Crisis, Connection, & Collaboration: Learning and Growing Impact in a Challenging Year

2020 forced everyone to think differently. For many communities in East Texas and Louisiana, the crisis of the pandemic was an additional blow to families already struggling due to devastating storms and chronic systemic disparities. However, new opportunities have emerged spurred by the realization that there is power in convening and learning from each other, and through that, learning and collaboration change is occurring. In Louisiana, a corporate foundation convened regional philanthropic groups which have fostered the spread of new ideas. In Houston and East Texas, a health foundation has been supporting the establishment of a network of clergy working to advocate for Medicaid expansion to help reduce health disparities in the state. This session will discuss how unique collaborations and connections are leading to impactful community change.