One of the hallmarks of working at the Community Health Endowment (CHE) is that every day is different. Interactions with diverse people and non-profits, each with a unique set of services and impact, provide us with a kaleidoscope of new ideas, perspectives, and optimism for a healthier community. While the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the complexity of our work, it also provided valuable lessons that we will not forget.
- Lincoln is brave and good at heart
- We cannot take our days for granted
- We should learn from one another
- There is always a reason to celebrate
Never underestimate that Lincoln can be better, stronger, braver, and more resilient than ever before. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Sincerely,
Youth sports has a lifelong positive influence on learning and physical/mental health. Unfortunately, existing inequities make it inaccessible to some youth in Lincoln. CHE bolstered discussion around this topic, funded an assessment of community data, and continues to collaborate with local organizations to address disparities.
Place Matters 4.0 was released in October of 2021 in partnership with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. The updated mapping data of Lincoln reveals new information, reinforces present realities, and reminds us that we must strive to do even better. Since the release of the original maps in 2015, CHE has seen organizations use this data in decision-making, budget allocation, project development, community activism, and strategic planning.
New this year are maps showing the growth and location of older adults (75+ years) and rental rates for single family homes. These maps represent the significant trends that will influence Lincoln’s housing, workforce, health, transportation, and infrastructure in the coming decades. Our hope is that Place Matters 4.0 will continue to influence a healthier Lincoln for all.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird proclaimed November15-19, 2021 as Hospital Hero Appreciation Week and called on Lincoln residents to acknowledge the heroic efforts of our local hospital staff. Community members wrote and distributed thousands of thank you postcards to the hospitals, and volunteers cheered during shift change celebrations.
Staff and trustees visited 20 CHE grantees in the 2021-2022 fiscal year to see first-hand the amazing work being accomplished throughout the city. Site visits are an effective way to build meaningful relationships between grantees and funders.
In May 2022, the CHE Board of Trustees approved an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy to re-confirm our commitment to tackling complex social determinants of health and the resulting health inequities. CHE believes that we cannot simply spend our way to health and economic equity. Transformative leadership, reimagined systems/services, collaboration with all communities, and accountability to local data will be needed to successfully leverage resources and advance health equity. View the full policy here.
CHE was pleased to convene 13 Lincoln funders to co-host a Community Celebration of Resiliency in June. The event recognized the crucial services that non-profits provided to the Lincoln community through the pandemic. The celebration included live music, food, and activities on Union Plaza to commemorate their tireless dedication.
