Health Education
The Floating Hospital motivates and equips our patients to live healthy lives
Camp Rise Up: leadership and skills for youth living in shelters and other unstable housing
Our summer camp for kids in transitional housing combines classes and recreational activities to build self-esteem, life skills, knowledge and relationships, not accessible in their everyday lives.
The Teaching Kitchen
Discover the joy of healthy cooking and eating!
Our vibrant Chef Maria Loi Loukoumi Make a Difference Teaching Kitchen lies at our clinic’s core. It’s a special place where families, especially those residing in homeless shelters and public housing, can immerse themselves in healthy eating. Our free lessons and tastings are explicitly tailored to meet the unique needs of families, focusing on nutrition, smart food sourcing, and simple preparation techniques.
The Teaching Kitchen is more than just a space–it’s an interactive learning hub. Here, families engage in hands-on demos, picking up practical cooking skills and discovering new foods.
Nourishment for body and mind
Good food is the foundation of good health. That’s why we’re committed to providing our patients with wholesome snacks during their time with us. But it’s not just about the food but the experience. Children can explore, cook (with guidance) and taste new food, fostering a love for healthy eating.
Workshops and lessons
The Floating Hospital’s trained health educators answer questions and help set healthy goals for children and their families. Workshops range from group settings to one-on-one consultations. They are provided throughout the day in our main clinic (Long Island City), shelters, and schools (through our partnership with the NYC Office of Community Schools). We offer customized curricula for K-5, middle, and high school students, adults 18+, parents, and teachers. Curricula include a wide range of health, healthy living and wellness, social-emotional learning, life skills, and parenting topics.
