Belonging & Connection in Park County

After a year of listening, learning, and showing up, our coalition is taking steps toward strengthening connection. These early efforts are grounded in five pillars of belonging, shaped by the community itself.

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. Increasing 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 came together last year for a facilitated, all-day retreat to reflect on what we were seeing and where we wanted 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. By the end of the day, we had agreed: we wanted 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

While Access to Behavioral Health doesn’t stand alone as its own page or workgroup, it is deeply woven into 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. Supporting emotional well-being, promoting healing, and ensuring people can access care are foundational to building trust, safety, and a sense of belonging across Park County.

What We’re Learning About Belonging