2023 Impact Report
Systems work requires long-term dedication, and as KConnect celebrates its ten-year anniversary, we can proudly say that its commitment to transforming broken systems has been unwavering. Over the course of these ten years, and especially the past twelve months, KConnect has been expanding its work to better address the systemic challenges we face in Kent County. The impact that we have made in the community was only possible because of the hard work and dedication of the workgroups, supporters, and backbone team.
Salvador López, President
A Letter From Our President
A decade ago, KConnect embarked on a journey fueled by curiosity, creativity, and courage. This theme is highlighted throughout this Impact Report and woven within our work as we move into our next phase.
These guiding principles will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead, addressing new challenges and embracing fresh opportunities. Thank you for being an integral part of our story, for your unwavering support, and for joining us to pursue a better, more equitable future.
At KConnect, we use the following three words to describe our work. Explore how we embody these ideas.
Curious
Exploring, analyzing, and visualizing data that few organizations can or are willing to explore
Using this data to encourage others to ask questions that have previously been unasked
Gathering knowledge and opinions from cross-sector partners with various perspectives
Fostering conversation between community members, partners, organizations, government, and philanthropy that may not typically find themselves seated at the same table
Creative
Developing innovative solutions to close disparity gaps along the prenatal to career continuum
Fostering a culture of innovation that benefits from creative thinking, experimentation, and risk-taking
Experimenting and creating innovative strategies, frameworks, and tools that are new to the community or focus area
Working to make invisible systems visible, fostering a sense of belonging, and crafting solutions for our shared future.
Courageous
Challenging the status quo to change systems and structures that perpetuate disparities by disrupting norms, sharing stories, and highlighting applicable data
Being open and willing to address the root causes of these systemic inequities, which tackles the deep-rooted issues that can upset some system leaders and organizations
Addressing inequities by confronting those who uphold an unjust system
Embracing uncertainty and taking risks when developing solutions to complex problems
Acknowledging or owning that failure is a part of a courageous process.
What to Expect in the 2023 Report
2023 Data and Scorecard
Data plays a pivotal role in the success of Collective Impact organizations by providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making. KConnect relies on data to understand the nuances of the challenges we seek to address.
Comprehensive and accurate data enables us to identify the root causes of problems, assess the impact of interventions, and track progress over time. It is a common language that unifies stakeholders, fostering transparency and accountability.
Transformative Goals
Common Agenda 2.0 signifies a new, shared understanding among Network members about the disparities at hand, the desired outcomes, and strategies to achieve them. It will guide KConnect through the next five years as it leads to a significant and sustainable impact in Kent County.
Collective Impact In Action
2023 was a monumental year for our impact and reach. From Community Centered Funding projects, the work we’ve done alongside educators of color, our Youth Compensation Model, PACE policy work, and our new national project — ConnectUS — the work we’ve done in and alongside our communities has set the tone for the years to come.
