Morgan Stanley Launches Healthy Cities – Innovative Integration of Health and Wellness Resources for Children

NEW YORK, June 4, 2014 /3BL Media/ – Morgan Stanley today announced the launch of Healthy Cities, a philanthropy program designed to fuel innovation in coordinating the wellness, nutrition and play resources that can underpin a child’s healthy start in life. 

Through Healthy Cities, Morgan Stanley will collaborate with national and local nonprofit organizations to connect otherwise separate programs and create a linked package of wellness education and screenings, nutritious foods and safe play spaces for children in neighborhoods in need.  The three-city initiative is launching today in Chicago, to be followed by two further locations this summer.

James Gorman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley, said, “Whether we are working with clients or communities, Morgan Stanley is consistently looking for innovative ways to improve results.  Through Healthy Cities, we and our partners will test new models to help children get the healthy start they need for lifelong achievement.  We hope the learnings from these initiatives can benefit other communities and organizations looking to integrate programs for added impact.”

In Chicago, the Healthy Cities network of partnering organizations this year will deliver 365,000 healthy meals, nutrition education and health screenings for over 800 families, regular fitness programs for over 700 students, safe play spaces for 1,000 children and over 2,000 volunteer hours from Morgan Stanley employees.  The program will be delivered to schoolchildren in Brighton Park and Belmont Cragin.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Our schools provide students with the foundation and tools to be successful in life, which extends beyond academics to include instilling healthy, active habits.  I would like to thank Morgan Stanley for investing in the health, well-being and future of Chicago Public Schools students in Brighton Park and Belmont Cragin.”

Morgan Stanley will be working nationally with Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, and KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children.  Additionally, Morgan Stanley will collaborate with community-based organizations to match Healthy Cities programming to each community’s direct culture and needs.  The lead partner in Chicago is the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and additional partners include the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago–Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion, and Chicago Run.

Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America, said, “We have been working with Morgan Stanley for many years in our fight against hunger and are tremendously excited about this next stage.  The opportunity to link our focus on providing nutritious food to children in need with the expertise and dedication of the Healthy Cities network of partners will create a new level of opportunity to improve childhood development in underserved communities.”

Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, said, “Balanced and active play makes kids healthier and happier and helps kids learn.  We look forward to working once again with Morgan Stanley and their dedicated volunteers to create play spaces that will become cornerstones for the community.  Healthy Cities is an exciting program and a terrific opportunity for our organization to provide the benefits of great places to play to the overall health and well-being of our kids and our communities.”

The Healthy Cities initiative builds on Morgan Stanley’s Global Alliance for Children’s Health, a commitment that has invested in innovations in pediatric care so that more children can get the healthy start they need for consistent and meaningful achievement in life.  The flagship of the Global Alliance efforts is the Firm’s 40-year relationship with the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian.  More recently, Morgan Stanley created partnerships with international hospitals, including the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Beijing Children's Hospital.  Morgan Stanley employees play a critical role, lending expertise, financial support and sweat equity to benefit children’s centers across the globe.

For more information about Healthy Cities, please visit www.morganstanley.com/healthycities. 

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services.  The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries.  Through its Global Alliance for Children’s Health, the Firm is dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of the world’s youngest citizens.  For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.