HealthMPowers

10/13/2026

Last week, our HealthMPowers team joined for the release of the 2026 State of the Georgia Girl Report, a powerful look at what it means to grow up as a girl in Georgia today.

Among the findings:
➡️ 27% of middle and high school girls report not getting ANY physical activity over the last week
➡️ 35% of middle and high school girls report intense anxiety, while two in three lack a caring adult to talk with about their feelings

These findings resonate deeply with our work through Girls Empowering Movement (GEM). GEM began with physical activity, but girls have shown us that movement can be so much more. When girls have a safe, supportive space to move together, lead together and make decisions about their own well-being, they can build connection, belonging, confidence and skills to support their mental wellness.

We're excited to announce that HealthMPowers is an early founding member of the Atlanta Area Girls Collaborative, a new effort designed to turn the report's evidence into coordinated action through aligned programming, collaborative funding, partner support and focused workgroups.

No single program or organization will change these trendlines alone. It will take all of us listening to girls, investing in what they say they need, and creating more places where they can move, connect, belong and lead.

We're excited to bring what we've learned through GEM to this collaboration, and even more excited about what we can learn and build together.

Georgia girls are full of potential. Let's make sure they have the conditions to thrive.

10/01/2026

At our recent virtual event, More Than Cars, youth leaders took center stage to explore what it means to create communities where everyone can move, connect, and thrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD6aimIBH_0

Participants got a dose of Civics 101, heard directly from young people about the changes they want to see, and were inspired by the story of one youth leader who took action to help make his own community more bikeable and walkable. 💪🏽🚶🏽‍♀️🚴🏽

Whether you’re a young person, parent, educator, mentor, or community leader, this is a great resource to help young people learn how communities work, see what’s possible, and get inspired to take action themselves.

Watch it. Share it. Start a conversation. Then ask: What would YOU change about your community?

(Special thanks to & for their collaboration on this!)

How designing communities can make movement easier.

09/25/2026

🧘‍♀️Did you know September is National Yoga Month? 🧘‍♀️ The GEM girls at Cotton Indian Elementary sure did!

They are stretching, moving, breathing, and finding a little calm along the way. Because being strong isn’t just about your muscles. It’s about taking care of your mind, body, and confidence, too! Way to go, Cotton Indian GEMs! Inspired? Check

09/23/2026

This past weekend, the HealthMPowers team joined Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta to lead a training on creating more inclusive physical activity experiences for girls.

During the workshop, we shared lessons from our Girls Empowering Movement (GEM) program, which was designed by girls, for girls and is grounded in a simple belief: every girl deserves the opportunity to move, belong, lead, and thrive. We explored practical strategies that make inclusion achievable for any facilitator:
✅ Creating multiple ways to participate in activities
✅ Focusing on strengths rather than limitations
✅ Adapting equipment and environments when needed
✅ Encouraging peer support and belonging
✅ Celebrating effort, confidence, and growth over performance

Perhaps the most important message: inclusive physical activity doesn't have to be complicated. Small, thoughtful choices can open the door for more girls to participate, build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop as leaders. If your organization is interested in a training like this, message us!

09/21/2026

We're less than one week away from this unique virtual event! 🚲✨ What happens when young people, planners, and community leaders come together to imagine a healthier, more connected future?

Join us on September 27 for an engaging conversation on community design and the role we all play in shaping the places where we live, learn, move, and connect.

We'll hear directly from talented youth leaders who are bringing their ideas and experiences to the table, along with special guests, who will share insights on creating communities that support active living and well-being.

Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your vision for a healthier future. We can't wait to see you there! 🌟RSVP here: https://healthmpowers-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/SIf6XlLgR2GNnRVEQIwchg #/registration

09/16/2026

🎥 Why does Manny serve on the HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v3njFGbzCYU

Our Youth Advisory Board is made up of incredible young leaders from across Georgia who are using their voices, experiences, and ideas to help shape healthier futures for their communities.

In this video, one of our Youth Advisory Board Co-Chairs shares what inspired him to get involved and why youth leadership matters. His message is a powerful reminder that when young people have a seat at the table, they can help drive meaningful change.

Take a moment to hear his perspective and join us in celebrating the passion, leadership, and vision of this year's Youth Advisory Board.

Youth Advisory Board Co-Chair Manny shares his why.

09/15/2026

This weekend, our Youth Advisory Board members gathered both virtually and in person from communities across Georgia to kick off an exciting year of leadership, learning, and action.

Throughout the weekend, these incredible young leaders began planning for the year ahead, exploring opportunities to lead community engagement efforts, elevate youth voice, and contribute to policy and advocacy work.

Of course, it wasn't all work and no play! 🥤

One of the highlights of the weekend was our Smoothie Challenge, where teams competed to create the ultimate healthy blend. Each group had to develop a unique recipe, give their smoothie a creative name, and pitch its health benefits to a panel of judges.

After plenty of tasting, debating, and laughter, the unanimous winner was... 🍍☀️ The Pineapple Malibu Sunrise!

09/10/2026

We asked our team one simple question: How do you move your body after a long day?

The answers were creative, funny, and a great reminder that movement doesn't have to be complicated to make a difference. Whether it's dancing in the kitchen, taking a walk, stretching, or chasing after your kids, every movement counts.

🎥 Check out our team's favorite ways to de-stress and stay healthy, then tell us: How do YOU move after a long day? Share your ideas in the comments! 👇

09/08/2026

🎉 Meet the Leaders Helping Shape the Future of HealthMPowers 🎉

We're excited to welcome our 2026-2027 Board of Directors, a remarkable group of leaders who bring diverse expertise, passion, and vision to our mission of empowering youth to lead healthier lives.

At the helm is our Board Chair, Yolanda Reid-Wheeler, whose commitment to community, leadership, and creating opportunities for young people continues to inspire our organization. In this special video, Yolanda shares why she believes in the power of HealthMPowers and the importance of investing in the next generation. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6dBZQ6hg6Po

As we continue advancing youth leadership and whole-child wellness, we're grateful for a board that is deeply committed to helping every child thrive.

Please join us in welcoming and celebrating this incredible group of volunteers who generously share their time, talent, and leadership to strengthen our impact across Georgia and beyond. https://healthmpowers.org/our-people/

🎥 Hear from Board Chair Yolanda Reid-Wheeler and meet the team helping guide our future.

Yolanda Reid-Wheeler, Henry County Intervention Specialist and Heal...

09/04/2026

Warning: This video contains strong opinions about college football. 🚨🏈😂

With college football season officially underway, several members of Team HealthMPowers have volunteered as tribute to represent their beloved teams.

Will bragging rights be earned? Will rivalries be tested? Will anyone change allegiances after a tough loss?

Probably not. 😆

But one thing is for sure: a little healthy competition makes the season even more fun. Meet our staff superfans and tell us who you're rooting for this year!