 A new program will soon be in Brainerd to help local families address child obesity. Sarah Winkleman takes us to the Brainerd YMCA to see how this community partnership is hoping to change lives. Ready, set, go. Community partners are off to the races to support families in addressing child obesity. A really positive direction that we're moving is targeting those who need us the most, which is our youth. Crowing Energized is teaming up with the YMCA to bring the healthy weight and your child program to the community. Obesity is rising is particularly among youth and that's a great time to work with both kids and families to change that behavior. Throughout the program the leaders will set up a variety of different exercises and other classroom activities to help lead families down the path to a healthier lifestyle. The beauty of healthy eating and active living is it's a perfect fit for all the resiliency building work that's going on in the community. The work will start in Brainerd but eventually lead to healthier families all across the country. I think it's gonna be outstanding. I think we're gonna learn a lot and I think we're also going to be able to teach a lot of people even in our country, our state, some of the best practices that we'll be utilizing and learning from. The Brainerd YMCA was one of only 20 whys across the country to be selected for the new program. It's an honor to have been selected. It was a really competitive process nationally so being one of 20 is is an honor for us. A responsibility that they don't take lightly. Our hope is obviously we're creating a positive healthy change for our community and making it easier for everybody to do what's best for themselves and their families. By making the healthy choice the easy choice. One of the greatest things is that kids from all income levels can participate this in this with their families. At the Y we have financial assistance but this program is intended to be free so anyone that's referred will be able to come to the program for free regardless of income. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. The year long program is expected to launch this winter after families are referred to the program by local pediatricians and school counselors. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.