Vibrant Communities
We believe that vibrant communities are built on a foundation of holistic wellbeing, social connection and easy access to the places where they can live, work and interact. Our efforts focus on enabling equitable access to health and convenient neighborhoods which combine to improve both individual and collective quality of life.
Convenient Neighborhoods
We are committed to enhancing our community spaces so all Jefferson County residents can easily access parks, transportation hubs, farmers markets, recreation centers and other amenities. Having easy and safe access to public transportation, bike-friendly routes and accessible paths supports overall health and wellbeing. This will make daily life easier, fostering connections and creating a sense of belonging that helps our community thrive.
Why It Matters
For many Jeffco communities, basic access to the places where residents live, work and play is inconvenient. By ensuring all neighborhoods in Jeffco have easy access to mobility options and public spaces with plentiful resources, we can significantly enhance the quality of life and foster deeper community engagement.
What We’re Learning
- Jefferson County’s public transportation system is not meeting everyone’s needs. Most people do not use public transportation to commute to work and many older adults say traveling by public means is difficult.
- Accessible neighborhoods offer convenient healthcare, food, child care and other community amenities that enhance overall well-being.
- Fostering social connections, improving mobility and supporting a healthier environment can help a community thrive.
Our Approach
We will leverage all our philanthropic tools, including grantmaking, across the following tactics:
- Support efforts to increase access and enrollment in public transportation benefits.
- Support policy and advocacy efforts to make it easier for people to access public transportation, improve neighborhood mobility and increase outdoor green spaces.
- Support efforts to develop and preserve outdoor green spaces, like parks and open areas, and community gathering places such as integrated community hubs and recreation centers.
Health
We are committed to enhancing the holistic wellbeing of Jeffco residents, encompassing mental, social, spiritual and physical health. By providing access to resources that support wellbeing, we can help our neighbors connect with each other and their community in more meaningful ways.
Why It Matters
The lack of affordable health insurance can affect when and where people seek care, often leading to untreated conditions or expensive emergency room visits. Dental and mental health are also essential to one’s overall wellbeing, yet they are frequently overlooked with many residents lacking coverage or opting out of coverage entirely. Feelings of isolation and disconnection can further impact health, highlighting the need for comprehensive support.
What We’re Learning
- Jefferson County residents who don’t have health insurance face barriers to achieving holistic wellbeing due to limited access to non-emergency medical and dental services.
- Some people in Jefferson County feel isolated in their communities, struggling to build meaningful relationships and to be their authentic selves. As a result, many people still do not feel welcomed or fully accepted in community activities. When people are disconnected, it impacts their overall wellbeing and relationship to the community.
Our Approach
We will leverage all our philanthropic tools, including grantmaking, across the following tactics:
- Support organizations that are increasing Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, navigation and utilization.
- Support local, regional and statewide advocacy and public policy to reduce the administrative burden of Medicaid and Medicare, for both providers and patients.
- Support public education campaigns around enrollment, the value of preventative care and the value of oral health.
- Support organizations that provide low or no-cost mental, physical and dental health services to community members.
- Support public education campaigns around the value of social connection and consistent participation in groups and clubs.
- Support social and faith organizations that aim to build social connections through ongoing community service with consistent participation.
- Support programs to bridge community networks fostering connections between different identity groups such as age, race, lived experience like intergenerational mentoring programs.
- Support storytelling efforts to highlight the benefits of social connection and lower the barriers to participate in social activities.
