Alive and Thrive WYCO

Building a Digital Community Platform around trauma-informed care for Wyandotte County during COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Introduction:

In this case study, we will explore how a non-profit organization, Alive and Thrive WYCO, successfully built a digital community platform to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. By leveraging technology and community engagement, Alive and Thrive WYCO aimed to provide a virtual space for connection, support, and empowerment during challenging times.

Background:

Alive and Thrive WYCO was a non-profit initiative of Wyandot Behavioral Health Network  dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living in Wyandotte County by examining how the community at large responds to trauma. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, urban communities faced significant challenges, including limited access to resources, increased isolation, and the disproportionate impact of the virus. Additionally, the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum, highlighting the need for trauma-informed care, community support, and empowerment in the face of systemic racism and inequality.

Objectives:

  1. Build a digital community platform to connect Wyandotte County residents and provide access to resources and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Promote social cohesion and engagement within Wyandotte County to combat Adverse Childhood Experience’s (ACEs), isolation, and foster healing in the community.
  3. Amplify the voices and experiences of urban residents affected by the Black Lives Matter movement + COVID-19 by providing a platform for education, dialogue, and empowerment.

Methodology:

  1. Needs Assessment: Culturesphere conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the specific challenges faced by urban communities during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. This involved research and discovery with community members, leaders, and stakeholders.
  1. Platform Development: Based on the needs assessment findings, Culturesphere developed a digital community platform tailored to address the identified challenges. The platform included features such as resource directories, virtual + hybrid community events, educational content, online donations, and native apps.
  1. Community Engagement: Culturesphere actively engaged with community members through targeted outreach and partnerships for organizational support. We facilitated community members to join the platform, contributed to content, and participated in virtual events.

Results:

66+ Zip Codes Represented

  1. Increased Community Connectivity: The digital community platform provided a virtual space for Wyandotte County residents to connect, engage with Alive and Thrive WYCO to share their experiences, and support each other during the pandemic. It helped combat isolation and fostered a sense of belonging within the community.

1000 Participants

  1. Access to Resources: Through the platform’s resource directories and collaborations with local organizations, Alive and Thrive WYCO ensured that community members had access to essential resources such as food, healthcare, and educational materials.

53 Trainings, Programs, Events

  1. Empowerment and Education: The platform’s educational content and virtual events related to the Black Lives Matter movement empowered community members with knowledge and tools to address systemic racism, inequality, and social injustice.

100+ Community Resources

  1. Collaboration and Partnerships: Alive and Thrive WYCO successfully established collaborations and partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, creating a network of support and resource mobilization within the urban community.

Conclusion:

Alive and Thrive WYCO’s initiative to build a digital community platform during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement had a significant impact on urban communities. By leveraging technology, community engagement, and resource mobilization, they successfully connected community members, provided access to resources, and empowered individuals to address systemic issues. This case study highlights the importance of digital platforms and community-driven initiatives in supporting and empowering urban communities during times.