Belonging & Connection

in Park County

After a year of listening, learning, and showing up, our coalition is taking collective action. The efforts are formed around five strategy areas, shaped by community.

The LiveWell49 coalition is formed by organizations and individuals from throughout Park County. We meet in-person monthly and most meetings have an option to participate online for those who need it. Meeting times and information can be found here. All are welcome!

The Story Behind the Work

Over the past few years, both national and local data have pointed to a troubling trend: people are feeling more isolated, trust in institutions and each other is declining, and fewer folks feel like they truly belong in their communities.

Here in Park County, we were seeing it too — in quiet ways and loud ones. High rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Lower participation in civic life. Fewer opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect. And a growing sense that some members of our community felt “othered” — pushed to the margins, not fully seen or included.

In response, our coalition has reflected on what we were seeing and where we want to go. The idea of belonging kept rising to the surface — not as a buzzword, but as a core need that touches every part of community health. The more we’ve learned, the more we’ve agreed: we want to work together to strengthen belonging and connection in Park County.

“What would it look like to improve Park County’s mental health indicators by strengthening our relationships with each other?”

A Foundation for Belonging

Click on any of these strategy topics to learn more about our plans.

We foster understanding in our communities about nurturing connection and belonging and assist organizations and businesses with tools and training to support their staff and volunteers.

Local governments and organizations preserve and plan for needed community spaces that support accessible community events, gathering, and spontaneous interaction throughout the whole year.

We unite to create supportive communities through cooperation and host inclusive gatherings involving a diverse range of individuals.

We ensure community members are able to find the opportunities and resources for connection, and that they feel welcome to participate and engage.

While Access to Behavioral Health doesn’t have its own page or workgroup, it is foundational to every other pillar of connection. Whether we’re designing inclusive spaces, hosting community events, or sharing stories that reduce stigma, behavioral health shows up as a cross-cutting theme. Fortunately, there are multiple efforts focused on improving access and LiveWell49 remains committed to working with our partners to align systems of care.