Galloway, N.J. – Get FIT @Stockton, a wellness initiative, was recently honored with a prestigious New Jersey Social Innovation Award, placing second in the Community Health and Well-Being category out of 200 nominations across nine categories.

“This recognition is for our efforts in addressing social determinants of health and improving the lives of New Jersey residents,” said Mary Kientz, associate professor of Occupational Therapy, and M. Alysia Mastrangelo, professor of Physical Therapy, who accepted the award on behalf of the program during a ceremony in April.

The program began in 2013 in collaboration with the Family Resource Network of New Jersey, its original creators. It was launched as a community-based health promotion and wellness initiative using an interprofessional education (IPE) approach, bringing together students and faculty from physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and health sciences to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In its early stages, Get FIT @Stockton teams visited clients in group homes and assisted apartments. Twice a semester, participants visited campus for data collection.

“During these visits, clients expressed a strong desire to spend more time on campus. In response, we pivoted the program to be primarily campus-based after the first year. Originally focused on individuals with IDD and their caregivers, Get FIT @Stockton has since expanded to include individuals with autism, children, and older adults,” Kientz and Mastrangelo said.

Each Get FIT @Stockton session is tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of its participants. Students also assist the IPE faculty team with data collection to assess individual fitness progress over time, supporting both program improvement and academic research.

Additionally, the program received funding through the Inclusive Healthy Communities Initiative to develop the Inclusivity Scorecard, a free tool designed to help businesses and recreational sites assess and improve accessibility. This resource has the potential to impact thousands by promoting more inclusive public spaces across the region.

The evolution of the program has been driven by data and client needs, all while providing students with hands-on experience beyond the classroom. The word innovation in the award title feels especially fitting given all that Get FIT @Stockton offers.

The team noted that it was particularly rewarding to be recognized ahead of nominations from larger institutions such as Virtua, Cooper and Rutgers.

When asked what they believe made Get FIT @Stockton stand out, they said, “A commitment to inclusion and collaboration. Our interprofessional team of PT, OT, nursing, and health sciences works in concert to deliver a truly integrated approach to health and wellness. While our program is smaller than others, our passion for making a meaningful impact drives what we do. The combination of teamwork, passion, and inclusivity is what sets Get FIT @Stockton apart.”

Mastrangelo and Kientz were candid about what receiving the award meant to them:

“We were honored and thrilled. This recognition supports the importance of our mission and helps highlight the often-overlooked needs of individuals with disabilities. Recognition like this is a step toward raising awareness that accessibility goes beyond physical accommodations — it’s about creating inclusive spaces for all.

For us personally, it’s a reflection of the passion and commitment we’ve poured into this program over the past decade. For Stockton, it reinforces our role as a leader in community engagement, inclusive health promotion, and interprofessional education.

Through grants such as Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) and SCOSA, we’ve expanded Get FIT @Stockton to reach community members from ages 8 to 95 in Atlantic, Burlington and Cape May counties. This award strengthens our commitment to continue growing and innovating our passion for health and wellness.”

They also hope that this award sends a message about the importance of university-community partnerships in advancing healthy equity.

“All individuals deserve to have accessible and affordable inclusive wellness opportunities that support health, fitness and the prevention of chronic health conditions. This award highlights the vital role these types of partnerships play in advancing public health using a combination of academic expertise with grassroots efforts. At Get FIT @Stockton, it’s the combination of teamwork, passion and a commitment to inclusivity that drives meaningful change.”

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo submitted