Dear AWC Champions & Friends, 

It's with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment that I reflect on the past year as the CEO of the Aurora Wellness Community (AWC), the nonprofit entity of the CU School of Medicine. Over the course of this year, we have embarked on a journey to fulfill our promise of delivering world-class healthcare and uplifting the socio-economic landscape of the Anschutz Medical Campus neighborhood. With a dedicated focus on addressing social determinants of health, we are working collaboratively with key stakeholders to build a comprehensive, culturally congruent platform for thriving individuals, families, and communities in Aurora. 

Building the Foundation 

Our journey began with establishing a robust organizational structure that would set the stage for our initiatives. AWC is on a mission to build health, wealth, and well-being for Colorado residents who live in zip codes 80010, 80011, and 80012. Our work focuses on five community-influenced pillars: Healthcare, Food Access and Security, Housing, Generational Care, and Community Building. Through the support of the CU Board of Regents, we received approval to create AWC as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity. Subsequently, we completed the necessary filings to secure our status as a Colorado nonprofit entity and initiated the application process for IRS nonprofit status designation. 

Expanding and Building Our Team: Strengthening AWC's Foundation As we mark the first anniversary of my role as CEO of Aurora Wellness Community (AWC), I am thrilled to share the strides we have taken in expanding and building our dedicated team. Recognizing that a strong team is the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, we have been intentional in our efforts to bring together community advocates who share our vision of transforming community well-being in Aurora. Our expanding team reflects diverse perspectives, experiences, and skill sets, allowing us to approach challenges with creativity and innovation.

Embarking on a Vital Step: The Search for a Medical Director 

An important step taken this year revolves around the pursuit of a seasoned Medical Director to join our ranks. Understanding the fundamental role that comprehensive healthcare plays in community well-being, AWC is actively accepting applications for 

this pivotal position and will collaborate with community throughout the hiring process. We are committed to selecting an individual who shares our vision and values, aligning seamlessly with our mission. Through this strategic addition, we are positioning ourselves to offer meaningful and accessible healthcare that addresses the diverse health needs of Aurora's residents. 

Strategic Expertise: Consultants and Partnerships 

We began our efforts with a strong partnership with Philanthropy Experts to support our fundraising efforts, as well as the Center for Community Wealth Building to identify and collaborate with key community-based organizations. Additionally, we have made significant strides in leveraging strategic expertise to bolster our impact. We recognize that collaboration with experts in various fields is essential to drive meaningful change. To this end, we have engaged consultants who are experts in our primary pillars, ensuring that our initiatives are grounded in evidence-based practices and informed decision-making. These consultants have played a vital role in identifying key community-based entities that align with our mission, making them potential partners in our journey toward holistic well-being. 

Cultivating Community Engagement 

At AWC, community engagement lies at the heart of our endeavors. In partnership with Dr. Regina Richards, Anschutz Medical Campus Vice Chancellor of Diversity Equity & Inclusion and Community Engagement, we’ve harnessed the power of dialogue through various platforms, including pillar forums and community breakfasts. By engaging with key community organizations, such as the Aurora Health Alliance, Arapahoe and Adams County Health Departments, Aurora City Council members, Arapahoe County Commissioners, and many others, we've been able to foster meaningful connections that drive our mission forward. 

Nurturing Partnerships and Planning 

Partnerships are the cornerstones of our vision, and this year we celebrated significant progress in partnership development. We are excited about our partnership with the CU School of Medicine and the Anschutz Medical Campus generally as it will enable us to offer a broad spectrum of healthcare support to the surrounding communities. We also engaged experts in our primary pillars, leveraging their expertise to identify community-based entities that align with our goals. Additionally, we are working with Aurora Public Schools, Community College of Aurora, and Pickens Tech to support Career and Education Pathway Development. Additionally, we are developing partnerships to support our Multi-generational Care.

Finally, we are excited that our Community Hub partnership with Young Aspiring Americans for Social Political Activism (YAASPA) and the ABC Collective is poised to make a lasting impact. 

Looking Ahead 

As we turn our gaze to the future, several key initiatives are on the horizon. We are exploring a Food Utility Project aimed to address food insecurity and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Our plans to launch a temporary health center in early 2024 within Anschutz Health & Wellness Clinic will expand our reach and provide much-needed care to the community. 

In closing, I am heartened by the progress we have made in this past year. The commitment of our team, the support of our partners, and the unwavering dedication of our community have all contributed to the strides we've achieved. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a brighter, healthier future for Aurora. 

‍

With gratitude, 

Lisa Neal-Graves 

CEO, Aurora Wellness Community