Holistic Evolution Inc

About

Our mission is to encourage the evolution of young men of color ages 16- 24 by supporting mentoring, health equity, and other prevention efforts in Northwest Indiana and providing resources to remove unforeseen barriers to this evolution. VISION:  OUR THEORY OF CHANGE The HE framework is implemented using an integrated approach that supports individual young men of color and community organizations in creating and sustaining collective impact. H.E.‘s unique tools and resources are drawn from community knowledge and the latest academic research. This evidence-informed approach provides rigorous and relevant methods for advancing health equity, more specifically addressing the social determinants of health, among young men of color and their communities.

Holistic Evolution’s integrated approach is grounded in belief that collective action by committed individuals and organizations is essential to achieving health equity.  Research shows that communities of color experience structural and systemic biases that negatively impact health outcomes for residents but most desperately young men of color.  Holistic Evolution’s strategies, including (1) Partnership, (2) Prevention, (3) Innovative Engagement, (4) Research and (5) Storytelling are combined to address these challenges at a crucial time in the life of young men of color.  The positive impacts of the approach are realized by individuals, organizations, and communities alike. 

• YMC Connected: HE connects YMC to community resources using innovative engagement practice

• Community Resourced:  H.E. train community resources in prevention focused evidence informed interventions and measure the effectiveness

• Equity Advanced: H.E. evaluates the effectiveness of its programs and tells the story of impact 

produces positive health outcomes.

Collaboration

Health Equity as a right not an option

• Everyone has the right to obtain their full health potential

• Young men of color

• YMC are community change agents with the ability to influence holistic evolution of our communities

•   Improving the lives of YMC requires a collaborative effort, informed by research, and implemented with fidelity.  HE recognizes that an integrated set of strategies is needed to address the complex needs of YMC.   The following strategies can be thought of as a hive, or a collection of related actions that together, advance positive health outcomes of YMC.   The H.E. member organizations have a dual role in the H.E. framework.   They receive tools and resources from H.E., including training and education, and as a result they deliver more effectively, their programs to YMC.  The YMC learn about and connect to resourced organizations to advance their health and wellbeing, and they also continue to share their experience and knowledge as informal and formal mentors.  The “give and take” approach builds and strengthens the sense of community that is required to address structural and systemic challenges.  This work is supported and guided by the H.E. board, the staff, and funders.