I sit here trying to capture my heart for this work in a message to you.

As I take the next step in my professional journey, I’m reflecting on where BeWellPBC has been, how far we’ve come, and the possibilities ahead. The lessons abound, the wins are many, and most prominent in my thoughts is my deep gratitude for everyone who has joined with BeWellPBC to transform behavioral health in Palm Beach County so every person can feel hopeful, supported, connected, and empowered.

Before establishing BeWellPBC, I experienced a turning point in my career when I joined Healthier Delray Beach. After many years of systems work, HDB awakened me to true community organizing. It brought to life the Margaret Wheatley quote: “Whatever the problem, community is the answer.” That has become my heartfelt mantra. Though I prefer not to think of our challenges as problems but as opportunities for solutions, I believe we, as a community, are undoubtedly the solution; we are capable of finding the answers to how we can best support each other so we all thrive.

Healthier Delray Beach has done just that – bringing together residents with great ideas, igniting unlikely partnerships, and supporting neighborhood champions to build what systems alone could not. This learning shaped BeWellPBC and the movement, allowing us to build even better and stronger community solutions together.

Three principles emerged at the heart of everything we do:

1. We are all stewards of health. Each of us brings our own resources, talents, skills, and passion to the work we do. Systems need to make way for the community so collective efforts and aspirations can be realized.
2. Relationships are everything. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about building connections with those you haven’t met yet and forming meaningful, deeper connections with people around you. This community has taught me that giving and gaining — sharing in one another’s hopes, struggles, and triumphs — is where true strength lies.
3. Follow the energy. There’s incredible power in thinking differently and taking bold actions. The dividends of this kind of energy are endless, and it’s been humbling to witness what happens when we do.

These aren’t simple principles. They require bravery, boldness, and trust in one another that cannot be understated. They ask for adaptability, transparency, and a commitment to sustainability. But, in the end, this is the equation for community success: leaders will come and go, but the impact we create together will be everlasting.

I will continue to champion this movement, still leading in Palm Beach County, taking my love for this community and the lessons forward to influence change in more spaces across the county. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. I know this important work will continue to flourish in our hands.We’ve built something extraordinary together, and I can’t wait to see how this community evolves.

Please continue to follow and engage with BeWellPBC in its mission to lead the change we all want to see in our families, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and cities. I know I will.

(Be) Well Wishes,

Lauren