In Good Health

Policies enacted at the local, state and national levels have substantial impact on the health of individuals, their families and communities. As we look back on 2019, it’s clear that decisions at every level of government are important forces underlying each of the Foundation’s four focus areas – and advocacy engagement is more critical than ever. 

In coordination with partners around the state, we have spoken out against a wave of proposed federal regulations that would make it more difficult for Coloradans living on low income to access vital health, housing and nutrition services. Individually, each would have a negative impact on people living on low income and those who have historically had less power and privilege. Cumulatively, the impact

A while back, a staff member at the Foundation asked me about the possibility of participating in a sabbatical program. I was immediately intrigued. The very idea of someone having the opportunity to step away from daily professional responsibilities in exchange for rejuvenation felt spot on… for the nonprofit sector (not necessarily for someone employed by our Foundation).

Nonprofit leaders work tirelessly in support of their organization’s mission. Long days in the office or out in community and nights spent “burning the midnight oil” signal their undeniable commitment to their organization, its staff and the people they serve. Yet far too many nonprofit leaders go without the time they need – and deserve – to reflect, rest, rejuvenate and return

It’s been more than a year since we announced our refined strategy. Since, we’ve diligently dedicated time and resources to really “live into” our strategy across all aspects of our work. Our cornerstones guide our approach, outline who we serve and how we stay informed by community, and keep equity at the heart of our mission to improve the health of Coloradans.

Much of our focus this year has been to bring our cornerstones to life in our day-to-day work — both at our headquarters in Denver and on the ground across the state.

Take for example, the Colorado Health Symposium in July, where we discussed the intersection of housing, health and inequity. We carefully crafted this year’s conference

My dear friend Carly Hare, who also goes by her Pawnee name of <i kita u hoo <i ]a hiks which translates into “kind leader of men,” once said something that really stuck with me:

“What if we pretend the community members we speak to are our cousins that have been wronged before?”

To me, this quote is about kinship and compassion. When you go a layer deeper, it’s about a collective sense of belonging and empathy for one another. It’s about evolving our perspectives on not only how we view our neighbors, colleagues and friends, but how we treat them.

To bring health in reach for all Coloradans, it is essential we learn from them about what they