Everyone in Santa Cruz County, across the life span, should have equitable opportunities to experience these eight interdependent CORE Conditions for Health and Well-being. This means that people’s opportunities and life outcomes across these CORE Conditions are not predicted by their race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, zip code, or other social identities.

Equity is at the center of the CORE Conditions to illustrate that we have to examine and address our individual, organizational, and systemic beliefs, practices, and structures that perpetuate the very inequities we are determined to eliminate.

The eight CORE Conditions are all connected to one another. For example, equitable access to Lifelong Learning & Education opportunities can increase the likelihood of Economic Security and Social Mobility, which in turn affects Health and Wellness, as well as the ability to find and maintain Stable, Affordable Housing. In individuals’ and families’ lives, the CORE Conditions overlap and connect to one another, as they do in the CORE Framework as well.

That being said, some programs and initiatives may be anchored in one or two CORE Conditions more than others. The community-level impacts associated with each CORE Condition on the CORE Results Menu recognize that programs, practices, policies, and initiatives may focus on a particular CORE Condition or impact within it, while still aligning with other efforts and CORE Conditions.

Read a description of each CORE Condition below.