Advancing Community Investment in Health: Implementation of the Innovation and Wellness Commons
About |
In 2012, Walnut Way Conservation Corporation (“Walnut Way”) received a $50,000 Wisconsin Partnership Program development grant to create a shared vision and implementation plan for the Innovations and Wellness Commons (“the Commons”) with a diverse set of stakeholders. The Commons is the next step forward in Walnut Way’s comprehensive efforts to revitalize the Lindsay Heights neighborhood on Milwaukee’s near-north-side. A collaborative community center, it will foster evidence-based wellness programs, community health research, economic development initiatives, and neighborhood action campaigns to improve individual health and strengthen a culture of wellness. Its successful implementation will lead the transformation of a currently underdeveloped stretch of North Avenue into a vibrant commercial corridor that promotes neighborhood well-being and economic prosperity. It advances the Wellness Commons implementation plan – co-created by Walnut Way and a diverse array of community and academic partners -- and builds the community infrastructure required for successful program delivery and sustainable neighborhood transformation.
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Aims |
Through our community-academic partnership, we are expanding upon a successful pilot program, implementing and evaluating new wellness programming, developing a network of wellness practitioners, and building the technical systems required to evaluate impact across partners and programs. In so doing, we are also working to establish a mentorship and consulting service for others interested in learning how to leverage collaborations for innovative health improvement initiatives.
The central activity of this project is the Healing Circle. The Healing Circles are a safe space for women of color to gain skills in self-care. The program uses meditation, relaxation, breathing techniques, essential oils, integrative medicine, energy balance, movement, and more to face life’s challenges. The Healing Circle sessions are a wonderful opportunity to advance practice of self-love and growth in a growing community of supportive women. |
Partners |
Walnut Way Corp.
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Team |
UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Cindy Haq, MD John Frey. MD Kristen Malecki, PhD David Frazer. MPH |
