Hands came together to form a circle. For a moment, Two Rivers Park became a space for connection and reflection as attendees looked at those standing beside them. The activity, simple in appearance, represented the purpose that gave rise to La Alianza (The Alliance): to remind everyone that no person or organization can face a community’s challenges alone.
“Holding hands symbolizes something very simple but profoundly powerful. No one heals completely in isolation,” said Indhira Barrón, community outreach coordinator at Health Solutions West and program director of La Alianza, in an email interview. “Each hand represents a different story, but also the possibility of supporting others and being supported.”
La Alianza is an initiative of Health Solutions West and the West Mountain Regional Health Alliance that brings together organizations, institutions and community leaders with a common goal: strengthening the well-being of the Latino community in the Roaring Fork Valley through collaboration.
According to its organizers, the initiative emerged after different organizations identified the same needs among Latino families throughout the region.
“For a long time, we observed that many families face the same barriers: a lack of awareness about available resources, difficulties navigating health care and social service systems, language and transportation barriers and, at times, a lack of trust in asking for help,” Barrón said.
After listening to the experiences of families, participants concluded that no single organization could respond on its own to all of those needs.
That is how La Alianza was created, as a collaborative network where organizations share knowledge, strengthen relationships and coordinate efforts so that resources reach those who need them most in a more humane, accessible and culturally responsive way.
Q&A
Who can be part of La Alianza, and how can the community get involved?
La Alianza: La Alianza is open to organizations, institutions, businesses, community leaders and individuals who share a commitment to promoting well-being, self-care and a better quality of life for the Spanish-speaking community of the Roaring Fork Valley. The community can get involved by participating in our events, sharing information, sharing resources with those who need them and building relationships that strengthen the social fabric. The more people who join, the greater the impact we will be able to generate together.
Who benefits from La Alianza’s work and why is it important to support this effort?
La Alianza: La Alianza’s work benefits the entire community, especially those individuals and families who have historically faced greater obstacles to accessing health care services, wellness resources and community support. Many times, the barriers are not only economic; there are also barriers related to language, unfamiliarity with the systems, lack of information or fear of asking for help.
Our goal is to bring resources closer to people before difficulties become crises, facilitate access to information and strengthen a community network where no one has to face their challenges alone. When a community is better informed, connected and supported, everyone benefits. That is why we believe supporting La Alianza is an investment in a healthier, more resilient community with greater opportunities for present and future generations.
La Alianza’s mission
To create a strong, sustainable, long-term coalition in the Roaring Fork Valley that strengthens collective impact, reduces systemic gaps and promotes the health and well-being of the region’s Latino communities.
La Alianza Member Organizations:
- Garfield County Human Services
- Garfield County Public Health
- Grand River Health
- Great Expectations
- Health Solutions West
- Mountain Family Health Centers
- Response
- Valley Settlement
- Garfield County Public Libraries
- Savings Collaborative