Reflecting on Community Leadership and Care

 

A Message from Our Executive Director

As we close out the year, I’m reflecting with deep gratitude on the people behind the work—our partners, community leaders, and nonprofit teams who continue showing up for the San Diego community with courage and commitment to community well-being, even when the ground keeps shifting.

Over the past months, we’ve seen bright spots that inspire real hope: partners finding creative ways to meet basic needs with dignity, protecting mental health and spaces of belonging in the face of fear and uncertainty, and advancing long-term solutions rooted in community voice and lived experience. These moments may not always make headlines, but they are the steady, vital work of building a healthier and more equitable region where all San Diegans can thrive.

At Alliance Healthcare Foundation, we remain committed to advancing wellness and health equity by standing alongside communities most impacted by inequities and investing in trust-based partnerships that strengthen what’s possible across our region. Thank you for the care, leadership, and perseverance you bring to this work every day.

Wishing you rest, connection, and warmth in the holiday and winter season.

With gratitude,
Sarah

Celebrating Karen Winston

Please join us in celebrating Karen Winston as she enters retirement after years of extraordinary service to Alliance Healthcare Foundation.

Karen’s leadership as Director of Communications & Special Initiatives has shaped how AHF shows up in the world by amplifying the voices, stories, and impact of our partners with clarity and heart. Through her work, countless community-led efforts have been seen, understood, and valued, elevating not just programs but the people and purpose behind them. She also played a pivotal role in our work in Imperial Valley, culminating in a $7.5 million gift from our endowment to the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation.

Beyond her professional excellence, Karen has been a trusted and deeply caring colleague. Her steady presence has left a lasting mark on our team and our culture.

We are so grateful for all Karen has contributed, and we’re excited for her as she begins this next chapter. While she may be retiring, she will always be part of the AHF family.

Congratulations, Karen, and thank you!

In Case You Missed It: Our 2025 Community Impact Report

If you haven’t had a chance to review it yet, we invite you to explore AHF’s 2025 Community Impact Report, which highlights how our partners and investments are advancing health, equity, and opportunity across San Diego County.

The report reflects both immediate responses and long-term strategies, grounded in trust-based partnerships, community power, and systems change, showing how we’re working together to strengthen housing stability, behavioral health, economic mobility, and more. Read more.

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Thank you for being part of this work and for walking alongside us as we continue striving toward a region where everyone has the opportunity to be well.

 

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