Glendale Healthy Kids relocates to YWCA

After 18 years at Glendale Unified’s headquarters, Glendale Healthy Kids is packing up and moving their operation to the Glendale YWCA.

The move, officials said, was a win-win for everyone involved.

“We need more space and the school district needed our space. It worked for everybody,” said Glendale Healthy Kids Executive Director Sharon Townsend Roth.

The move three blocks away was initiated by Glendale Healthy Kids, she added.

Once settled in at the YWCA, the group will expand its services with help from an on-site classroom and kitchenette.

The move is a natural fit for Glendale Healthy Kids, which serves many of the YWCA’s clients. Glendale Healthy Kids connects low-income children to free and reduced-cost healthcare services.

The kitchenette at the YWCA will prove especially helpful in the days ahead when Glendale Healthy Kids hosts nutritional cooking classes for parents.

Roth also anticipates a new collaboration between the nonprofit and the Whole Foods store across the street from the YWCA, where she hopes to provide future classes for local parents on how to shop for healthy food.

“We feel we’re going to expand to offer more services,” Roth said.

Glendale Unified Deputy Supt. John Garcia said district officials have not yet decided on how they’re going to use the space left behind by Glendale Healthy Kids.

The area comprises a reception area and an office about 10 feet by 7 feet wide.

“We have had a great partnership with Glendale Healthy Kids,” Garcia said. “We are sorry to see them go; however, we know they have found a great home at the YWCA.”