During the 2021 program year the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program Senior Assistant began working with the Goodwill RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day) Program. Together they offered virtual classes using Zoom meetings as well as the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum to teach life skills and employment skills to individuals with disabilities or other employment disadvantages. Throughout the 2 week course the students focused on the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, as well as safe food handling and preparation. Their progress was tracked by surveys completed at the first and last class by participants in which they report on their food and exercise habits over the past several days.

Upon completion of the program 75% of participants reported an improvement in one or more areas regarding their physical activity, including working out 30 minutes a day, doing strength training exercises and making small changes to be more active. Additionally, 69% of participants showed an improvement in their food safety practices, including hand washing and knowing safe food temperatures. The skills and information learned during these classes will aid them in future employment as well as in their journey to self-reliance.