Vision
A future where African American communities thrive in health and wellness, embodying a culture of sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
Mission
Healthy Living & You, Inc.’s mission is to empower African American communities to achieve and sustain healthy lifestyles. We accomplish this goal by providing culturally tailored, evidence-based nutrition education, comprehensive wellness programs, and robust community linkages for adults and children.
We take a holistic approach that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. Our approach empowers lasting change and enhances the overall well-being of the community.
Motivated By The Numbers
Obesity
At 49.9%, African Americans have the highest obesity rate of any ethnic or racial group in the United States.
This presents an opportunity for nutritionists and other healthcare professionals to focus on culturally tailored weight management and healthy eating habits.
Diabetes
African American adults have the second highest rates of diabetes of all racial/ethnic groups, at 13.2%.
Dietitians provide personalized education on preventing and successfully living with diabetes.
Cardiovascular
Hypertension is higher in African Americans at 56.9% compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
Dietitians supply tools and tactics to promote heart-healthy diets.
Stroke & Heart Disease
African Americans are at higher risk than other racial/ethnic groups to experience a stroke or cardiovascular disease.
Registered Dietitians offer guidance on heart-healthy diets and lifestyle changes to reduce the development of cardiovascular disease.
“We don’t grow in isolation; we grow in community.”
Dr. A.R. Bernard
Empowering Families to Break the Cycle of Generational Chronic Diseases
We believe in the power of knowledge and support to break the cycle of chronic disease, enabling families to live healthier, happier lives now and for generations to come.
Championing Equitable Health and Wellness
Our commitment to justice in healthcare means working tirelessly to level the playing field, ensuring everyone has access to the quality care they deserve, regardless of their background, race, or ethnicity.
Transforming African American Communities’ Health by Addressing and Focusing on Social Determinants of Health
We go beyond the dinner plate, integrating nutrition with a deep understanding of social determinants of health to create personalized, effective, and sustainable wellness solutions.
Collaborating With Community Partners to Improve Community Health
We know that change is a collective effort. By partnering with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders, we’re building a healthier, more resilient community for everyone.
Case in Point
Our nutrition and wellness programs are designed to empower community members to make sustainable lifestyle changes that build better futures for themselves, their families, and the community.
INSPIRING SENIORS
Wise Walking Warriors
An 8-week outdoor fitness session, social engagement, and nutrition education program.
This popular initiative improves both physical and mental health and promotes disease management in our older community members.
PARTNER WITH US FOR FUTURE GROWTH
We are looking for support to help expand Wise Walking Warriors from an 8-week program to a year-round program and launch the Healthy Families, Healthy Communities initiative.
EQUIPPING FAMILIES
Healthy Family, Healthy Community
A holistic program to empower families in Southeast Queens with nutrition knowledge, including healthy and cost-effective food shopping.
We then deepen their learning with healthy cooking classes that involve the whole family in meal preparation.
PARTNER WITH US FOR FUTURE GROWTH
We are looking for vision-creating companies that want to partner with us to develop and deliver new progressive programs.
SPREADING TRUTH
Healthy Living & You Magazine
The electronic magazine provides information to learn easy and practical ways to make healthy living do-able.
Tasty recipes, simple meal-planning ideas, educational articles, and product reviews will inspire readers.
BECOME A SPONSOR AND BE A PART OF OUR GROWING IMPACT
Become a sponsor to help us have a wider reach of our magazine and programs.
FIGHTING AGAINST HUNGER
Food Gift Cards
Healthy Living & You has partnered with Heartshare and National Grid to provide $150 Stop & Shop gift cards to community residents who need support due to utility account arrears.
PARTNER WITH US AND WE’LL GROW OUR IMPACT TOGETHER
Become a partner, and we will share our network and administrative services to get your program, and resources, and impact to the people who will benefit most.
Our Founder & President
Elizabeth M. Madison
PhD, RDN, CDN
Founder and Executive Director Healthy Living & You, Inc.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Consultant
- Nutrition & Wellness Program Developer/Coordinator
- Executive Wellness Coach
- Certified Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach
- Owner, Elizabeth Madison Nutrition, PLLC
- PhD candidate, Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- 30 + years of clinical counseling experience
- 20+ years of high-level executive leadership experience
- 15+ years of nutrition counseling experience and expertise
- 10+ years as a successful small business owner
- 20+ years successful personal weight loss and wellness transformation
I have worked in African American communities for over thirty years in the fields of nutrition and wellness, addiction treatment, and workforce development. I deeply appreciate the challenges the African American community faces in achieving optimal health and wellness.
For the past 15+ years, my passion has been to create and coordinate comprehensive nutrition education and wellness programs that support African American community residents’ wellness journeys.
I created Healthy Living & You, Inc. to facilitate comprehensive, culturally tailored programs that meet the unique needs of this population. Healthy Living & You, Inc provides the tools and support they need to embrace lifelong healthy lifestyles in body, mind, and spirit.
Grateful for Our NY Business Partners
Stop & Shop Supermarkets
We partner with Stop & Shop Supermarkets to orchestrate registered dietitian-led supermarket tours for the community. Stop & Shop also provides its registered dietitians to facilitate the tours, host cooking classes, and generously provide gift cards for food shopping.
City Parks Foundation
City Parks Foundation provides access to local parks for our outdoor fitness programs. They also provide resources such as promotional materials and class supplies, like weights.
Ernest Foods Supermarket
Ernest Foods Supermarket is a black-owned supermarket in Southeast Queens. Ernest Foods partners with us to host pop-up produce markets for the community and promote our programs to their customers.
Grateful for Our NY Community Partners
Grateful for the Support of Our Elected Officials
Khaleel Anderson
Assembly Member
Selvena Brooks-Powers
Council Member
Gregory Meeks
Congressman
Leroy Comrie
Senator
James Saunders
Senator
Let’s Build Healthier New York Communities
By donating, you are investing in a healthier, more equitable future for African American individuals and communities that have been overlooked for too long.
Together, we can break the cycle of chronic disease and empower individuals and families to live their best lives.
Let’s Change the Face of Health in Queens Together
Join us in this vital mission. Contact us to discuss donations or partnerships.
Our future depends on your support.
Your generosity transforms lives.
