Let’s Build a More Equitable Community, Together
With the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments, you can explore new ways of thinking, partnering across sectors, and measuring our progress toward improving community health and well-being in Santa Cruz County.
Photo credit: Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Solving community challenges is extremely fulfilling work, but it can also feel overwhelming and even lonely at times.
It can be challenging to see how our work is moving the needle. Working day in and day out on the same issues may even leave you wondering if what you do makes a difference. Sometimes it can feel like we’re working in silos.
We believe what you do matters, and that you're not in this work alone.
With CORE, you have access to a community of changemakers from across sectors working towards a common vision.
CORE’s shared framework and resources allow us to align our efforts better as we progress toward creating equitable health and well-being. The CORE Institute offers events and other opportunities to learn together, re-energize your work, and connect with passionate people committed to improving life for all in Santa Cruz County.
Photo credit: Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Creating a Shared Vision of Equitable Health & Well-being
CORE works with changemakers to create a shared vision of equitable health and well-being, then shares tools, resources, and inspiration to take collective action. CORE’s equity-centered approach creates a map that shows how different efforts—including yours— fit together to respond to our community's needs. Our hope is that having access will save you time and resources so you can focus on what you do best.
Photo credit: Dientes Community Dental Care
Taking Collective Action for a More Equitable Santa Cruz County
CORE brings diverse voices in the community together to move from ideas to collective action. We do this by providing resources and creating a space through CORE Institute events to have deeper conversations and explore new ways of thinking about health and well-being through an antiracist equity lens. Together, we align resources, create shared goals, and take collective action to improve lives in Santa Cruz County.
Partners for Change
CORE activities are guided by members of a Steering Committee who represent service providers, funders, and policymakers in the nonprofit and public sectors. Steering Committee members provide strategic guidance, serve as a sounding board, champion the CORE vision, and engage their own partners and networks in CORE.
Grow Your Knowledge & Your Network with CORE
With CORE, you can:
Find a community of uplifting, passionate people committed to improving the place we live, work, and play
Find useful frameworks and tools to drive social change efforts
Have a brave, inclusive space for critical conversations about antiracism, racial equity, and intersecting inequities related to age, gender, income, sexual orientation, and other social identities
Learn new ways to develop equitable systems and practices
Align your work with community goals and long-term impacts
Gain new knowledge, confidence, and skills
Working Together for a More Equitable Santa Cruz County
“CORE provided a foundation from which HIP could think about our organization’s role in achieving overarching community goals...HIP utilized the CORE framework to focus on what we do best and align our efforts with a shared vision of health and well-being for the future.”
-Elisa Orona
Executive Director, Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) of Santa Cruz County
“CORE has proven to be a valuable framework for First 5. We have aligned our new strategic plan with the CORE Conditions for Health & Well-being, as these represent vital, interconnected sectors and services in an integrated early childhood system of care.”
- David Brody
Executive Director, First 5 Santa Cruz County
“United Way and CORE continue to amplify the benefits of a more equitable and just community by aligning efforts to deepen equity dialogues with local nonprofit organizations; This amplified voice has proven valuable in knowing that our strengths and skills are a part of the vision to create a healthy, thriving, and safe Santa Cruz County for all.”
- Keisha Browder
Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Santa Cruz County
Let’s Take Our Community Work to the Next Level.
Join our movement for equitable health in Santa Cruz County. Sign up for our newsletter and become a part of a collective of local changemakers working to create improved health outcomes for all people in our region.