A Front Porch

Inspired by Dr. Lydia Prado’s success as the driving force behind the Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-Being, Lifespan Local has pursued a ‘front porch’ for Southwest Denver. Learn more about Blossom House.

On front porches in various communities across this country, people feel comfortable spending time together, listening and learning, and building relationships of trust. When institutions desire to build partnerships with historically marginalized groups, conversations can be most meaningfully invited on a welcoming “front porch.” At Lifespan Local, we address major social issues by taking direction from the people most affected by the challenges, but we cannot take direction we have not heard. Lived experience, best practices in the diversity and inclusion field, and community participatory research methodologies affirm the importance of genuine connection; resulting in communication that crosses cultural, linguistic, and economic barriers.

Years of Deep Community Listening

For more than 5 years, Lydia Prado, Lifespan Local’s Director, has been listening to individuals and groups in Southwest Denver— a vibrant region, characterized by ethnic diversity and a long history of resilience against the odds. Dr. Prado has heard repeated concern about gentrification and safety, and need for affordable housing, mental healthcare, and childcare supports.

Blossom House will serve as a vibrant community hub, featuring an early childhood education center, a community kitchen, the Lena Archuleta Branch Library, youth spaces, community gathering spaces, and much more!