Alamance Wellness Collaborative’s 2026 Wellness Summit explored how welcoming community spaces can strengthen connection, belonging, and well-being across Alamance County.
Think about the places you enjoy spending time. Maybe it’s the library where you feel welcome to linger, the farmers market where you run into familiar faces, a favorite local business, or the community center where you can connect with others.
At this year’s Alamance Wellness Collaborative Wellness Summit, we explored the power of these places—often called third spaces—and how they help build connection, belonging, and well-being across Alamance County.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Aaron Hipp of NC State University, shared insights into how the places where we gather influence community health. A panel featuring Zion Cash of Mayco Bigelow Community Center at North Park, Susana Goldman of Alamance County Public Libraries, Sarah Bass of the Town of Elon and Elon Farmers Market, and Taylor Collier of No Bad Books Co. brought the conversation home with examples of how local spaces create opportunities for connection and belonging.
One big takeaway? Third spaces don’t just happen. They’re built with intention—and with the people who use them.
During breakout sessions, participants explored how to create more welcoming spaces across generations and how thoughtful design and programming can bring people together. Becca Liegey of Mebane Recreation and Parks, Star Sydnor and Chris Wallace of The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center led conversations about engaging youth and seniors. Jarrah Passanisi of Flight Tea Bar & Lounge and Bobbi Ruffin of Burlington Recreation & Parks shared ideas for activating third spaces through design and programming.
Throughout the summit, we discussed what makes a space feel welcoming, from accessibility and atmosphere to programming that reflects community interests. We also explored barriers like transportation and the importance of listening to residents, especially those who may not always feel included.
And the conversation didn’t stop with ideas. Participants identified ways to put what they learned into action: volunteering, showing up at community meetings, building new partnerships, and making existing spaces more inclusive.
We were especially encouraged by the reminder that we don’t always need to create something new. Sometimes, strengthening a third space starts with supporting what’s already here, welcoming someone new, or working together to reach people who may feel left out.
Healthy communities need places where people can gather, connect, and belong. Thank you to our speakers, facilitators, hosts, and everyone who joined us, shared their perspectives, and left ready to take action.
Together, we can help make Alamance County a place where everyone has a place to belong.
