I've heard about the Legacy Foundation for years, but I didn't really know who they were or what they did. That is, until I sat down with Legacy Foundation CEO, Margaret Hepburn for an interview.

The forklift is from a grant given by the Legacy Foundation to the Benson Food. Pantry. Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
The forklift is from a grant given by the Legacy Foundation to the Benson Food. Pantry. Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
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What is the Legacy Foundation's Purpose?

Magaret Hepburn told me the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the people it serves. The foundation's vision is to create a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Graduates of the Behavioral Health Technicians at Cochise College. Photo courtesy of The Legacy Foundation.
Graduates of the Behavioral Health Technicians at Cochise College. Photo courtesy of The Legacy Foundation.
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What is the Legacy Foundation of Southeastern Arizona?

According to their website, the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona, "is a nonprofit organization that supports health and wellness initiatives in Cochise and eastern Santa Cruz counties."

Graduates of the Cochise Leadership Academy. Photo courtesy The Legacy Foundation.
Graduates of the Cochise Leadership Academy. Photo courtesy The Legacy Foundation.
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It all began back in1996 when the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center was sold to a for-profit corporation, which currently operates Canyon Vista Medical Center.

The foundation was set up to help fund wellness programs throughout Cochise County, as well as Santa Cruz County. Since the beginning, the foundation has awarded over $30 million in grants to local organizations and programs.

The Premier Alliance photo is of the accessible playground equipment added to Veterans Park. Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
The Premier Alliance photo is of the accessible playground equipment added to Veterans Park. Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
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The Foundation chooses carefully with the goal of improving the quality of life and health outcomes for the citizens of our two counties.

What the Legacy Foundation Funds

The Legacy Foundation carefully analyzes the grant requests submitted by organizations in our community.

Some of the requirements are organizations that provide access to health care and social services and prevention and wellness education. They also look at groups dedicated to community development and collaboration and help to forward local innovation and research, among other things.

The Legacy Center for Innovation and Collaboration

In addition to the grant funding, the foundation also operates the Legacy Center for Innovation and Collaboration.

According to the Legacy Foundation, this is "a state-of-the-art facility that provides meeting space, technology, and resources for nonprofits, businesses, and community groups."

Some of the gardeners at the Huachuca City Community Garden with some of the produce they distribute to the community. Photo courtesy of The Legacy Foundation.
Some of the gardeners at the Huachuca City Community Garden with some of the produce they distribute to the community. Photo courtesy of The Legacy Foundation.
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The main goal of the center is to, "foster creativity, learning, and partnerships that address the challenges and opportunities facing our region."

You're Invited to Celebrate 10 Years!

The Legacy Foundation is celebrating their 10-year anniversary, and you're invited to stop by. On Monday May 1st from Noon to 6pm, they're holding an open house. They'll have food and prizes.

The Legacy Foundation is located at 302-02 El Camino Real in Sierra Vista. See the map below for details.

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