Posts in 'Systems Change'

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our communities, our workplaces, and our families. The pandemic is laying bare the historic disinvestment in public health and social safety net systems as well as the stark inequities in our society. Our safety net sector is experiencing a uniquely stressful moment as demand for safety net services skyrockets, while long-term funding for these critical resources remains at risk. As we continue through these times of uncertainty, we are all anxious to return to the normal life we knew before.

The Design Team completed its final meeting on July 29, 2020, and is now preparing to share its recommendations with community partners. Check out our Events page for upcoming opportunities.

At HealthSpark Foundation, we believe that our best investment is in creating a financially resilient safety net system that is accessible and effective for everyone who needs it. Because of this belief, we choose to invest our limited resources in enhancing the safety net system itself rather than in isolated programs or services.

The foundation hosted this event for a sold-out crowd of more than 200 nonprofit directors, foundation representatives, county officials and other respected community leaders. Speakers, including Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Josh Shapiro, discussed how efforts at the national level and within Montgomery County are changing how safety net services are funded and delivered.

Your Way Home Montgomery County provides a roadmap to prevent and end homelessness in the county in the next decade.

The foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new strategic plan – “Changing Systems, Improving Lives” – that will guide its work for the next three years. This bold plan will build on the foundation’s decade of service to the community to focus its work on changing systems within the safety net. Click the link below to read more about the new plan and grantmaking strategy.