When we create partnerships to improve the overall health of our community …
When she first started traveling to Walker County while in college, Elyse Peters was alarmed by the number of fast food restaurants verses the limited spaces for outdoor recreation. A little over three years later, as Coordinator of the Walker County Health Action Partnership (HAP), she sees change on the horizon.
While Highway 78 is still dotted with fast food, there are new opportunities to access fresh, affordable foods throughout Walker County. Because of HAP’s work, there are people routinely walking in downtown Jasper, running and biking on the Horse Creek Trail in Dora/Sumiton, kayaking on Walker County Lake and events promoting physical activity and social interaction.
The Walker Area Community Foundation has provided backbone support to HAP since its inception. “While the financial support of the Foundation is a great asset to the partnership, I believe its thoughtful leadership has been its most valuable contribution. Supporting and seeing a greaterfuture than what the present offers, the Foundation is willing to ask the questions that challenge our communities to do more and be better.”
“One of the things that make me proud to live in Walker County is the people. Those who I work with truly want something better and are willing to work together to make that happen. They are people that don’t see things as they always have been, but who have a vision for something greater.” Elyse Peters