Personal Stories
Coloradans share their personal experiences in journal-style articles or video interviews. Read or watch these stories to learn how the power of social connections has impacted real lives.
Noah & Lucinda’s Story
Noah & Lucinda's Story+ Personal Stories+ Solution Stories+ Tips
Brisa’s Connection Story
Being a single mother of two little ones means Brisa has had to rely on family and friends to help with the challenges of parenting.
Social connections straight from the hood, motherhood!
After spending a lot of time thinking about my social connections, I know it’s a big part of how I have thrived in motherhood up to this point.
Solution Stories
We profile projects from community organizations focused on building social connections in their communities. These case studies provide great ideas for other service providers, lessons learned and advice for replication in your community.
Your Family, Your Neighborhood
Your Family, Your Neighborhood aims to increase the well-being of low-income families in the Denver area by increasing social connections in neighborhoods.
Valley Settlement Project
The Valley Settlement Project began in 2011, which received a planning grant to look into the needs of the immigrant population in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Teller Talks
The Community Partnership Family Resource Center created the Teller Talks in order to provide a platform to discuss topics of interest to their community.
Social Capital Project
Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) began the Social Capital Project in 2017, with a focus on improving their community’s state of health, education, and economy.
Meaning of Motherhood
Taryn Fuchs coordinates her support group for moms, Meaning of Motherhood, in order to provide moms in her area with the connection and resources they need.
Gus the Bus & the Sunshine Bus
Gus the Bus and the Sunshine Bus are mobile preschool buses that serve children and families who otherwise would not have access to early childhood education.
Family Place Library Initiative
The Family Place Library Initiative was originally launched in 1996 by Libraries for the Future and Middle Country Public Library in New York.
East5ide Unified
Launched in 2016, East5ide Unified (EU) is a community-driven effort in East Denver working to level the playing field for young children by helping them to succeed in school and in life.
Community Cafés
The Early Childhood Partnership (ECPAC) began holding Community Cafes in order to allow parents to explore topics of interest and build social connection.
Tips
These information-rich posts from the Colorado Connected Team and professional guest authors provide a variety of data-informed recommendations, along with the latest best practice in social connections and social norming, as a means of preventing child abuse and neglect, and supporting thriving families and connected communities.
Building Social Connections in the Middle of A Pandemic
Colorado has been examining social norms associated with safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children for many years.
Learn more about the research and partners behind Colorado Connected