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5 Questions with Stu: Rita Landgraf, Director of Univ of DE Partnership for Healthy Communities

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, November 4th, 2019

· 1 Comment

Rita Landgraf has a long and distinguished career serving Delaware. She is perhaps best known for her role as Secretary for the state Division of Health and Social Services (2009 – 2017). Yet her service is much broader and deeper, including previous service as executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Arc of Delaware, and as president of AARP Delaware. She currently leads the US Partnership of Healthy Communities.

What motivated you to get involved in public service?

I have a strong interest in working to promote the public good with an emphasis on advancing health and well-being. Most of my adult life, I have been focused on the most vulnerable populations that experience the poorest quality of life. It is so humbling to work in concert with others and honoring the ideal that the sum is greater than its parts. Public service and specifically leading the Department of Health and Social Services provided me with the platform to advance policy and service delivery to enhance the quality of life of all Delawareans. It was a huge honor to serve our state.

What community endeavors are you proudest to engage in?

This question is of particular interest to me since the word community has many connotations to it. A community can be a geographical location, or a community can be a specific grouping of individuals with a specified mission or characteristics. I have benefited from a multifaceted engagement with “community.” I am most proud of the work I have engaged in with individuals with disabilities, and in advancing the civil rights of this population. I am also extremely proud of the work I am engaged in with advancing health equity in place-based communities that experience high poverty.

How does your organization contribute to expanding opportunity for people in Delaware?

I am excited to bring what I have learned in the field to the classrooms of the College of Health Sciences to help grow the next generation of health and social services professionals. I am equally excited to lead the UD Partnership for Healthy Communities; a cross-college, cross-state initiative. This provides me with a platform to align the assets of this university with the needs of our community by advancing research, education and service. As a University of Delaware alumna, I have great pride in serving as faculty at the institution who provided me with a solid educational framework.

Is there a philanthropist or philanthropic organization that inspires you?

Since most of my career has been in nonprofit organizations, I have witnessed firsthand, the value of philanthropy. Individuals who have a passion to engage in the causes they believe in and invest in the sustainability of the work inspire me. I am very excited about efforts that align for collective impact, which generate a greater return on single investments. United Way, Delaware Community Foundation, Philanthropy Delaware and Healthy Communities Delaware are examples of this collective effort. Delaware is a true state of neighbors and our philanthropists value the ability to align for greater impact.

If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?

I would increase the knowledge of what equity really means since there is confusion between equality and equity. The World Health Organization defines health equity as the highest level of health and well-being possible for everyone. Healthy equity addresses differences in population health that can be traced to unequal economic and social conditions that are systemic, avoidable and are inherently unjust. Health equity benefits everyone because health is a public good necessary for a well-functioning society. If we are going to advance health equity, we must embed it in our overall values and commit to advancing equity where inequities continue to exist.

Tell Us What Makes Delaware Communities Thrive #OurTownsDE

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, October 21st, 2019

· No Comments

#2. “You can pick out the local ‘patriots.'”

What makes a community thrive? What makes a community that has been down on its luck turn things around – become vibrant, exciting, and growing? How do communities grow in ways that include everybody?

The answers are not easy to come up with. But thriving communities do share many common features. Successful communities have people focused on local possibilities, rather than national bitterness. They work together across sectors, party lines, economic statuses and class. And they have local “patriots” – people who believe deeply in their communities.

These are the joyful and not-so-surprising findings of James and Deborah Fallows, journalists and authors of the powerful book Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey Into the Heart of the America.

They sum up by outlining “10½ Signs of Civic Success,” defining the trends and themes they identified in towns that are thriving despite facing challenges. To name just a few: big ideas, well-supported community colleges, and at least one craft brewery (that’s the “half”).

What struck me is that I see every one of those 10 1/2 signs here in Delaware. Local patriots and big ideas are flourishing – from the new 12-step center in Seaford to the state’s public-private partnership for economic development, the Second Chances Farm project to the Downtown Dover Partnership. We’ve got thriving community colleges, cohesive downtown areas and more.

I have more to say about their work – and you can read it in this op-ed from the News Journal.

#10-1/2. There are local craft breweries?

And then tell us how you see Delaware towns moving forward. Post your thoughts and comments with the hashtag #OurTownsDE.

And then, you can learn even more by reading their book, and attending a presentation by the Fallows on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Click here to learn more

Informal conversations in an auditorium during the DCF's Latino Communities in Sussex County event

New DCF Report Highlights Complexities and Contributions of Latino Communities in Sussex County

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

· No Comments

At its Oct. 7 Focus Conversation event in Georgetown, held in partnership with La Colectiva de Delaware, the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) released Perspectives on the Latino Population in Sussex County, Delaware, the result of a research project commissioned by the DCF and conducted by researchers at the University of Delaware. The report will serve as a resource for nonprofit organizations, funders, community leaders and others striving to engage and advance this important segment of the community.

The report shows that, with a population of over 20,000, Sussex County Latino communities contribute more than $50 million in tax revenue to Delaware annually. There are more than 800 Latino-owned businesses in the county. Sussex County Latinos are buying homes, holding jobs, and going to school and church. However, they still face challenges related to language and cultural differences, unfamiliarity with U.S. systems and processes, immigration status and more.

The research team identified important moments that can be leveraged by community members, nonprofits, and pro bono services to build opportunity, including through culturally sensitive and bilingual programs and services for immigration assistance, college and financial aid navigation, public transportation improvements, home buying, business training, and banking.

DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay describes the report’s findings as encouraging and inspiring. “Sussex County’s vibrant and diverse Latino community is bringing new passion to the belief in the American Dream.”

The report was researched and written by Drs. Jennifer Fuqua and April Veness at the University of Delaware with the support of a grant from CFLeads to the DCF. The study was completed in collaboration with Dr. Christine Cannon, executive director of the Arsht-Cannon Fund at the DCF; La Colectiva de Delaware; La Esperanza; and many other partners.

For more information and to view the complete report and accompanying materials, visit delcf.org/sussex-latinos. Report materials are available in both Spanish and English.

Photo by John Mollura Photography

What Do You Get With a Million Words?

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Thursday, September 12th, 2019

· No Comments

The importance of quality pre-K education must be one of the best known needs in America. Research over recent decades has told us over and over again that if we teach our children well in the early years, their brains will develop well, they will have the capacity to become fully productive members of society, and they will have significantly expanded chances of living robust and healthy lives overall.

Yet it remains the stubborn truth that we still aren’t doing enough to provide that education to many of our children.

I had the opportunity recently to participate in an evening of TEDx talks, sponsored by Goldey Beacom College, where each and every talk focused on early childhood education. From Lucinda Ross to Dawn Alexander to Caroline Jones, Logan Herring, Jill Slader and Timothy Purnell, each speaker taught us about why early education matters. I anticipate the speeches will be widely available at some point soon.

I used my opportunity to talk about the million-word gap, where kids who are read to hear over a million words more than kids who are not read to…entering kindergarten with dramatically better chances at success. Reading helps, I said, with language, concentration, creativity, neural development, empathy and parent-child relationships. Kind of a magic elixir.

But of course, that’s not the whole story. A million words will get you far. But there is much more we need to address. You can see my talk here.

As for how a million words connects to the broader question of early education, my talk is really a call for it – for high quality universal early education for each and every one of our kids. I’m not the first person to call for universal pre-K, and I won’t be the last. It’s something we can achieve, and something we need.

P.S. If you are wondering about the Go Dog Go picture, you’ll have to listen to the talk.

Book Circles! Libraries! Beer!

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Wednesday, August 14th, 2019

· No Comments

It’s time for the DCF’s 2nd annual Building Opportunity Keynote and Book Circles*! This year we’re moving from Our Kids to Our Towns. Here’s the story:

How can we strengthen communities? What have communities across the country done to make themselves stronger, more resilient, more exciting places to be? How do communities address economic dislocation, loss of hope, opioid problems, and other challenges?

Those are the questions at the center of Our Towns, the new book from James and Deborah Fallows. On Nov. 6, the Fallowses will be the speakers at DCF’s 2nd annual Building Opportunity Keynote. The couple traveled over 100,000 miles across America – from Eastport Maine to Duluth, Minnesota; Ajo, Arizona and Demopolis, Alabama. Their answers involve art, libraries, entrepreneurialism, active citizens, beer and more.

(Yes, beer. Breweries turn out to have a big place in this book – the Fallowses are clearly my kind of people. As for libraries, well just read the book and you’ll see more.)

It’s a book about optimism and opportunity and hard work and hope. You’ll be able to buy tickets for the event soon.

But right now, sign up your book group, or form a book group, so you can read it in advance. With help from the Delaware Humanities Council, we have 500 copies of the book we’re giving away, so that the audience for this event will be ready to engage. Last year we gave away over 450 copies of Robert Putnam’s Our Kids. Join the discussion, and help us think about solutions for Our Towns.

(By the way, the event this year will be simulcast in several locations across the state. Watch for more information about that, too.)

*This program is partially funded by a grant from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

5 Questions with Stu: Stephanie Staats, CEO, YWCA of Delaware

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, August 5th, 2019

· No Comments

Stephanie Staats, CEO at YWCA Delaware began working at the YWCA almost 10 years ago as the Chief Programs Officer. Prior to that role she was the Development Director for something called the Delaware Community Foundation.

She also served as an Adjunct Instructor at DelTech, and the Chief of Staff at Delaware Humanities Forum. Stephanie has shown strong leadership skills as she has helped the YWCA continue its role as a leading social change organization in the state.

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1. What motivated you to get into public service?

I developed an awareness of inequality as a child. I grew up in a diverse city, but it was socially segregated. I noticed who lived in the wealthiest neighborhoods, got treated kindly in stores and on the streets, and who did not. I experienced the overt distrust between people who were different from one another. I heard and felt how women and girls of all backgrounds were devalued. It troubled me greatly. So I would say that public service chose me. Leading YWCA Delaware has been an amazing opportunity to work toward the elimination of racism and empowerment of women.

2. What community endeavors are you proudest to engage in?

Since we launched YWCA’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) in 2016, it has been a privilege to provide 24/7 crisis support to victims statewide and to amplify the community conversation about the causes and effects of sexual assault. The numbers are staggering, as are the negative long-term impacts on economic success, physical and emotional health. There are many misunderstandings about the issue of sexual violence and until we de-stigmatize open conversation about it there will be no advancement in social attitudes, institutional practices and systems response for victims.

3. How does your organization contribute to expanding opportunity for people in Delaware?

YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. We achieve this by offering programs that advance housing stability, health and safety, and economic empowerment for women and their families. Specific programs can be found on our website at www.ywcade.org. In 2018, we served more than 5,200 Delawareans. Our social advocacy initiatives concentrate on racial justice, gender-based violence, civil rights, and economic opportunity for marginalized communities. In 2019, we launched “Dialogue to Action” groups to facilitate individuals’ understanding of inherent bias, its effects, and to inspire action as a result. More than 200 individuals participated in the first three months.

4. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy today?

An overall challenge is that as corporate giving has become more targeted on a regional scale, the administrative burden for government funding has increased, and it puts more pressure on individual giving. Organizations have an opportunity to be innovative in how they secure diverse revenue sources while staying in alignment with organizational values. YWCA included this opportunity as a priority in its 2019-2021 Strategic Plan.

5. If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?

At YWCA we practice our belief that issues overlap and intersect, and in order to achieve equity in opportunity, each issue must be addressed. To put it simply: you can’t solve for one without the other and expect lasting change. This belief is why YWCA offers programs and advocacy in the core areas of women’s lives: economic empowerment, personal safety, legal rights, health and education. It is why we work collaboratively with more than 50 other organizations across the state when a client has a specialized need for a service that we don’t provide. A holistic approach will increase equity.

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About 5Qs: Each month, we ask local philanthropic leaders to answer five questions about how they view philanthropy in their work, their lives, or their organizations. It’s a chance to hear from people we all know, and some you may not know – but in a different way. This is the second in the series.

5 Questions with Stu: Linda F. Poole, PhD

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, July 1st, 2019

· 3 Comments

A lifelong educator and educational leader, Linda Poole is the CEO of Educationally Speaking, a company that assists educators with improving student achievement through analysis of current status and research-based recommendations. She was a friend and the primary advisor to DCF fundholder Helen Eliason, who died in 2017. Linda is an advisor to the Fund for Children’s Literacy, a DCF fund Helen established, which has served as the catalyst for the multiagency Children’s Literacy Alliance of Delaware since 2015. Linda also was a member of Gov. John Carney’s transition team and is a current member of the board of the Partnership, Inc., the 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

If there is one word I’d use to describe Linda Poole, it is passion. Linda has shown, through her career and volunteer activities, that she cares deeply about our children, and our collective future. She has provided counsel to DCF, and to educators and politicians for years upon years. And she’s got a bit of inspiration in her, too: “If every stable Delawarean would take hold of one child’s hand and not let go, equity would become reality.” Enjoy her comments.

Dr. Linda F. Poole, with long-time friend and philanthropist, the late Helen Eliason.

Where do you see the greatest potential for philanthropy to drive change in Delaware?
The more we do for children, the stronger the state will become. We need to support programs and organizations that provide our young people with opportunities to problem solve, interact, be challenged, and be heard. Families need available counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Providing mental health services and breaking generational poverty through education and employment are key to stabilizing our state’s future.

If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?
Inequity begins at birth. To break the cycle, one must have access to alternative models of living. Both informal and formal education provide alternatives. Delaware must seek and support individuals who have the expertise and commitment to work with families that are struggling. These individuals need to know that they have the financial backing as well as the tools that are needed to serve those in greatest need. Jobs, health care, education, and housing are essentials – not options. If every stable Delawarean would take hold of one child’s hand and not let go, equity would become reality.

What are the greatest factors influencing your decisions when you consider opportunities you could support?
Central to my investment of time or funds is the direct impact to the cause I’m supporting. Prevention and advancement are two guideposts I look for. The earlier, more direct a service is provided, the better the chance of eliminating the problem rather than simply bandaging it. Providing a strong education to all of Delaware’s children, ensuring that they have nutritious food and providing them with safe, quality care are three pivotal services that will have a lifetime of impact.

How does your philanthropy contribute to expanding opportunities for people in Delaware?
Along with working with the Fund for Children’s Literacy and the Education and Greening Fund, I serve on the DCF Scholarship Review Committee. Scholarships managed through the Delaware Community Foundation are available to an enormous range of students of all ages and interests. Philanthropists who have established the scholarships are increasing the opportunities for Delawareans to reach their potential and accomplish their dreams. It is rewarding to serve in this way.

Is there a philanthropist or philanthropic organization that inspires you? IF so, why?
Helen L. Eliason was the consummate philanthropist. She wanted no honors or recognition. She gave to enable others to be successful. She gave to make Delaware stronger. Helen did her research and asked questions before investing time or money. Helen was a learner. She read everything and knew that words were important. She encouraged communication and collaboration among people and agencies. Even now, after her passing, Helen’s philanthropy continues in perpetuity to improve the quality of lives of Delawareans. Helen was my hero.

Winners of the DCF and Mikva Challenge's Project Soapbox competition on stage

“Project Soapbox” Inspires Wilmington Students

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Tuesday, June 18th, 2019

· No Comments

We’re in a kind of civics education revival in America.

For too many years, civics education has in too many circles been seen as a kind of quaint afterthought. We’ve cut back the time and importance of civics in our schools. And we thought it wouldn’t really matter.

But what we’re all finding is that the core value of democracy is losing some hold. In a 2018 survey, the bi-partisan Democracy Project asked a series of questions about democracy and Americans’ attitudes toward it. While the overall numbers remain extremely strong, young adults feel less strongly about the importance of democracy than adults over age 29. Meanwhile, more than 70% of Americans think America’s system of democracy as “weak.”

We clearly have work to do.

Not surprisingly, this is leading to broad and diverse calls for more civics education – from the political right, the political left to everywhere in between, Americans want more civics education and more commitment to American democracy. It seems the topics of civics education, civility and civic engagement are on the agenda of most of the national conferences I’m attending these days. At DCF, we’re looking for more civics education, too.

There are some great programs in Delaware. The long-standing Boys State and Girls State programs – sponsored by the American Legion – continue to inspire high school students to get involved. (I attended Buckeye Boys State at Ohio University many many years ago – and still remember it fondly.) The YMCA Youth in Government program does the same. The University of Delaware continues to run a first-rate training program for high school civics educators in the state.

Now, there’s a new entrant on the scene. Project Soapbox is a creation of the Mikva Challenge – a Chicago-based nonprofit committed to strengthening civics education. DCF and the Rodel Foundation were pleased to co-sponsor the project this year – in which eighty Red Clay School District middle school students stood up and spoke on issues that mattered to them – from net neutrality to human trafficking to animal welfare and more. A few dozen interested adults helped judge. We’re thrilled that the Red Clay teachers wanted to bring it here, and thrilled we could be part of it. You can read more about it here.

Going forward, we will be looking for more opportunities to help strengthen civics education in Delaware. If you’re interested in helping, let me know.

5 Questions with Stu: Talking Philanthropy with Nick Moriello from Highmark

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, May 6th, 2019

· No Comments

I’m very pleased to introduce a new element to my blog. Each month – beginning today – I’ll be posting another in a new series we’re calling “5 Questions with Stu.”

Each month, we’re asking local philanthropic leaders to answer five questions about how they view philanthropy in their work, their lives, or their organizations. It’s a chance to hear from people we all know, and some you may not know – but in a different way. I hope you like it.

We begin with Nick Moriello from Highmark Delaware. Highmark has proven to be an important player in the state’s philanthropic landscape, with their attention to healthy communities. They have been major supporters behind important work in the area of opioid addiction, and many other things. Nick has served as market President for Highmark Delaware since August of 2018, after serving for over 25 years in other healthcare related positions.

5 Questions with Nick Moriello
President, Highmark Delaware

Why is philanthropy important to you?
As a native Delawarean and President of Highmark Delaware, a company that traces our Delaware roots back more than 80 years, supporting our community through philanthropy and events like the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community inspires me. Whether it is helping a Delawarean overcome addiction or breaking down the barriers to quality health care, our philanthropy makes me proud of what we do. We make a difference, and we see it every day as we work in partnership with so many stakeholders to build a stronger, healthier community.

What are the greatest factors influencing your decisions when you consider opportunities you could support?
Two of the most important factors we consider are overall community impact and the capacity of our nonprofit partner to reach the goals they have set.

The large majority of our giving is through our BluePrints for the Community Fund. Since its inception in 2007, BluePrints has made over $13 million in grants and served nearly 100,000 Delawareans. More than 10 percent of Delawareans have been impacted by a BluePrints grant.

Our BluePrints grants focus on four main areas:

•Increasing access to health care for the uninsured/underserved
•Reducing health disparities in minority communities
•Supporting early childhood development with initiatives focused on health
•Recruiting and training health care professionals.

What community endeavors are you proudest to support or engage in?
I am equally proud of two initiatives. First, I am extremely proud of our efforts to combat the opioid crisis. In 2018, we announced $325,000 in grants to four community organizations that are fighting the opioid epidemic in Delaware. Our nonprofit partners are reaching every corner of our state and taking a multi-faceted approach to addressing the opioid crisis.

My second point of pride is our annual Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Last year, our fifth annual walk included 20 local nonprofit partners and more than 1,300 walkers who raised over $186,000 – a new record. Highmark Delaware completely underwrites the cost of the walk, which means 100 percent of the funds raised goes directly to our nonprofit community.

In five years, the Highmark Walk has raised over $600,000 for Delaware nonprofits.

Where do you see the greatest potential for philanthropy to drive change in Delaware?
Our greatest potential to drive change will come through partnerships. There’s not one organization or donor who can be the sole driver of impactful change. If we are going to truly impact our communities and make real change, we need to collaborate and align our funding decisions. Government, foundations, corporations and nonprofit partners all need to work in unison if we are going to drive real change. A great example of the power of partnership is how the Delaware Center for Health Innovation (DCHI) engaged health care stakeholders, which has led to Healthy Communities Delaware, built on the foundation of DCHI’s initial work.

If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?
Increase access to high-quality health care. As a health and wellness leader in our state, increasing access to health care is a priority that Highmark is deeply committed to advancing in meaningful, community-focused ways. We work with our members every day to remove barriers and align our philanthropic giving with nonprofit partners who support those efforts. From supporting more accessible transportation for seniors in Sussex County or funding scholarships for preventative care initiatives like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, our philanthropy is another way we are helping to increase access to care and build a healthier Delaware.

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Wilmington’s Racial Wealth Divide

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Friday, April 26th, 2019

· No Comments

“Economic inequality has expanded over the past decade, shutting the windows of opportunity to millions of Americans. In urban centers, this growing inequality has manifested through gentrification and the continued concentration of poverty in communities of color.”
– Racial Wealth Divide in Wilmington, Prosperity Now and JP Morgan Chase, March 2019

We have spent considerable time here at the DCF talking about the Opportunity Gap in America – and in Delaware. There are many issues that fuel this gap…education, employment, family connections, family stability, crime…

In addition to those factors, we also know that race is at the front of Opportunity Gap drivers. The new report from Prosperity Now and JP Morgan Chase – “Racial Wealth Divide in Wilmington,” brings that fact home in powerful way. The report – issued in March – shows that racial economic inequality is not just embedded across the country, but that economic racial divide is deeply enmeshed in Wilmington. For instance, in Wilmington, the overall median income is $40,065, a full $15,000 below the national median income. But notably, the median income of black residents is only $30,034, and for Latinos it’s just under $33,000. For whites that number is over $60,000.

We’ve seen this data before. It peppers the entirety of the DelawareFocus website. But this new report goes deeper, addressing issues like the cost-burden to renters and the wealth divide – a particularly pernicious and long-lasting divide. It discusses the education divide, where only 64% of Latinos in Wilmington have a high school degree, compared to over 80% of Blacks and Asians, and 90% of the white population.

All of us need . And the authors – Prosperity Now and JP Morgan Chase – challenge all of us. We need to better understand this historical divide. And we need to start doing something new. For one, the organizations behind the report will be launching the Racial Wealth Divide Initiative here in Wilmington, providing new leadership.

In a future blog, I’ll talk about DCF’s new equity cohort, a group of 12 Wilmington area community activists and leaders who are going to look at equity in Wilmington, and come up with recommendations for our work.

In the meantime, we look forward to partnering with our colleagues involved in this work, and commit to addressing the challenges in a more active way.

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Archive for opportunity

5 Questions with Nick Moriello President, Highmark Delaware

5 Questions with Nick Moriello
President, Highmark Delaware