The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is steadfast in its commitment to strengthen communities by advancing economic opportunity, improving individual and family well-being, and fostering resilience across the nation. Guided by our mission to advance the well-being of all people by influencing modern approaches to sound policy, building capacity, and connecting leaders for collective action, we remain focused on creating lasting, community-centered change.

Central to this mission is our Community and Social Impact (CSI) work, an essential driver of this commitment, that empowers the human services sector to lead transformational change and cultivate a culture of belonging within the communities they serve. By centering collaboration, co-creation, and capacity building around data-informed, community-led solutions, we amplify existing strengths, uplift community knowledge and experiences, and co-create systems that are more responsive, sustainable, and rooted in community voice.

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Natalie Williams

Vice President, Community and Social Impact

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Karen Walker

Senior Manager, Strategic Community Engagement

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The Case for Renewed Focus on Community and Social Impact

Across communities, there is a growing momentum to build environments where every person feels a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity. The human services sector is uniquely positioned to nurture this momentum by strengthening connections, fostering innovation, amplifying the voices already present in every community, and collaborating with communities to drive lasting change.

Our focus on CSI is grounded in the belief that thriving communities are not built solely by addressing problems or just responding to challenges, but by activating innovation and co-creating solutions. It’s a proactive investment in the abundant strengths that already exist within communities, building thriving ecosystems where everyone contributes to a shared future of well-being and prosperity.
This approach not only amplifies our collective impact, but also aligns with APHSA’s mission to drive systemic change through shared values and stronger state and local ecosystems.
The CSI framework supports our members in achieving these efforts by:

  • Improving outcomes through data and technology for innovation, service delivery modernization, and informed decision-making
  • Strengthening leadership and capacity across the human services sector
  • Promoting safety, health, and well-being to build and sustain stronger communities
  • Deepening community engagement and strengthening public-community partnerships
  • Advancing social and economic mobility to improve outcomes and build lasting economic security for entire families

A Call to Action: Working Together for a Stronger Future For All

CSI is not a program—it’s a movement! An evolving movement to re-imagine how systems work with and for people that is grounded in shared purpose, powered by the voice of the communities we serve, and centered in real solutions that reflect the strengths of every community.

We call on human services professionals, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, community experts, and community-based organizations to join us in a shared commitment to exchange bold ideas, influence people-centered policies, elevate experience-based advisors, and embrace collective responsibility.

Together, we can spark transformation that strengthens communities, improve lives, and builds a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.