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References

Since 2006 we have been teaching REAL Essentials Life Skills, UPKUDO Karate, Bully Prevention, Personal Safety and ABB4Me at our facility located at Alpha UPKUDO Karate 1412 FL GA HWY Havana FL 32333 AND at: Please see below what others are saying about our programs. You can also read our reviews on Google!

Reginald James

As superintendent of Gadsden County Schools in Florida from 2004 to 2016, the A Better Body Programs were an outstanding addition to our in school and after school curriculum. The UPKUDO karate classes taught our students responsibility and discipline and the REAL Essentials Life Skills classes provided our students lessons on citizenship and employability.

The newest program ABB 4Me combines the two outstanding programs into one. In tracking these programs we found that students who attended the A Better Body Programs showed marked improvements in their academics as well as in school behavior.

A major part of the success of these programs can be attributed to their instructor Ms. Anne Radke, whose energy, passion, professionalism and dedication to her students was exceeded by no one. I believe her ability to excel as an instructor in these unique programs, which have positively impacted the lives of students, makes her an excellent candidate for this grant award.

Reginald James
Superintendent of Gadsden County Schools
2004-2016

Clarence and Patricia Tennell

To whom it may concern:
Re: Anne Radke

My husband and I have been training with Anne for one year. This has been and is a great training experience. I am stronger and more energetic. I am healthier at this point , which was my ultimate goal. For example when tracking my numbers, my LDL cholesterol has decreased at least 50 points. My HDL has increased 20 points. My A1c has changed from 6.8 to 5.8, which is amazing.

Anne stresses the full mind and body experience , as well as a change in attitude for exercise and diet. She knows the anatomy and physiology of the human body and therefore able to work with any body type , age and condition. She is always encouraging , organized and detailed. We highly recommend Anne for any training needs.

Dr. Patricia Tennell

Roger P. Milton

Image of a Letter of Reference from Roger P. Milton. Text follows: April 7, 2011. Dear Potential Sponsor. As director of the Tallahassee Community College 21st Century Gadsden and Jefferson County After School Program, it gives me pleasure to provide a letter of support for A Better Body in recognition of their ongoing efforts to educate the youth of Gadsden County with a wide range of activities that encourage personal growth and development not only on a physical level but intellectually also. Our rural community is plagued with juvenile crime, a high school dropout rate that continues to grow and overall health issues including obesity. A Better Body under the leadership of Master Anne Radke offers an alternative. A better Body’s position programs for summer camps, karate afterschool, personal safety and personal development supports our efforts to give our children guidance, discipline, respect, and love. Their creative ways of working on both the obesity and youth intervention and crime prevention problems with today’s youth will help us achieve the best possible results. The TCC 21st Century After School program endorses and supports any effort and funding to help A Better Body to continue their invaluable work. Sincerely, Roger P. Milton, 21st CCLC Director.

Pamela Harrison-Tribue

Image of a reference letter from Pamela Harrison-Tribue. Text Follows. April 7, 2011. Dear potential sponsor: As director of the Gadsden County Small Business Service Center, it gives me pleasure to provide a letter of support for A Better Body in recognition of their ongoing efforts to provide the youth of Gadsden County with a wide range of activities that encourage personal growth and development not only on a physical level but intellectually also. Our rural community is plagued with juvenile crime, a High School dropout rate that continues to grow and overall health issues including obesity. A Better Body under the leadership of Master Anne Radke offers an alternative. The Gadsden County Small Business Service Center is intent on improving the quality of life for our citizens and this includes our youth as they are the future of Gadsden County. The contribution from A Better Body is a major part of these efforts. The Gadsden Chamber Small Business Service Center endorses and supports any effort on part of A Better Body to continue their invaluable work. Sincerely, Pamela Harrison-Tribue. 208 North Adams Street, Quincy, Florida, 32351. Telephone 850-627-9231. Fax 850-875-3299. www.gadsdenfla.com

Paul Knoll

Image of a letter of reference from Paul R. Knoll. Text follows: Tallahassee Memorial Chemical Dependency Program, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. November 3, 2010. Dear Sir or Madam, I had the pleasure of meeting Master Anne Radke last year, when I was asked to talk about conflict resolution to her students at the Alpha UPKUDO Karate studio, requested by A Better Body US. Master Anne functions in a variety of roles; surrogate parent, teacher, counselor, mentor, Karate trainer, and personal trainer. I was impressed with Master Anne, because she is not only trying to improve her students’ physical conditioning, but she spends a lot of time discussing their goals and resolving any personal issues they might have. I’ve been a licensed mental health counselor since 1995, and have worked in a variety of forensic settings; from juvenile detention facilities to adult correctional facilities. I see Master Anne as a powerful force in helping our youth avoid the trappings of having unstructured time, and lacking pro-social activities in their community, a guaranteed recipe for them entering into Juvenile Justice system, and progressing on to prison. Communities, such as where Master Anne works are especially at risk, since there are very few community organizations that cater to youth activities. There is a lot of poverty, and after school events are almost non-existent. Master Anne fills the void, providing afterschool and even community events, such as the recent Step up Gadsden County. Please consider Master Anne Radke and her institute for any grants that will help her organization A Better Body US (Non-Profit Institute), as she provides essential services for the youth in her community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 850-431-5012. Sincerely, Paul R. Knoll, PhD, LMHC, Director, Recovery Center, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

Brian Tease

Image of a Letter of Reference from Brian Tease. Text follows: King’s Way Christian Church. Brian Tease, Pastor. To whom it may concern. For the past 10 months my two boys and 8 other children from our church have participated in A Better Body US program. Growing up with sports and exercise as an important part of my life, this program was very attractive to me concerning the involvement for my two boys who are 7 and 9 in age. It would truly be hard to put into words the incredible positive impact that A Better Body US has had on my children and the children involved from our Church. The values outside of exercise that are taught and learned are as important as the physical aspect with this program. Anne Radke and Lisa Roddenberry have an incredible gift with all ages of people. The gift is being able to teach, respect, concern, love and appreciation for all others. After 25 years of working with youth and adults in full time ministry, these two ladies and A Better Body US was an incredible breath of freshness. From the young children to the older adults, the impact that is needed in our community from this program is beyond comprehension. We are losing our children and youth to laziness, disrespect, obesity and mental depression. Our society as a whole is past trying to find a fix to our problems for our youth. It is time we take action and put our dollars and hearts into programs like A Better Body US. Our community is in desperate need of a place and program that will lift our children in a positive aspect physically and mentally. Teaching the physical importance along with the teaching of every day people skills is what A Better Body US is doing. After living in this community since 1964, I would deeply recommend this program to everyone I come in contact with. Our community is in need. Our youth are in need. What a blessing Anne Radke and Lisa Roddenberry are with their high level of energy, love and concern for our youth and adults in all areas of life. Sincerely, Pastor Brian Tease. 3945 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303. 850-562-7712.

Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce

Image of a letter of reference from Michael Taylor. Text follows: Gadsden County, Florida Chamber of Commerce. This letter is in support of the programs that A Better Body has to encourage healthy life styles. Our community has several issues with obesity, lack of job skills and social preparedness. I presently work with the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office as an instructor to inmates for Life Skills and Job Readiness Skills. I feel the 2nd Chance program developed by A Better Body provides an additional step to help inmates re-enter society and learn skills that will help them socially, physically, and emotionally. The positive approach of A Better Body helps create a sense of belonging to those in their programs. 2nd Chance is fundamentally set up to help deter youth from criminal behavior and prevent them from going to jail or being involved with gangs and criminal behavior. Any support you can give to make sure this program and others by A Better Body is greatly appreciated by the families, community leaders and myself. Sincerely, Michael Taylor, Outreach Coordinator for Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce.

Gadsden Community Health Council

Image of a letter of reference from Howard McKinnon. Text follows: It is my pleasure to write a letter of support on behalf of the Gadsden Community Health Council, Inc for A Better Body organization. GCHC’s primary mission is to increase the health lifestyle choices of Gadsden County citizens; and increase the availability of local health services provided to Gadsden County citizens. A Better Body organization is committed to building stronger minds and bodies through qualified education and positive programs such as Obesity and Safety Training, Personal Development and Senior Education. This organization benefits all ages. A Better Body also offer UPKUDO karate classes which is more than teaching personal safety techniques, they also follow the guidelines from FDLE Internet Safety and the Sheriff Department Crime Prevention Unit. The Gadsden Community Health Council, Inc gives A Better Body organization our fullest support. Sincerely, Howard McKinnon, Chairperson, Gadsden Community Health Council, Inc.

Gadsden Community Health Department

Image of a letter of reference from Marlon B. Hunter. Text follows: Florida Department of Health. Marlon Hunter, M.A., CHD Administrator. April 8, 2011. Dear potential sponsor, as director of the Gadsden County Health Department, it gives me pleasure to provide a letter of support for A Better Body in recognition of their ongoing efforts to provide the youth of Gadsden County with a wide range of activities that encourage personal growth and development not only on a physical level but intellectually also. Our rural community is plagued with juvenile crime, a High School dropout rate that continues to grow and overall health issues including obesity. A Better Body under the leadership of Master Anne Radke offers an alternative. The Gadsden County Health Department is intent on improving the quality of life for our citizens and this includes our youth as they are the future of Gadsden County. The contribution from A Better Body is a major part of these efforts. A Better Body has been an invaluable partner to the Gadsden County Health Department in its efforts to improve the health status of Gadsden County residents by developing Step Up Gadsden an initiative developed to assist the community to raise awareness. The Gadsden County Health Department endorses and supports any effort on part of A Better Body to continue their work. Sincerely, Marlon B. Hunter, BSEH, MAOM, Administrator – Health Officer, Gadsden County Health Department, Florida Department of Health, phone 950-875-7200, visit us at www.gadsdenhealth.com

Gadsden County Superintendent of Schools

Image of a letter of reference from Reginald James. Text follows: The School Board of Gadsden County, Reginald C. James, Superintendent of Schools. April 14, 2011. To whom it may concern, this letter is written in support of the A Better Body afterschool program for children. As Superintendent of Gadsden County Public Schools, I recognize and appreciate the good work that Ms. Radke and her staff are doing with our children in the 21st Century afterschool program. The A Better Body program provides a wide range of activities for our students that include both athleticism and personal growth and development. A Better Body provides programs such as summer camps, afterschool Karate, personal safety, and personal development. It also supports our efforts to give our children guidance, discipline, respect, and love. A Better Body uses creative ways of working to overcome childhood obesity and encouraging positive youth interactions that are consistent with Gadsden County Public School’s mission of Building a Bright Future. Please accept this letter as acknowledgement of Gadsden County Public School’s endorsement of the A Better Body program and my support of the good work they are doing in our community. Very truly yours, Reginald C. James, Superintendent of Schools

Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend

Image of reference letter from Jake Hatcher. Text follows: Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend. July 17, 2013. To whom it may concern: This letter serves as a confirmation that A Better Body is an active collaborative partner of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend (Havana Club). Specifically, A Better body offers weekly sessions that focus on martial arts, fitness and competition training to 20 Club members. The partnership was established in January 2013 with the goal in mind to encourage healthy lifestyles, discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and physical fitness. On a weekly basis the boys and Girls Club transports Club members to participate in activities at A Better body. Based on verbal and written reports Club members have increased their muscular endurance, strength and discipline. In fact, some Club members are ready for competition. The Boys and girls Clubs of the Big Bend is a non-profit organization that serves youth aged 5-18 everyday after school and all day during the summer. Established in 1992, our program inspires and enables all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are very thankful for the partnership. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend supports A Better Body to the fullest. Should you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Jake Hatcher, Club Director, Havana Boys and Girls Club. 850-519-0000. jhatcherbgcbb@gmail.com.
© MASTER ANNE RADKE
1412 FL GA HWY, Havana, FL 32333
850-514-4334
masteranne@upkudo.com
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