Health Justice CT Challenge Winner Announced!

Big news happening. I was fortunate to be part of the selection committee for the Health Justice CT Challenge that got kicked off at the end of 2011. Basically Connecticut is growing leaders and innovators to reshape how health makes an impact in their communities.

The purpose of the challenge was to open the idea dialogue for those working to provide health equality in the state and give voice to the initiatives that would be sustainable/successful with the boost of the $10,000 prize. After months of entries, voting and selections – we are pleased to announce the winner: The Summer of Solutions Hartford!

A little bit about the initiative:

An initiative of Grand Aspirations, the Summer of Solutions Hartford project aims to address the food desert issue in Frog Hollow, a Hartford, Connecticut neighborhood, where 71% of residents are of Hispanic descent. The project is designed to engage residents in urban farming and to create a community garden that will provide residents access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

We have been delighted with the response to this challenge. All of the projects were inspiring and creatively proposed to address the state’s most pressing health issues,” said Heang Tan, Health Justice CT project manager. “This challenge provided an opportunity for people to share their ideas, stories and solutions with us. We’re excited to hear these ideas and stories, and look forward in continuing to make these projects possible.

I absolutely love when projects like this get the boost they need to become sustainable and continue to create the impact that the community needs around health and wellness. Here’s a word from Jennifer Roach, Summer of Solutions Program Leader:

I am so excited for the work we get to do this summer. With this $10,000 we will be able to expand el Jardín de Zion Street by building 50 new raised beds. We can provide need-based stipends for our program participants so 15 young people can experience a life-changing summer of change-making and personal growth,” said Jennifer Roach, Summer Solutions Hartford Program Leader.

Grassroots level changes will lead to macro level results and impact. Keep it going.

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