Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg

Nonprofit leadership is engaging in the local ecosystem to build capacity and grow a new generation of leaders for tomorrow. Foundation Chief Strategy Officer Lisa Brody was honored serve on the review panel for the 2024 cohort of graduates from the Nonprofit Leadership Center Certificate in Nonprofit Management program earlier this week. Congrats to this dynamic group of nonprofit leaders! We're so excited for the many ways in which you'll strengthen and improve our local communities.

Creating meaningful change means bringing together people who look different, live differently, think differently, and have different life experiences. More often than not, we find common values (and hopes) through the connections we create. We're so grateful to all who came out for our Connection Day last night. We loved being in community with you.

Join us TODAY for Connection Day Reloaded. Doors open at 4:30 PM. Hope to see you there!

From financial literacy to emotional and intellectual wellness, The Modern Griot Corporation, empowers its community through education, support, and self-care. Led by Lola B. Morgan, this Foundation funded partner promotes health through the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial.    “I know it’s a calling. It’s a gift to be able to provide safe spaces for people. We’re right where we need to be,” Morgan said. “If we continue the work from a holistic approach, it will help alleviate some of the barriers that still exist in our communities. We just want people to be well. And we want and deserve more positive outcomes – and to have fun while we’re doing it. We deserve to have fun and find creative joy in our own expression and with community," says Morgan. Read Lola Morgan's story and learn more about the Modern Griot Corporation here: https://lnkd.in/eGpya55q

To improve health and equity in our local community, we need to understand how local residents think of and feel about the neighborhoods they call home. Foundation Research and Evaluation Team members Susie Paterson, Ph.D. and Stephanie Rosado, Ph.D., MSW, CWHC recently conducted community mapping exercises in collaboration with Dawn M. Hunter and local South St. Pete residents. Stay tuned for more on this exciting project!

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the FDA, "Obstacles for many include a lack of health insurance, less access to treatment, and stigma." This is a reminder that health equity depends on adequate healthcare access for all. #NationalMinorityMentalHealthAwarenessMonth

What do we mean when we say that health equity is tied to racial equity? Comparing the life expectancy stats between two St. Pete neighborhoods can help explain.   Snell Isle and Campbell Park are only four miles apart. Yet, the average life expectancy of a Snell Isle resident is 16 years longer than that of a Campbell Park resident. A key difference? Snell Isle is a historically White and wealthy St. Pete neighborhood, whereas Campbell Park is a historically working class and Black neighborhood.   To change these disparities, we must understand (and shift) the histories and social determinants of health that have helped shape them. With our grantmaking, our strategic initiatives, and our engagement in our Center for Health Equity, we’re working toward a community in which good health enables all residents to thrive.

Congratulations to Foundation team member Harold Bryant Jr., who was recently accepted into the 2024 cohort of the Nonprofit Leadership Center's Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship! Harold's work on our team helps elevate health and equity in our community; we're so grateful for his service. Congrats, as well, to the other 2024 ARENB cohort members!

Every Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 PM, Foundation funded partner 360 Eats serves up delicious and nutritious meals for free at the Sanderlin Center (another funded partner!) on 22nd Ave S. Looking for healthy and flavorful summer meals for your family? Swing by today and check out Chef Ellen's exciting menu! Cameron Macleish

Another great story on Foundation funded partner the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. We loved spending time with students in SPPF's MASTR Plan program as they participated in our Building an Equity Movement training in our Center for Health Equity, led by Foundation team members Marcus A. Brooks and Joshua Bean. Thanks to Bridgette Heller and Patrick Arthur Jackson for helping coordinate that visit, which is highlighted in the news story below. https://lnkd.in/eNSvP38B