In
growing numbers, donors are calling for clearer evidence that the
money and resources they expend for charitable causes actually
produce benefits for people. This trend – along with a desire to
improve programs – has prompted United Way of Wayne County to
begin measuring the effectiveness of its agencies in new ways.
Discovering
if and how programs make a difference in the lives of people is the
main reason for measuring outcomes. Another equally important reason
to measure outcomes is because it helps agency directors improve
services.
For
some of United Way’s agencies, measuring outcomes is not entirely
new because some state and federal grants have been requiring
outcomes information for a couple years. Examples of such agencies
are Wayne Opportunity Center, which provides job training and job
placement for the mentally and physically handicapped, Nutrition
Program for the Elderly, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and
Wayne County First Steps, a child abuse prevention program. Other
agencies that have done quite well in the outcomes training are
Wayside Fellowship Home, Communities in Schools and Mental Health
Association.
Beginning
in 1997, United Way of Wayne County took its first steps in this
process. An outcome measurement project established a process by
which United Way of Wayne County can anticipate the needs of the
community and fund agencies and programs to meet those needs.
With
the assistance of a professional consultant on outcomes, United Way
of Wayne County offered training to its agencies from 1997 to 1999.
The emphasis in 2000 is training of allocation volunteers and staff
as well as conducting a "trial run" of incorporating
outcome measurement into agency allocations.
What
is the benefit of outcome measurements?
For
non profit agencies, understanding outcomes will ultimately improve
program performance, thereby making a greater difference in people’s
lives. In addition, agencies who can answer questions based on
outcome measurements will be more successful in securing fund
allocations from United Way -- and other organizations -- in the
future.
For
contributors to United Way, the outcome measurement process will
mean more accountability of hard-earned dollars and a greater
understanding of HOW his or her donation can continue to make a
difference.
Source: Focusing on Program Outcomes: A Guide
for United Ways
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Of the
300 students who attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Wayne County, 85 percent have maintained or increased
their grade level in academic achievements.
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Through
the Great Leaps Supplemental Reading Program offered
to the Wayne County Public Schools through Communities
in Schools, an average of 46 percent of students have
moved up one level on their end of the year reading
scores as measured over a three year period.
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The
Salvation Army was able to provide almost 75 percent
of their 82 clients last year with life sustaining
medication through their Medical Aid program. All
other clients were referred to other human service
agencies in the community.
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Through
the Safehouse Shelter provided by the Lighthouse of
Wayne County, 50 percent of their victims maintained
safe living away from their abusive partner for at
least 6 months. And, 30 percent are on their way to
independent living as they have been able to maintain
their own home living away from their offender.
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Through
the Wayne Opportunity Center Job Placement program, of
the 42 people that were placed in employment, 30 have
maintained their employment for over 90 days – a
success rate of over 70 percent.
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With
the guidance of the Wayne County First Steps program
located at WAGES, 96 percent of their 72 participants
have maintained immunizations and check ups for their
new babies.
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