Welcome to our series on Health Equity – the idea that every person should have a full and fair chance to be as healthy as possible. If you’re new to this series, we recommend clicking here to view the introduction.

Health equity, or making sure everyone has a fair chance to be as healthy as possible, means recognizing that many different factors impact our health. It is not only about taking care of our bodies. What we eat, where we live, how connected we are with other people, and more all impact our health outcomes.

Income and finances have a significant impact on health. Today, let's dive into how economics impacts health and wellbeing, and how these ideas are playing out in The Communities of West Lakes.

Connecting the Dots: Economic Stability and Health Equity

Imagine this scenario: You or a loved one, like a child or grandparent, needs medical attention. Maybe they caught the flu or had a minor injury. What if you don't have reliable transportation? Or what if a doctor requires a special diet to recover? What if a resident doesn't make enough money to cover their insurance deductible, if they have insurance to begin with?

These challenges are a reality for many. Even for adults with a livable income, paying for healthcare can be daunting. For those with lower incomes, the challenge can be insurmountable. The result is that up to 38% of Americans delay medical treatment due to the high cost.

The problem is that this can mean that an individual does not seek care until their health is in grave danger. An illness or issue that could have been mitigated gets worse.

Many are pushed into situations like these due to decades of disinvestment. It's one of the reasons we prioritize economic viability as one of our pillars alongside health and wellbeing. Nobody should have to choose between seeing the doctor or purchasing food for their family, whether they live in 32805 or anywhere else.

Building Economic Stability and Health Equity at the Heart

For West Lakes residents to have a fair chance to be healthy, we must strengthen the local economy. Through Lift Orlando's partnerships with residents, business leaders, and partners, West Lakes residents have already made huge strides. Since 2014, the 32805 ZIP Code has seen a remarkable $10,000 increase in per capita income. And in the more recent span since 2021, incomes have risen by $3,000, reaching a per capita income of $22,420 annually. These figures aren't just numbers; they represent real progress that residents of West Lakes have made. These economic gains will translate into greater resources to access healthcare services.

Money is only part of the health and wellbeing equation. When residents were proposing the Heart, their idea was to combine financial services and health services in the same convenient location. The Heart brings this idea to life.

Empowering Financial Wellbeing and Prosperity at The Heart

The Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center has two on-site catalysts of local economic viability: the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center and Lift Orlando's Small Business Institute. These two tenants will drive both individual and communal economic vitality. Best of all? No membership is required, and the services are free of charge.

The Financial Wellbeing Center

It's clear that an individual's financial situation has a direct impact on their health outcomes. In 2018, Lift Orlando formed a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Central Florida to offer personal and family financial education and support to West Lakes residents. This resource is called the Prosperity Platform, and it will now proudly operate out of the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center at the Heart.

Provided in ongoing partnership with Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, the Prosperity Platform is designed to help families increase income and save to expand economic mobility. Participants are guided by a financial planner (Prosperity Planners) over years, to help set and achieve financial goals they set for themselves such as stabilizing and increasing income, saving to purchase a home or reliable car, paying off debt, and more.

Through one-on-one coaching, Prosperity Planners and participants (Members) identify long-term goals and develop a Prosperity Plan to achieve established milestones. To reach these goals, plans focus on strategies that help Members increase and manage their income. Members learn how to outline goals and hold themselves accountable for an action plan to meet those goals. Members additionally gain access to the Active Referral Network – a collective of partnerships established through Goodwill Industries and Lift Orlando that align services to help people successfully connect and work with businesses and organizations offering services needed to reach success.

All services are available at no cost, and the financial planners are already accepting appointments.

Latricia Holt, the lead prosperity planner at the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center, explains, "The Goodwill Prosperity Platform at the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center provides one-on-one coaching for goals like homeownership, including personal income, and securing a better job. This program is there to support residents and encourage them as they need it. The best part of this model is the fact that we’re building long-term, trusting relationships that will last a lifetime and that families can learn how to pass wealth onto their next generation."

Beyond individual support, the West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center will foster relationships with local businesses to promote greater economic connectedness and opportunity.

Lift Orlando’s Small Business Institute

Small Businesses can be a harbinger and a driver of economic viability. Studies show that local businesses reinvest in the local economy at a much higher rate than larger chains. One study showed that neighborhoods with successful small businesses saw their home values increase by an average of 50%, building wealth for future generations.

Successful small businesses drive better economic outcomes for a community. And because economic and health outcomes are linked, the Heart has a place to encourage small businesses to launch and grow.

In short, Lift Orlando's Small Business Institute (SBI) at the Heart is a game changer! It breaks down barriers to success and provides access to networks that empower entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Lift Orlando's Director of Economic Viability, Keeyon Upkins, points out, "One of the greatest barriers to success is access not just to capital, but to the network."

The SBI steps in to bridge this gap. It offers a platform for strategic growth, investment access, and mentorship. Whether an entrepreneur with a great idea or a small business owner who is ready to scale, strategize, or needs support in securing investments or loans, the SBI is there to serve. The Small Business Institute supports local businesses by providing resources and technical assistance tailored to the needs of the business owner.

This holistic approach ensures local businesses not only survive but thrive. Eventually, they will contribute to the economic viability of the entire community.

The Heart Fortifies Economic Stability

The Heart's impact will last for decades – even generations! It's a place where people can gather to forge relationships, boost their physical health, and secure their financial prosperity. It's a place that closes gaps of inequality, unleashes cycles of prosperity, and strengthens Orlando.

Supporting local businesses, especially as we launch the first-ever Small Business Cohort, ensures everyone has a full and fair chance to be as healthy as possible. Your involvement fortifies the future of West Lakes.

Learn more about the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center by clicking here.