Accomplishments in 2018 | Nationally Recognized Models of Care

Sanderson Apartments
In August of 2017, we opened the Sanderson Apartments, a 60-unit apartment complex in Southwest Denver. This innovative project was funded through a financial tool called social impact bonds, which invests individual and foundation dollars into social initiatives and delivers a return to investors based on meeting the goals of the initiative. In late 2018, an independent report showed continued success of residents at Sanderson Apartments maintaining housing stability, activating a second payment to the social impact bond investors. 

Dahlia Campus for Health & Well-Being
In April, we were awarded the 2018 Excellence in Behavioral Health Care Management Award from the National Council for Behavioral Health. The award, presented in front of more than 500 behavioral health executives from across the country, celebrated Dahlia Campus as “more than just a mental health facility, as it boasts a greenhouse, gardens, a pediatric dental clinic, a gym and a pre-school – all to increase the community’s food security, dental health and, of course, mental health care.”

In 2018, Dahlia Campus for Health & Well-Being was also named a finalist for one of Fast Company Magazine’s 2018 World Changing Idea Awards.

Co-Responder Program
Our nationally-recognized co-responder program is a partnership with the Denver Police Department, where licensed social workers ride along with police officers and respond to calls regarding individuals who may be in crisis. The results of this program are astounding. During FY2018, we responded to nearly 1,000 calls, and 99% of the people avoided arrest.  In 2018, the co-responder program expanded across Denver, ensuring every police district in the city has a social worker available to respond to mental health calls.

A Focus on Partnership & Innovation
We know that successful companies and organizations must be focused on the future to prepare for changes in their industry. That is why we are sharpening our focus on partnership opportunities and technology solutions that will allow us to expand access to mental health care across the city and region.

In 2018, Colorado’s Medicaid program changed how care is delivered and financed for more than 1 million people across the state. This change has led to a deepening partnership with Denver Health, Children’s Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente, and is ensuring that more people have access to the behavioral health care they need. This partnership, commonly referred to as the Regional Accountable Entity (RAE), is responsible for coordinating members’ care, ensuring people are connecting with primary and behavioral health care, and developing regional strategies to improve care. I am happy to report that the first year of this new partnership has been successful, and our organization is in a strong position financially to continue enriching the well-being of Denver residents.

In a tremendous win for the Denver community, voters passed the Caring 4 Denver initiative, which levies a .25% sales tax, providing $45 million each year for mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. Caring 4 Denver will dramatically increase access to care, activate new partnerships and promote well-being across our city.

The Science of Well-Being
The most popular course ever offered by Yale University is online for free. The Science of Well-Being is a 10-week course which includes videos, readings and daily ‘re-wirements’ – activities to enhance the course learning. Just like our physical health, our mental health is not static, and requires active attention to flourish. I invite you to join me in taking this course.

My Deepest Thank You
I want to thank all of our partners, board of directors, funders, staff and the people and communities we serve. We could not do this work without you. Together with our partners, the WellPower is making huge strides towards creating a community where everyone has access to the care they deserve, a home where people are seen in the light of their strengths, and a city that values innovation, inclusivity and well-being. Thank you for helping us move this work forward.

In Partnership,