Health Collective
The Health Collective brings together health, behavioral health, social service, and community partners to address the interconnected factors that influence the well-being of children, youth, and families.
Partners coordinate across systems, strengthen referral and communication pathways, align supports around family needs, and work together to address barriers that no single organization can solve alone.
The signature initiative of this collective is Wraparound Evanston.
FAQ
Why was it created?
Families often face disconnected services, repetitive intake processes, and difficulty navigating complex systems on their own. Evanston already has strong organizations doing important work—Wraparound Evanston was created to better connect those efforts.
What is the vision?
Families should not have to navigate complex systems alone. Wherever they turn for help, trusted partners connect them to the right supports and work together around their needs.
Who is involved?
Led by Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C), the initiative includes 15 community organizations, including the City of Evanston, School Districts 65 and 202, healthcare providers, social service and housing agencies, and youth-serving organizations.
How does this fit within EC2C’s vision?
Evanston Cradle to Career serves as the backbone organization for Wraparound Evanston, reflecting its broader commitment to improving outcomes for Evanston’s children, youth, and families.
In this first phase, EC2C is focused on convening partners, supporting implementation and coordination, and aligning Wraparound Evanston with a long-term community strategy for youth and family well-being.
Rather than creating a new organization, EC2C is helping strengthen the conditions for existing partners to work together in a more coordinated, sustainable, and family-centered way.