Pillars of health and thriving communities

Every person's journey toward health and well-being begins with their earliest learning experiences. From the gentle guidance of infant care to the determined steps of college students and career seekers, education serves as a foundational bridge to better health outcomes. Our work spans this entire journey, building on more than three decades of innovation and evidence-based solutions.

Federal research demonstrates that education is one of the five key factors of health identified in Healthy People 2030. The impact is striking: adults with higher levels of education are significantly more likely to report being in good health, with college graduates experiencing chronic diseases at rates nearly four times lower than those without a high school diploma, according to the American Public Health Association.

We see this impact firsthand through our comprehensive approach to educational support:

• In early childhood programs, where we're helping create environments that nurture both cognitive development and healthy habits
• Through college access initiatives that open doors to improved economic opportunities and health literacy
• In workforce training programs that equip individuals with skills for sustainable careers, directly addressing the economic stability that underlies good health

When a parent gains access to quality early childcare, they can maintain stable employment. When a first-generation student succeeds in college, their entire family's health trajectory can change. Studies published in Health Affairs show that children with parents who have higher levels of education are more likely to have better health outcomes, creating an intergenerational impact that spans decades.

Community resilience: Building stronger foundations together

In every neighborhood, the building blocks of health and resilience are interconnected. The Urban Institute's research demonstrates that communities with strong social infrastructure show consistently better health outcomes across all demographic groups. Our approach recognizes that resilient communities aren't built by chance, but through intentional, inclusive strategies that empower local voices.

We partner with states, localities, and nonprofits to strengthen these foundations:

• Working alongside communities to develop affordable housing solutions that go beyond basic shelter to create homes where families can thrive
• Implementing data-driven systems that help communities tackle food insecurity with precision and compassion
• Building local capacity to prepare for and bounce back from challenges, whether they're economic shifts or environmental changes

The USDA Economic Research Service has found that neighborhoods with limited access to nutritious food experience 25% higher rates of diet-related health conditions. In response, our work includes comprehensive food access initiatives and data management systems that help local organizations target resources where they're needed most.

Economic stability: Empowering financial futures

Financial health and physical health are deeply intertwined. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research has established a clear causal relationship between income levels and health outcomes. That's why our economic development work focuses on creating sustainable pathways to prosperity that benefit entire communities.

Our approach to economic transformation is comprehensive:

• Developing innovative financial empowerment programs that help families build wealth and health simultaneously
• Creating job-readiness assessments that match people with opportunities where they can truly thrive
• Providing organizations with tools to measure and maximize their economic impact on communities

The World Health Organization's research on social determinants of health emphasizes that employment conditions fundamentally affect health outcomes. Through our workforce development programs, we're not just providing job skills – we're creating career trajectories that lead to better health outcomes for entire families.