Communities Deserve a Return on their Investment

be well is a grassroots movement of communities coming together to take charge of their health and wellness by focusing on “the critical relationship between our health and where and how we live, work, learn, and play. It serves five diverse, inner city neighborhoods in Colorado that contain more than 75,000 people. be well was informed and developed in response to data collected over several years through community driven process. Using the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model, the Foundation made an early investment in the “Building on Your Assets” study for which more than 250 interviews with residents were facilitated to learn resident's view of the “Assets” in their neighborhoods. It initiated the creation of long-standing relationships and trust with community members while solidifying the credibility for Stapleton Foundation as an equal partner in the neighborhoods. In partnership with the UCD, the Foundation co-conducted a CBPR study, that revealed that residents are burdened by numerous barriers that prevent them from leading healthy lifestyles, including few opportunities for physical activity, lack of access to nutritious foods, limited access to medical care, and language and cultural barriers including discrimination. These factors contribute to high levels of obesity, diabetes, asthma and low levels of physical activity and consumption of healthy foods. Residents have now created a Data Review and Dissemination committee that reviews all data usage request to ensure that the information is being used to benefit their neighborhoods without stigmatization.