NB3 FOUNDATION

TURNING THE TIDE: SAN FELIPE PLACE-BASED PROGRAM


The mission of the San Felipe Place-Based Program is to create model programs that reduce the rates of obesity and diabetes among San Felipe Youth. Childhood obesity rates in San Felipe stand at 61%, more than twice the national average.

The NB3 Foundation has made a long-term commitment to reduce the current rates of childhood obesity by 50% in San Felipe Pueblo by 2021. San Felipe is fertile ground to test our place-based investment and interventions that can help turn the tide against childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among Native American youth. Our goal is to create model programs that can be replicated in other tribal communities, as well as to inform policy development at the tribal, state and national levels.

Since 2005, the NB3 Foundation has implemented soccer, youth and community development programming at the San Felipe Pueblo. The San Felipe Soccer Club, which involves 220 San Felipe youth and more than 200 parents and community members, has inspired social change in its fight against childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is the only consistent after-school programming for San Felipe youth ages 4-18.

RESEARCH PARTNER: JOHN HOPKINS CENTER FOR AMERICAN INDIAN HEALTH

In 2010, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health found, through two consecutive evaluations, the NB3 Foundation Soccer program was significantly impacting the physical fitness of the San Felipe Pueblo youth.

“The improvements seen in both the spring and fall 2010 [NB3 Soccer] seasons may be early predictors of reduced rates of obesity and diabetes as participating children age.” 

-Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, Evaluation Report, February 3, 2011 

OUR APPROACH

We will accomplish our goals for the reduction of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes in San Felipe Pueblo through an intensive and integrated approach: 

  • Measured, high-quality, consistent soccer and physical fitness programs
  • Culturally appropriate and community-based nutrition education
  • Working with both tribal and outside partners to increase access to healthy foods
  • Creating facilities that promote physical activity and health
  • Youth and community leadership development and capacity building to support and ensure change
  • Advocacy for policy changes to promote obesity and diabetes prevention at tribal, school, state and federal levels

Follow the Foundation

Foundation Contact Information

The Notah Begay III Foundation
290 Prairie Star Rd.
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004

Phone: (505) 867-0775
Fax: (505) 867-0776
Email: info@nb3f.org