2022 Re-Cap & Looking to 2023: An Update from KIND’s Executive Director 

Last year started with two significant changes:

• First, our highest-volume clinic in Commerce City, C4, as it’s come to be known, began construction on its new home after years of planning and fundraising. We were even honored by a guest visit and endorsement from Governor Jared Polis at our grand opening! 
• The second transition was unexpected, as we learned in January 22′ that our donated administrative offices were to be torn down with only 60 days’ notice. Our community came together, and KIND’s administrative offices and clinic now share the same location within the C4 in Commerce City.
• The organization shifted towards patient empowerment with growth of their team to include Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs). We also hired our first Promotora, Anid Naranjo, who is focused on bridging gaps for families by addressing the social determinants of health. Anid worked alongside Erin Metz, our Director of Strategic Development, to launch our Family Partners program, which uplifts community voices into places of power. All of this led up to KIND’s 2023 plans for creating first community-led oral health advocacy group based on promotora model care.
• In order to address systemic inequities this year, we plan on scaling back special events, while still gathering through cultural celebrations that allow supporters/health equity warriors a direct connection with those served – but still need donor funding support!

Read the full Re-Cap from KIND’s Executive Director here.