How can universities and nonprofits navigate the complexities of working together as equal partners in research and practice? This session highlights a collaborative project between West Virginia University and the Tygart Valley United Way that examines how organizations experience, access, and describe higher education engagement. While still in progress, we will share early findings and lessons learned about aligning language, values, and systems between community and campus. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own practices, identify barriers and opportunities for reciprocity, and explore strategies for strengthening partnerships. Together, we will consider how research conducted with, not on, communities can advance compassion, action, and unity within civic engagement.