Molina Healthcare of Iowa Partners with the Dream Team to Support Iowa Youth Facing Life Challenges
01/17/2024
Molina Healthcare of Iowa (“Molina”) is a proud sponsor of the Dream Team, a youth mentorship program which trains teens to complete a weeklong bike ride across the state of Iowa. The program not only promotes physical health but provides emotional support and teamwork building opportunities for teens facing challenges in life.
For more than 50 years, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) has attracted cyclists across the world to ride together from the east to the west side of the state. The Dream Team trains 50 to 60 teens over five months in preparation for the ride.
Kids ages 13 to 18 are referred to the Dream Team by professionals like teachers and counselors. The teens may be dealing with issues like mental health. NAMI Iowa reports 37,000 Iowans, ages 12 to 17 have depression.
“If you talk to a lot of people on the team, my first year was very rough,” said frequent program participant Remy Bartels. “I threw my bike at somebody. I was the slowest on the team, had a lot of issues, had a lot of mental problems, didn’t have a very good self-image. But over the past five years having 40-50 people that will not give up on me, always be there has given me a support system where I can think highly of myself and over the past five years, I’ve lost 50-60 pounds and just been able to be happier in general.”
Organizers say support from partners like Molina is crucial to continuing their work. The Dream Team is continually looking for community involvement through financial support, promotional support, or donating healthy foods to the members.
“Partnering with someone like Molina who believes, just like the Dream Team does, in physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s just a natural fit,” said Jeff Van Genderen, Dream Team director.
“Organizations like the Dream Team share Molina’s holistic approach to overall well-being, and we are pleased to support their work,” said Jennifer Vermeer, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Iowa. “Addressing social determinants of health like physical activity, mental well-being and food security at a young age, creates a solid foundation of health for years to come.”