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When two of Kerissa's sons got up to speak in front of a crowd, the impact really hit home.

Here were her boys, who would normally not be speaking in front of an audience, or anyone, really. And they were addressing a room full of adults, poignantly relaying their stories on how the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida had made a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

And they were pumped about it.

"My children usually don't volunteer to speak in front of anyone, but they were really excited to," Kerissa said of Jaden and Jason talking at the organization's annual breakfast. "The opportunity for them to speak in front a crowd of people is exactly the type of experience that I would love for them to get used to. Public speaking is a great life skill that they can develop and use in the future. I don't want them to shy away or run away from opportunities to use their voice and be heard."

They were heard - and will continue to be, thanks to the community support of Health First for organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida. Giving back to Brevard is at the heart of Health First's mission to improve the wellness and health of our community. Not only do we want to deliver the healthcare Brevard needs, but the spirit of community and caring for all who need it. Whether it's about our community's physical or emotional well-being, we thrive on supporting others in every way we can.

Last year, as part of our not-for-profit mission, Health First provided more than $180 million of community support through a variety of community health improvement services, community building activities, direct charity and uncompensated care, and other community support.

Health First proudly partners with many local organizations to expand our outreach and to create a healthier community. The Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, which Health First has partnered with since 2014, is just one of many partners the healthcare system helps to support. And it helps kids just like Jaden, Jason and their brothers, Jordan and Jakai.

The club's mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

"Wellness and health of the community is really the paramount mission of Health First, and we can do that better with partnerships like the one we have with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida," said Mike Seeley, President of the Health First Foundation. "Providing these kids the tools they need to be successful in life is an important way we give back to the community - and by doing this, it comes back to everyone across Brevard."

Since 2014, Health First has been a major supporter of the club's programs, designed to increase participants' peer support, enhance life skills, build resiliency and self-esteem, strengthen their leadership skills, and reinforce positive behavior. Empowerment to make healthy lifestyle choices - such as good nutrition, physical fitness and resisting alcohol, tobacco and drug use - is also a big part through a program dubbed SMART Moves. Utilized throughout the nation and using small-group activities, it teaches young people to recognize and resist media influences and peer pressures to engage in alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and early sexual involvement.

SMART Moves recognizes that in addition to resistance training and the development of social skills, self-esteem is an important factor in regulating basic human drives and attitudes. When children are made to feel that they matter - that they have a unique contribution to make - and when they are helped to understand their feelings, they are less likely to endanger their own health or that of others by indulging in behaviors that put them at risk.

It is programs like these that have boosted the confidence and resolve of kids just like Jaden and Jason, compelling them to get up and speak in front of a live audience. And that's something that benefits not only these kids, but the county they call home. When community members are making better choices, it improves Brevardâ??s wellness and health overall - not only these children directly, but the ripple effect their choices have on others.

And Jaden has a message for all those who help keep his club up and running.

"A big thanks to you," Jaden said. "You helped change my life and may be a life-changer for others."