WHAT IS THE COMMONS AT EMORY?

A better way to help people.

Rendering of the front lobby of the Emory building.

Breakthrough Collaboration

To address urgent and escalating needs in our area, the Action Center will create a new, dynamic community center that provides health and supportive services from multiple organizations, capitalizing on the unique strengths of each. We will bring partner organizations together at the repurposed Emory Elementary School, creating both a service place and a community space.

With the Action Center’s leadership, Partners will collaborate to establish a comprehensive system of care under one roof. They will develop new integrated services and shared solutions - creating more efficiency, more convenience and greater impact for community members.

Rendering of the serving area in the cafeteria of the Emory building.

An Expanding Challenge

Food insecurity has quadrupled since the pandemic, impacting 1 in 3 Coloradans.
Housing insecurity has risen dramatically. Denver now ranks 5th in the nation for homelessness. To afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area, you need to earn $42.33/hour. But many of our community members earn the minimum hourly wage: $18.29 in Denver and $14.42 in Jeffco.
Wages haven’t kept up with rising costs. Today, 9.4% of Coloradans struggle financially, living below the federal
poverty line.

Blueprint for a Resilient Community

See what we see.

Connected Community
A community center where organizations and community members come together, building long-lasting relationships that strengthen all.

Powerful System of Collaborative Care
Multiple organizations working together
to help the whole person and family.

Empowered Families
Children and parents getting the help & support they need to thrive, then giving
back by sharing their talents and skills.

Consolidated Support Services
Convenient access for community members, and greater efficiency
for community partners.

Warm, Welcoming & Safe Spaces
Specifically designed to encourage connection.

Family Friendly Design
Bright, happy play spaces and youth activity areas adjacent to adult meeting/classrooms.

Site Navigators/Guides
Trained staff will connect with visitors and get them to the partners and resources they need.

Our Anchor Partners

What Comes Next?

Oct 27, 2025
Lakewood City Council voted unanimously to sell the Emory Elementary School property to the Acton Center, and then to purchase the Action Center’s current facility.

Nov 13, 2025
Jeffco School Board voted unanimously for the city to sell the Emory Elementary School property to the
Action Center.

November 2025
Agreements with current anchor partners finalized.

December 2025
Finalize the Action Center’s purchase of Emory Elementary School.

December 2026
Renovations complete.

January 2026
Commence construction and renovations at Emory.

January/February 2027
The Action Center and other partner organizations move in!

Our Campaign Committee

This ambitious work takes a dedicated group of leaders and champions, and we are immensely grateful for the talents and support of our campaign committee

Co-Chair: Adam Paul
Co-Chair: Lesley Dahlkemper
Allyson Gottsman
Antoinette Gawin