Jasmine Martinez began her journey toward becoming a HealthCorps Program Coordinator while pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at Cal Poly Pomona.

After growing up in West Covina, she was on a path toward becoming a physical therapist when she learned about the importance of preventative health and decided to shift her focus in that direction.

Jasmine is now serving the Living Labs program of HealthCorps, a national organization founded by well-known health expert and TV personality, Dr. Oz. HealthCorps’ mission is to strengthen communities with innovative approaches to health and wellness “to help the next generation be more resilient, both mentally and physically”.

Working within two National CORE affordable housing communities within Montclair and Rancho Cucamonga, Jasmine is now fulfilling that mission by bringing health education to youth residents and their parents.

Teen Health Clubs have been established on each property, combining engaging activities and creative health programming aimed at high schoolers who live onsite.

Cooking Corners encourages nutritious eating by introducing new cooking tips and healthy recipes, such as zucchini chicken enchiladas and sweet potato fries. Bust My Stress taught youth to create stress balls using balloons filled with rice. And Big Deal About Breakfast teaches how whole grains, protein, and fruit can help improve focus, prevent fatigue, and manage weight.

But Jasmine’s work is about much more than just health. Within the teen program, she is teaching youth self-advocacy, confidence, and helping them to identify their personal strengths. She says that building relationships, taking responsibility for themselves, and making better nutritional choices are all important.

“I want them to make an impact in their communities,” she said. “Being a teen is tough and I’m working to help them to identify one big goal for themselves or their community.”

During the holidays, youth in Montclair visited a neighboring senior community to go Christmas Caroling and were encouraged as they saw the reactions of seniors to their unexpected doorway performances. Over the coming months, Jasmine is planning additional volunteer opportunities to continue demonstrating the great rewards found in giving back.

For more information or to learn about getting involved, visit www.HealthCorps.org or www.HTHF.org.