King County recently passed a supplemental budget that invests in a variety of county and community programs and services.

Councilmember Claudia Balducci awarded Get Active Stay Active grants to 19 Eastside organizations in King County Council District 6.

“To me, a healthy community means people have access to things that contribute to their well being, like arts, culture, nature and physical activity,” Balducci said in a press release. “By investing in these great community organizations, the King County Council is helping to provide opportunities to get outdoors, move and be healthy.”

The 2019-20 Get Active grants support 19 youth, senior, housing and cultural organizations across District 6. Redmond Senior Center (RSC) was awarded a two-year grant.

RSC will use the funds to expand a SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) program. SAIL is an evidence-based fall prevention program with the goal to reduce falls in the elderly and to gain strength through exercise and education. Classes are designed for active adults 50 years or better. RSC has been offering SAIL classes for six years.

The grant will also be used to hire a new fitness specialist, purchase equipment, and to add more classes, according to RSC program administrator Marty Boggs.

Other Eastside organizations that received grants include Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association, Mercer Island High School, Jewish Stroum Community Center, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department, city of Kirkland, Imagine Housing, tennis outreach programs, Bellevue College and city of Bellevue.