners, LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy, and other dignitaries in honoring the students who took part in the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign poster contest. Wolfgang Puck’s philosophy, Eat, Love,

Event Recap: Healthy Schools Campaign Poster Contest Judging

2011-05-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 31 highly esteemed judges gathered at the LAUSD Administrative Offices in Downtown LA to view the top posters submitted by the finalists in the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign poster contest. The diversity of the Los Angeles community was reflected by the guests at the event – LAUSD Superintendent Dr. John Deasy, Beyond the Bell and L.A. Department of

Having Fun with Physical Activity: Miguel Contreras Learning Complex

2011-05-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that kids love to play. Whether it’s riding bikes, skateboarding, playing soccer, or a simple game of hopscotch, being active is fun and often comes naturally when we’re young. As we get older, we sometimes think of exercise as drudgery – a chore that we have to do to stay healthy. High school students in the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign mentoring program at Miguel Contreras

Upcoming Event: Poster Contest Awards Reception & Dinner on June 13!

2011-05-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Last week, we filled you in on our Poster Contest Judging Event taking place on May 16th, where our special guest judges will determine the winners of our LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign poster contest. Hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students have submitted their posters, artistically illustrating healthy messages about good nutrition and physical activity, and the 32 finalists

Upcoming Event: Poster Contest Judging on May 16th!

2011-05-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here at SOSMentor, we are wrapping up the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign, an unprecedented effort to raise awareness about nutrition and fitness in L.A. schools. We are proud to say that our partnership with LAUSD Beyond the Bell Branch, LAUSD School Nursing Services, St. Vincent Medical Center, and NEWtritious was successful in bringing our innovative nutrition education to over 28,000

Video: Learning About Whole Grains at 186th St. Elementary School

2011-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

“Make half your grains…” “WHOLE!” the elementary school students shout, in response to the mentor’s prompt. As the mentor continues with her lesson on the importance of whole grains, the students throw their hands in the air, jump out of their seats, and excitedly shout out answers to her questions. This is the scene after school at 186th St. Elementary School in Gardena. Through LAUSD’s

What Does SOSMentor Have to Do with Jamie Oliver?

2011-04-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

On the second episode of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s reality TV show, “Food Revolution,” which aired on ABC Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Unified School District remained steadfast in its decision to deny Oliver access to its schools and kitchens. On the show, Oliver expressed his disappointment and frustration that the LAUSD, which serves a whopping 650,000 meals a day

Like Art? Be a Poster Contest Judge!

2011-04-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

What is it about kids’ art that makes us feel so good? If you’ve ever received a handmade drawing or art project from a child, you know that something as simple as a page torn out of a coloring book with crayon scribbled outside the lines can be so endearing. Needless to say, art produced by kids is full of imagination and creativity. It’s an expression of their unique

What is Quinoa?

2011-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

One of the activity worksheets included in our LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign asks the students to circle the grain items that are whole grains, and quinoa is one of the grains listed. I quickly came to realize that most of the students and some of the teachers do not know what quinoa is so I thought I would highlight it here. Quinoa (pronounces keen-wah) is a grain-like crop

Venice High School Mentor: Aletta Kennedy

2011-04-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

Aletta Kennedy believes that the key to solving the health care and obesity crises we currently face is to reach out to “the next generation of adults,” our young people who are still growing and learning every day. She sees great potential for change in our youth, who are often open-minded and receptive to new ways of eating and living. Born and raised in Hungary, Aletta

Healthy Schools Campaign Poster Contest

2011-04-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words! That’s why students in SOSMentor’s LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign will be creating posters that illustrate healthy messages about nutrition and physical activity. The contest is open to students of all ages – elementary, middle, and high school – all throughout LAUSD. As educators, we know it’s important to engage students with a variety of different learning

Who makes the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign a success?

2011-04-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

When volunteer mentor Leon Scales first started working on SOSMentor’s LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign, he was shocked to learn how unhealthy some of the kids’ diets were. Some had never eaten salad before; others had never heard of brown rice. Leon is proud to be part of a program that is turning these trends around. In fact, the students are not only learning about the importance of whole

LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign - Belmont High School

2011-04-01T08:46:00.000-07:00