BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Be Healthy Berrien, a collective impact initiative led by United Way of Southwest Michigan, announced it has been awarded $150,000 from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Officials say the money will help continue their efforts to reduce obesity in Berrien County.

“We sincerely thank the foundation for their contribution, which is instrumental in advancing our efforts to build community wellness," said Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien. “To develop solutions, we must begin with those who navigate complex systems daily. That’s what’s exciting about the CLA, it empowers those with lived experience, giving them the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change.”

Be Healthy officials say the two-year grant will support the Community Leadership Academy (CLA) project, which will create cohorts of community stakeholders that focus on health and wellness initiatives in Benton Harbor.

Steering committee organizations including the Benton Harbor, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the Region IV Area Agency on Aging will also support the CLA program.

Officials say the inaugural cohort will focus on engaging with the community through the restoration of the Bobo Brazil Community Center.

The Bobo Brazil Community Center project recently secured $1 million in funding for its initial phase, according to officials.

The first cohort will design and carry out plans that reflect the community's vision for the center.

Be Healthy Berrien alongside Corewell Health will also develop the project framework, course content, support operations, and evaluation and sustainability planning.

Officials say the project will be sustained by the Corewell Health Center for Wellness in Benton Harbor when the grant funding ends.

“By bringing together the voices of our community members and an active network of partners, we can harness the strength of diverse perspectives,” said Heather Rudnik, Project Specialist at Corewell Health. “This project will unite community members and organizations to create sustainable, community-driven impact.”

You can learn more about Be Healthy Berrien here.