03/29/2024
City launches 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative
Campaign helps to address mental health through community connection
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The City of Colorado Springs, in collaboration with Councilmember David Leinweber and several community partners, is launching the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, which aims to help address mental health by encouraging residents to connect with one another through gatherings and build a social support system in their own neighborhoods.
The initiative encourages residents to step out of their homes and host neighborhood gatherings to cultivate a sense of community and connection. By hosting a neighborhood gathering, individuals are taking an important step toward building a stronger, healthier community.
"It’s one of my priorities to raise awareness about the importance of mental health while providing concrete action and resources for community members,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “Strong communities are built on the foundation of connectedness with our neighbors. By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, we can lift each other up and create a sense of belonging that is essential for overall well-being.”
"As I've engaged with our community, I've been inundated with personal accounts of individuals succumbing to isolation and loneliness,” said David Leinweber, City Council, At Large. “This initiative isn't just about numbers—it's about a thousand stories intertwining, a thousand hands reaching out, and a thousand hearts uniting against isolation while fostering stronger connections within our community."
The initiative officially launches May 18-19 during Mental Health Awareness Month and will run through Sept. 28 on National Good Neighbor Day. Residents can register their gathering to count toward the goal of 1,000 neighborhood gatherings.
For more information on how to host a neighborhood gathering or to get involved with the initiative, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/1000Gatherings.
