Child Health & Wellness Partnership

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse ministers to a central New York region that is economically challenged. Child poverty in Syracuse is nearly 46%, the highest rate of any city in the United States with a population over 100,000. The Child Health and Wellness Partnership (CHWP) exists to support the flourishing of children and families in disinvested Central New York neighborhoods. CHWP addresses needs related to social determinants of health, including essential support (food, clothing), physical health (medical, dental), and mental health (behavioral, psychological).

CHWP collaborates with Diocesan schools that are interested in Catholic social and emotional learning (CSEL). Several schools have implemented CSEL practices through restorative circles. Recently funded CSEL initiatives have included indoor/outdoor horticulture and community gardening, public murals, and student-initiated photography expositions. CSEL integrates faith in Christ with five social and emotional learning benchmarks, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

CHWP supports students through need-based scholarships and resilience/capacity-building programs. Cross-age mentoring is a capstone example, pairing same-gender high school seniors with fifth graders. This program celebrates trusting, appropriate relationships for outcomes, including academic enrichment, Christian formation, and service learning.

The Child Health and Wellness Partnership is inspired by the evangelizing mission of Jesus Christ, preparing students to become lifelong learners who are witnesses to Christ's love through service to others.