At the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, we believe the importance of listening to the communities we serve cannot be overstated. With this in mind, we hosted a series of listening sessions with more than 50 key stakeholders and organizations as part of the Health Foundation’s strategic planning initiative. Through this input, we aim to better understand the unique challenges facing our community and develop targeted solutions that truly make a lasting difference. Here are some key reasons why this is essential:

Relevance and Impact: By listening to the community, we can comprehend the real challenges and issues people are facing. This helps the Health Foundation to tailor its grants and initiatives to address the most impactful solutions. 

Identifying Emerging Needs: Community needs and priorities evolve over time. By regularly listening and staying connected to the community, we strive to identify new and emerging challenges and adapt our strategies accordingly.

Networking and Collaboration: Engaging with the community opens doors for collaborations with local and regional organizations and stakeholders. These partnerships are essential to the Health Foundation’s overall capacity to address complex issues effectively. 

Community engagement and active listening are not just buzzwords but are integral components of successful and impactful work. By truly understanding and responding to the needs and priorities of the community, the Health Foundation can ensure our efforts are targeted, relevant, and sustainable, ultimately making a real difference in the lives of the people of the plateau.