How we use our Voice
We recognize that our work as a funder is only one way in which we can fulfill the promise of our mission – through leadership and advocacy we actively work to cultivate changes that will improve the health and well-being for everyone that calls our region home.
Leadership
It takes many different approaches to improve the underlying conditions influencing health. Through our leadership efforts, we:
- Collaborate with other foundations.
- Work together with local health care and social service providers.
- Contribute to coalitions and workgroups and work with partners to build networks that may leverage new opportunities, services, or efforts in our region.
- Engage partners and stakeholders to solve problems.
As of 2024, FCH staff hold leadership positions with the Connecticut Council on Philanthropy, Litchfield County Opiate Task Force, Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity, Northwest Connecticut Funders Collaborative, and the Hudson Valley Funders Network.
Nonprofit Community of Practice
Another significant leadership effort of FCH is our Nonprofit Community of Practice (CoP). Launched in 2023, the CoP centers and supports learning between nonprofit leaders, based on the belief that mutual support and shared learning will foster the most durable outcomes for our region.
Advocacy
Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to influence the policies and practices that shape services and community-level infrastructure in our region. We participate in committees, respond to policy decisions, and give testimony.
At the end of 2024, we adopted three advocacy aims to elevate local voices, leadership, and issues:
- Showcase the Region through Special Events and Convenings
- Develop Local Leadership to Advocate for Expanding Affordable Housing
- Provide Region-Specific Health Information to Policymakers
Our planning process was carried out through our partnership with Megan Burns and Elizabeth McWhorter, consultants who facilitated numerous community conversations and generated recommendations for the foundation. Their complete Executive Summary can be read here.
Recent Statements and Testimony
Our Response to Connecticut Office of Rural Health’s Proposed Decision to Deny Nuvance’s Request to Close Sharon Hospital’s Labor and Delivery (2023)
Testimony in Support of S.B. 476, An Act Concerning the Office of Health Strategy’s Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions to Community Benefit Programs (2022)
Testimony at CON Public Hearing Regarding Nuvance Health’s Request to Close Labor and Delivery (2022)
Testimony at CON Public Hearing Regarding Merger of Western Connecticut Health Network and Health Quest (2018)
View from Route 22 in Millerton, New York.
Photo by Anne Day.
Where We Stand
In the face of the current administration’s direct threats to public health resources and community services, our unwavering commitment to health equity, collaborative partnerships, and strategic action remains steadfast as we unite with our community to protect, strengthen, and advance the well-being of all.