Collective impact is the commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for addressing a specific social or environmental problem. Traditionally, efforts to address problems have focused on “isolated impact” – scaling or replicating single approaches, initiatives or organizations. Collective impact argues that this approach is inadequate for many problems. It provides a
framework for actors from business, government, health, education, and civil society to align and coordinate their efforts to create large-scale, lasting, systems-level social change. Dakota County Connections is a community collaborative in Dakota County, Nebraska that unites partners from many different community agencies for the single purpose of improving the quality of life and social-emotional well-being of children and families in the community. The combined expertise and resources of the community partners, the financial and professional support of Nebraska Children & Families Foundation, and the facilitation and fiscal services provided by Siouxland Human Investment Partnership ensure a successful organization that is having an impact on families. Mission Statement
The mission of the collaboration is: “Our children will have a safe school environment, clear mind (free of drugs and violence), access to mental health resources, family or source for psychosocial development in early childhood for school readiness, network of caring adults that link family, school and community.”