ALLY / Our Methodology
The ALLY Model
A replicable four-step framework for community-led health programs — built on science, shaped by community, designed to last.
Four Levels of Reach
From community proof-of-concept to global impact
The ALLY rainbow encodes a theory of change. Programs begin at Level 1 — the community — and are designed from day one to scale outward to state, national, and global reach.
Mental Health Literacy Program
Core evidence-generating program. Youth peer-to-peer model. The proof-of-concept everything else scales from. Board formalization in progress.
★ Flagship · ActiveAgency, Identity & Belonging — Aurora Youth
CHF-funded program ($250K / 24 months) serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and immigrant youth ages 10–17 in Aurora. Partnership with Apprentice of Peace. Grounded in Colorado Health Literacy 2030™.
Active · Due June 2026Colorado Health Literacy Coalition
CHLC President — newly elected. Cross-sector backbone organization for healthcare, public health, community, and state agencies. The operational home for Colorado Health Literacy 2030™.
Active · New RoleReimagining Health Knowledge Systems
RWJF 24-month demonstration project. Global-to-local framework for Colorado. Led through CHLC. WHO alignment, drawing on Australia/UK/Norway models. Proposal ID 163181.
Phase 1THE ALLY PROCESS MODEL
How every program is built
Distinct from the four levels of reach, the ALLY process model describes how any program — at any level — is developed and delivered.
Community Engagement
Deep listening before building. Partnership with community leaders and families defines what’s needed and what will resonate culturally and linguistically.
Co-Design
Program content, language, and activities are co-designed with community members — drawing on research and local knowledge in equal measure.
Capacity Building
Community members are trained as certified facilitators, equipped with skills, tools, and ongoing support to deliver the program sustainably.
Sustained Delivery
Programs run continuously, evaluated and refined by the community — a self-sustaining model that grows with need long after ALLY’s initial involvement.
Evidence Base
Results that stand up to scrutiny
ALLY’s programs are held to the same standard as clinical interventions — and meet it. Peer-reviewed research validates outcomes across diverse communities and demographic groups.
Sig.
Improved Resilience after 4+ Sessions
6 wks
Program Duration with Validated Outcomes
Equal
Effect Size vs. Clinical Programs
Free
Always, for All Communities
Program Roadmap
The pipeline ahead
ALLY’s model is designed to expand into new program areas — each one built using the same co-design and evidence framework.
Mental Health Literacy · Ages 9–12
Core flagship program currently active in communities across Colorado.
Physical Health Literacy
Applying the ALLY co-design model to physical health literacy for youth communities.
Global Partnership Expansion
Scaling the ALLY model internationally through partnerships with aligned organizations globally.
Adolescent Mental Health Extension · Ages 13–17
Core flagship program currently active in communities across Colorado.
Parent & Caregiver Program
Supporting the adults who support youth — equipping caregivers with mental health literacy tools.