Go it alone and the work of producing positive change can range from complicated to overwhelming. Collaboration, on the other hand, usually generates new perspectives, added resources and momentum. It helps make change “stick,” and it makes that change more robust. It often becomes expansive and successful in ways that are pleasantly surprising – especially when the spectrum of partners goes beyond the traditional.
St. Luke’s Health Initiatives spent this past year creating new possibilities through innovative connections and ever-expanding partnerships. We owe much of this year’s success and growth to the creation and evolution of relationships with longtime philanthropic colleagues, the business community, state entities, cities, the federal government, nonprofit sector partners and community leaders.
With their help, we realized a number of major achievements.
Take a look at our highlights to get a sense of what we mean. The 600 organizations that comprise the Cover Arizona Coalition make it unprecedented in its level of scope and size. The work of Reinvent Phoenix taps the spectrum of academia, community groups, and government at multiple levels. Helping Arizona’s largest city pass Complete Streets ordinances meant deep collaboration with city staff as well as the diversity embodied in 16 village planning committees, elected officials and Phoenix city leadership. Within our own nonprofit sector backyard, we tapped new sources to launch a master facilitator development program known as the Alliance Fellows Institute and enhance our long-standing Technical Assistance Program. Overall, the movement to redefine health has brought us together with planners, business leaders, transit proponents, expert gardeners and food distributors to name a few.
Some of the results from this year’s partnerships are immediate. Many more will compound and reveal themselves over time.
Some of the results from this year’s partnerships were immediate. Many more will grow and reveal themselves over time.
Almost 20 years ago we said that our overarching goal was to be “a catalyst for Community Health.” That goal still holds true, and is more dependent than ever on us collectively working together.
Suzanne Pfister Gary Volkenant
President and CEO Board Chairman