As a component of the Rutgers/LEAP Health Center, the Family Support Center (FSC) increases the Center’s impact on students by improving their health education, nutrition, and social skills through programs, counseling, and behavioral and mental health services. The Center is funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. With offices at both the Elementary and High schools, the Center offers on-site treatment and professional counseling, age-appropriate programs that emphasize teen education and dialogue amongst peers, and parent education initiatives to promote proper nutrition and improved health routines at home.
A dedicated case management team is comprised of medical staff, a licensed therapist, school counselors, family workers, special education personnel, and LEAP administrators. The team meets regularly and discusses treatment plans and identifies students who may benefit from FSC counseling and programs.
Zumba Classes –
Learn how to dance the weight off with Zumba! This fun exercise program helps parents and children to become physically fit while dancing. Free classes take place on Monday and Wednesday Nights, at LEAP Academy Upper School room B-05 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm.
Food Demonstration and Nutritional Wellness Program
Executive Chef Michele Pastorello shares his knowledge of fruits and vegetables and healthy eating selections with parents. He presents many fresh food demonstrations throughout the year: to explain how fruits and vegetables grow, what they look like in their natural state, different ways they can be prepared, and how they help to keep people healthy.
Fruit and Vegetable Distribution
The LEAP Academy distributes fresh fruits and vegetables to parents and students on Mondays and Wednesdays as a part of the school’s participation in the Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Every student at LEAP Academy’s Lower School (K-6) receives a fresh fruit or vegetable on Mondays and Wednesdays as a snack. Parents are also able to receive food to prepare healthy meals at home.
Behavioral/Mental Health Counseling
Counseling provided by the FSC's licensed therapist Gladys Robreno targets issues of stress,
anxiety, bullying, and other issues that hold back students from their full academic and social potentials. Parent and family counseling are also available.
Parent Support Night (PSN)
Parent Support Night will allow LEAP parents to connect with one another and discuss common parenthood concerns, such as family relationships, discipline, and other issues.
Sessions will be held every Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm, LEAP Upper School room 208.
Teen Health Clinic
The Teen Health Clinic works with LEAP adolescents (age 14-18) and is geared towards their specific health concerns. It offers one-on-one counseling and medical care such as health screenings, treatment for STIs, and basic OB/GYN.
Less TV + More Rest = A Better Me
This campaign raises awareness for parents about the negative effects that excessive exposure to television, the Internet, and other media has on children and their academics. It offers strategies to reduce TV, promote reading, and maintain proper rest times.
10-Pounds/10-Weeks Nutrition Program
This 10-week course offers nutrition education and cooking lessons that inform parents about how to eat (and shop) healthy. The program also uses exercise routines to complement the nutrition component and enhance weight loss results.
"LEAP Across the Bridge" Walkathon & Health Fair
An annual community health and exercise day when LEAP families and students and community members walk over the Ben Franklin Bridge then return to LEAP for the FSC's Health Fair. Proceeds from the walk benefit the Rutgers University Alfredo Santiago Endowed Scholarship.