Our Story
Vital CxNs (vi·tal con·nec·tions) was never just a name. We believe connection is a vital sign for community health, and like “Rx”, it can be prescribed, measured, and strengthened. Founded in December 2020, we set out to address a paradox: Boston, a city rich in activism and world-class healthcare, is marked by deep health inequities rooted in structural racism and a fragmented community health infrastructure. Our work lives at the intersection of health care and community, and is driven by the belief that collaboration can create something new by strategically connecting what already exists. Our Community-Led Systems Change Model is a nationally recognized approach for transforming systems. By convening cross-sector stakeholders, promoting community ownership, and building strong, community-driven clinical-community partnerships, we have created a powerful framework for systemic change.
vi·tal
con·nec·tions
’vī-təl kə-’nek-shəns
We envision a future where vital connections among neighbors, organizations, and sectors inspire and cultivate an equitable community health ecosystem.
Our Impact to Date
$315k
Invested in local community residents and organizations
144
Community members hired and trained to co-lead our initiatives
70
Partner organizations across 9 sectors
Our four-stage model for driving sustainable ecosystem improvements
-
![Community members are employed across our initiatives as Community Leaders. In this role, Community Leaders leverage their trusted relationships in our partnering communities to ensure that solutions are developed and implemented in a way that builds]()
➊ Assess
Assessment of Community Assets & Needs
We begin our work by assessing community assets and needs to ensure our work is responsive to community-identified health equity challenges and builds on existing community resources. -
![]()
➋ Convene
Convene Across Sectors & Silos
We convene cross-sector stakeholders to ensure that the local community health ecosystem is working synergistically, collaboratively, and efficiently to maximize our collective impact across sectors. -
![]()
➌ Cultivate
Cultivate Community-Centered Solutions
Cultivating community ownership ensures that redesigned community health infrastructure is not only responsive to community need, but also led and sustained by community stewardship. -
![]()
➍ Integrate & Sustain
Integrate & Sustain for Long-Term Impact
Lasting health equity requires community-led strategies to become part of how systems work. Short-term funding can spark progress, but sustained institutional investment and alignment are essential for long-term impact.
Dig Into Our Model & Approach
Our Team
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Board of Directors
James Houghton
Board of Directors Co-Chair, Vital CxNs; Chairman, Market Street Trust Company
Seth Lawry
Advisory Partner, Thomas H. Lee Partners
Ben Perkins
Community Minister, Hope Central Congregational Church; Consultant, Groundwater Institute/Impactive
Will Thorndike
Board of Directors Co-chair, Vital CxNs; Founding Partner, Housatonic
Alexandra Schweitzer
Executive Fellow, Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative
Jennifer Valenzuela
Executive Director, The Children’s Trust
Our Supporters
