Our work
Our Strategic Priorities
While there are a multitude of needs and possible approaches to build wellness, Better Together has selected the following four strategic priorities for this two-year period (2026-2028). These priorities reflect community input, opportunities for meaningful impact, and alignment with Better Together’s role as convener, backbone organization, and capacity builder. They also reflect areas where Better Together is currently positioned to support collaborative action. As community needs evolve, Better Together may adapt its focus while remaining grounded in its core mission and principles.
Mental Health & Criminal Justice Roundtable
Better Together will support collaborative efforts to improve access to mental health and wellness resources for underserved populations. During this strategic period, Better Together will prioritize individuals involved in the criminal justice system, based on community input and identified gaps in services.
Key strategies include:
Serving as the backbone organization for the Mental Health & Criminal Justice Roundtable.
Supporting county partners in launching and sustaining a Mental Health Court.
Strengthening coordination between criminal justice, mental health, and community-based services.
Promoting collaborative solutions aimed at reducing recidivism and improving wellness outcomes.
Hunger Free Nac Sin Hambre
Better Together will convene and support collaborative efforts that address fundamental needs impacting wellness. During this strategic period, Better Together will prioritize reducing food insecurity in Nacogdoches County, based on community input and identified opportunities for collaborative action.
Key strategies include:
Serving as the backbone organization for the Hunger Free Nac Sin Hambre Coalition.
Supporting development of strong internal practices and shared goals for the coalition.
Leading research and community engagement to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities.
Sharing findings to guide collaborative action and align local efforts.
Partnering with organizations to maximize the impact of existing food access initiatives.
Education Series
Better Together and Nacogdoches Area United Way are pleased to bring a series of workshops to Nacogdoches County leaders to sharpen their toolkits. We know that there are so many groups doing great work throughout Nacogdoches County, and we want to equip those groups with the skills and resources they need to be able to bring about the greatest possible positive impact for Nacogdoches County residents.
Click below to learn about upcoming learning opportunities.
Capacity Building and Collaboration
Better Together will strengthen the capacity of organizations, leaders, and community members to develop and sustain collaborative efforts that promote wellness.
Key strategies include:
Hosting quarterly Education Series workshops in partnership with Nacogdoches Area United Way. The content of these workshops will be based on needs identified by local organizations and leaders, and will be presented by content area experts.
Connecting organizations and individuals with shared interests or opportunities for collaboration.
Providing support to help partners use data to guide planning and decision-making.
Facilitating learning opportunities that build leadership, collaboration, and sustainability skills.
If funds are available, Collaboration Grants.
Host Collaboration Summit