1. Survey Results
Townsend Community Center, Richmond, Indiana
Lindi Johnson, Programs Committee Chair, Survey Committee Chair
Committee Members: Mercedes Carr, Laura Ferrari, Victoria Maddox
Statistics Provided by John O’Connell, Instructor, Mathematical Sciences
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
2. Survey Results ii
Table of Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………….……….……... 1
Executive Board Meeting, Transcript ……………………………….….…….……. 3
Focus Group, Script ……………………………………………………….….…….. 5
Focus Group, Transcript ………………………….….….………….…….…….….. 7
Themes …………………………..….…………………….…….….………………... 9
Survey ………………………………………………………………….….….……… 10
Methods ……………………………………………………………………………… 13
Survey Flyer and Record Sheet …………………………………………………….. 16
Survey Area Map …………………..…….………………………………….……… 18
Open Ended Responses …………………………………………………………………….. 19
Data Charts and Explanations .…………………………………………………….….…... 23
Demographic Data …………………………………………………………………. 24
Multiple Choice ……………………………………………………………….……. 29
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………….……….…… 48
Acknowledgments ……………………………………………………………….……….... 49
Committees ……………………………………………………………….…….………….. 50
References …………………………………………………………………….…….…….… 51
3. Johnson, Carr, Ferrari, Maddox, O’Connell
Social Work 300 Course
Professor Sandra Shelly
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Survey Results 1
Survey Results
Townsend Community Center, Richmond, Indiana
On Wednesday, February 4, 2015, Sandra Shelly’s
SOCW300 class listened in on a board meeting of the
Townsend Community Center (TCC). Topics discussed were
as follows: Welcoming BSU Students; After School Program;
Teen Action Center; TCC Staffing; Ivy Tech and Indiana
University East Interns; Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Program; Scholar House Project; Building Repair; By-Laws;
and Annual Election of Officers.
The class visited TCC for the first time on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 to conduct
a Focus Group with professionals and other community members from the Richmond
community. Tyler Andrzejewski served as the facilitator for the evening, and Cassidy
Roeglin took notes and concluded the meeting time. The transcript was written as a
collaboration between the Survey Committee, under Chair Lindi Johnson, and Mr.
Andrzejewski with suggestions from Chairperson Cassidy Roeglin and Professor Shelly. The
Focus Group was geared toward improving the Townsend Community Center and how TCC
may better reach out to the surrounding community. Topics discussed were what programs
TCC offer, barriers for the TCC and the surrounding neighborhood, TCC in the past, and the
community perspective of the TCC.
Survey questions were suggested by Professor Shelly’s SOCW300 class with
assistance from Ball State Math Professor John O’Connell. The Survey Committee compiled
a list of final survey questions, and the final survey was formatted and generated by the
Marketing Committee under Chair Allison Walker. Per request of Sue Roberson at the
Townsend Community Center, the class planned to survey Section 33 of Richmond, in
which the TCC is located. Survey routes were mapped out by Lindi Johnson, who also
TCC Focus Group, 2.25.2015
4. Survey Results 2
directed surveying with assistance from Victoria Maddox, a member of the Survey
Committee. Survey progress was tracked and recorded by survey groups composed of
students in the class.
Professor Shelly’s class conducted surveying on three separate dates. Surveying was
focused on a one-mile radius within the community surrounding the TCC. On Wednesday,
March 18, 15 surveys were completed, as were 27 on Wednesday, March 25, and 31 on
Wednesday, April 1. The total number of surveys came to a total of 73 completed surveys
by the end of the surveying period. Analysis of the surveys was conducted by Professor
O’Connell, and the final survey report was written by Lindi Johnson. The Programs
Committee, also under Chair Lindi Johnson, was responsible for drawing connections
between the Executive Board Meeting, the Focus Group, and the survey results so as to
make program and other recommendations to the Townsend Community Center.
Survey respondents were given candy as an immediate incentive for completing
surveys. They were also entered into a drawing for a prize including a new camera,
memory card, and gift card. Respondents could choose whether or not they would like to
enter the drawing and filled out an index card with their contact information if they wanted
to enter. One winner was chosen from a random drawing for the prize.
The class visited the Townsend Community Center one final time on Wednesday,
April 15, 2015 for a final board meeting. They presented a final plan containing reports
from each committee. They also presented their results during the Building Better
Communities Showcase on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 in the Cardinal Hall of the Ball State
University Student Center. One final presentation took place during their final event on
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Muncie Northside Middle School alongside their fellow
SOCW300 class under Professor Phil Shelly for the Hoima-Uganda Education Foundation.
5. Survey Results 3
TOWNSEND COMMUNITY CENTER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING TRANSCRIPT
Date: February 4, 2015 Time: 6:00–8:10PM
ATTENDEES: Townsend Board, SOCW 300 Class/Professor Sandra Shelly
Order of Business:
WELCOME BSU STUDENTS
Introduction of every group and all students
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Trying to get money for food and such from the state
Hiring college students to help
TEEN ACTION CENTER
Funding for tuition
STAFFING
IVY TECH AND IUE INTERNS
TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAM
25 weeks long
o Once a week
o Both boys and girls
Not official
Looking for more information
SCHOLAR HOUSE PROJECT
Problems with proposal
No final word
BUILDING REPAIR
Building repairs have been pushed back due to scholar house project
6. Survey Results 4
Having roof problems
BY-LAWS
March 8, 2011 by-laws were last constructed
The Townsend wants to see:
o Board meet every other month instead of monthly
o The executive committee meets monthly
Membership organization
o Membership is not being tracked
Shift that would like to be seen is:
o True community center, not a membership organization
o Provide services for community
o Membership for student
o Service fee
o Corporate dues
TCC struggles with:
o Being seen as “African American Community Center”
o Wanting to be seen as “Community/Cultural Center"
ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS
ADJOURMENT
7. Survey Results 5
Focus Group Script
Opening Remarks
My name is ________________ and I would like to bring this meeting to order by
thanking the Townsend Center for allowing us to be a part of their center for a brief period of
time. We thank you for taking time out of your lives to spend an hour of your evening with us in
discussion about the Townsend Community Center.
We are students from the Ball State University Social Work Department who are part of a
project called Building Better Communities. We are acting as consultants to Townsend. Soon we
are going to distribute surveys to members of the community around Townsend with questions
about what they like/dislike about the center, what they would like to see happen/offered at the
center, etc. We will then compile all of this information into a strategic plan for Townsend to use
to make improvements and to strengthen the center. Tonight our goal is to hear what you think
the community needs or wants to see from Townsend from your personal perspectives.
Tonight we want you to have the opportunity to speak your honest opinions and ideas for
Townsend. We would like to express that we, as part of the Building Better Communities
project, will keep what you say confidential and use what is said in this room only to contribute
to our survey and strategic plan for Townsend. There will be pictures taken during our discussion
this evening, but only of our students.
We will begin by asking various questions pertaining to the community. If you would
like to share, please raise your hand and state your name and affiliation. Feel free to return to any
previously asked questions, or share a new question/idea you may have. We are in hopes that
each and every answer will help us achieve our goal of helping Townsend reach their own goals.
Again, we thank you for your participation!
Our first question of the evening is this:
Questions
1. As a businessperson or professional, what do you think would keep community members from
utilizing the center?
Opt. Have you personally ever heard any complaints or praise about Townsend from community
members?
8. Survey Results 6
Have you personally heard of or seen a need in the community that you believe Townsend would
be able to meet?
2. How in the past has Townsend made connections with businesses and established a
presence in this area?
How active are you in the center? (Using the center for events, meetings, etc.)
Opt. What would entice you to use the center for meetings or events?
In your opinion, how accessible or convenient would Townsend be for you to utilize for events?
3. In your opinion, what kind of impact does Townsend currently have on the community at
large?
How can we help Townsend have a better/larger impact in the surrounding community?
(Townsend considers the area they serve to be a one-mile radius around the center).
4. In your opinion, what does an ideal community center look like?
Opt. What aspects from other community centers have you noticed or heard of that you would like to
see in Townsend?
Have you noticed programs implemented in other community centers that you would like to see
implemented at Townsend?
5. We want to give everyone a chance to critique Townsend’s community outreach and let
us know how to improve.
In your opinion, in what areas is Townsend excelling?
In your opinion, where does Townsend have room to improve?
Give a chance for them to share ideas about what they think they think Townsend needs or could
strengthen/improve upon.
Concluding Statement
This concludes our gathering here this evening. We are grateful for your input and will be
taking your statements into consideration for our final plan. We cannot be effective without
people like you taking time to meet with us this evening. If you have any more questions about
our project with Townsend, please feel free to email our Chairperson or speak to any one of us
students before leaving this evening. We thank you again for taking time out of your schedules to
have this conversation with us.
9. Survey Results 7
TownsendCommunity Center FocusGroupTranscript
Date/Time: February 25, 2015 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Townsend Community Center, Richmond, IN
Attendees: Professionals and other members of the Richmond community,
SOCW 300 Class/Professor Sandra Shelly
What has kept the community from utilizing Townsend Community Center (TCC)?
There is a major lack of transportation for people of the community.
The people of the community are unaware as to what programs the center
has to offer.
o A member of the board then explained that the center offers:
Medical Mondays: for those that are senior citizens
After school programs: Elementary kids Monday-Thursday
Zumba: Tuesday and Thursday for $3
Martial Arts: Wednesdays
Teen Program: Lack of volunteer
Community Rooms for rent
Latino’s rent the gym
Saturdays for soccer
Sundays for basketball
Food bank three times per month
Group suggests:
A brochure that can be passed out to student at school.
There is a lack of advertisement on their website, social media, and within
the community.
There is also a lack of neighborhood involvement.
There is a lack of people available to fulfill the needs of TCC.
The TCC is in need of community and political support.
The area that TCC is in has a negative perception from the Richmond
community.
o People that do not know about the center do not care to know about
it.
o There is a low crime rate in that area. However, people believe the
opposite.
The Boys and Girls Club creates a bit of competition for TCC.
o The Boys and Girls Club has paid workers
TCC needs a lot of rebuilding
o Would create many volunteer opportunities
10. Survey Results 8
How, in the past, has TCC made connections with businesses to establish their presences
within the community?
TCC used to have a WIC office.
TCC used to have “In Concert” which is a group of non-profits.
o This consisted of:
Musicians
Bands
Comedians
Programs through Reid Hospital (Medical Mondays)
There use to be a Head Start Program
o Ended due to lack of volunteers
TCC is a Polling Place
o “People stood in line at other places rather than coming to vote at the
center”
The community suggests that the center have:
o An Advertising Co-Op
o “Fun Fair” showcase for the community businesses
TCC has a major lack of board membership.
o TCC needs a “face” because there is no relationship with the director.
“Instead of bringing the community to Townsend, we need to bring
Townsend to the community.”
What does the ideal TCC look like to the community?
Community feels that a weight room would be beneficial.
TCC needs to be more of a community center
o A center that helps the community meet their goals
More/Better After school programs
o Education plan for each child
Most children in the community come from crisis homes. TCC needs to help
label/find their strengths.
Empowerment for those that are poor to take their place in society.
Male figures to work with the students
o IUE students to come back
Professionals to come in and talk to the children of TCC about their careers.
College Mentors for Kids
o A programs similar to it
Needs to have the structure and pay for employees in order to stay around.
If there is a need, TCC will provide the training to fulfill it.
Have not surveyed the community in over 50 years
o Survey Monkey
11. Survey Results 9
o Share beyond 1 mile radius
o Give to those that attended
Themes
Several themes from the Executive Meeting Transcript (Wednesday, February 4,
2015) and the Focus Group Transcript (Wednesday, February 25, 2015) by the
Programs/Survey Committee were identified. These themes were to be used in survey
analysis to see if themes from either meeting matched up with information gathered during
the survey period. From there, the committee could offer program recommendations.
The themes are as follows:
Lack of:
o Advertisement
o Knowledge of Townsend and what they offer
o Transportation
Importance of Safety
o 87.7% of survey respondents said they would feel comfortable
attending the TCC, but only 64.4% said they would feel safe sending
their children there.
o Need for:
Role Models
After School Programs
Children’s Programs
Teen Programs
Community Center or Cultural Center?
o 43.8% of survey respondents said that the TCC supports diversity
within the community.
o Disorganization of the Board
Don’t know what white people want
Reiterate the stigma that the TCC is for African
Americans/Black people
Community Empowerment
Overarching Themes:
Need for Unity, Equality, and Programs that apply to everyone
12. Survey Results 10
As part of Building Better Communities at
Ball State University, students from
Professor Sandra Shelly’s Social Work
Practice class are distributing this survey to
collect information from the community for
the Townsend Community Center.
Townsend Community Center = TCC
BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. ALL ANSWERS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
Have you or a family member ever visited the TCC? YES NO
If YES, then how often? 1 DAY PER WEEK 2 DAYS PER WEEK 3+ DAYS PER WEEK
For what reason? ____________________________________________________________________________
If NO, then what has prevented you from attending the TCC?
TRANSPORTATION NO RELEVANT PROGRAMS UNAWARE OF CENTER
NO CHILDCARE OTHER ___________________________________________________
Do you feel comfortable:
Attending the TCC YES NO
Sending your children to the TCC YES NO HAVE NO CHILDREN
Do you knowabout the programs / servicesthat the TCC offers? YES NO
If YES, please list any that you know of: _____________________________________________________________
Do you think the TCC is well known in the community? YES NO
Why or why not? _______________________________________________________________________________
Townsend Community Center
13. Survey Results 11
What are you looking for in a community center?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Which population within the community do you feel the TCC serves? (You may choose more than one)
CHILDREN ADULTS BLACK / AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION
HISPANIC / LATINO POPULATION WHITE / CAUCASIAN POPULATION
ALL POPULATIONS OTHER ____________________________________________
Do you think the center supports diversity in the community?
NOT AT ALL NOT ENOUGH I DON’T KNOW SOMETIMES VERY MUCH
Which types ofprograms would you like to see at the TCC? (You may choose more than one)
FINANCIAL GED COURSE CHILD CARE HEALTH/NUTRITION
TUTORING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FITNESS JOB PREPARATION
INTRAMURAL SPORTS OTHER ___________________________________________________
What changes, ifany, would you like to see made at the TCC?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there any other information you would like to add?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you be interested in learning more about TCC? YES NO
Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
Age (Circle One) CHOOSE NOT TO ANSWER
0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61+
Ethnicity (Circle One) CHOOSE NOT TO ANSWER
WHITE / CAUCASIAN HISPANIC / LATINO BLACK / AFRICAN AMERICAN
14. Survey Results 12
ASIAN / PACIFIC ISLANDER NATIVE AMERICAN / AMERICAN INDIAN
OTHER ________________________________________
Gender (Circle One) CHOOSE NOT TO ANSWER
MALE FEMALE TRANSGENDER OTHER __________________
What level ofeducation have you completed? CHOOSE NOT TO ANSWER
NONE SOME HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA GED
SOME COLLEGE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE
MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORATE DEGREE VOCATIONAL TRAININGCERTIFICATE
Howmany people live in your household? _____________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY!!!
15. Survey Results 13
Methods
Sandra Shelly’s SOCW300 class began discussing survey questions for this project at
the beginning of the spring semester, in January 2015. The class broke up into small groups
to think up at least three questions. These questions were then put onto the class website
where all the students in the class were expected to give feedback on the lists of questions
posted by each group.
The Programs Committee volunteered to also become the Survey Committee to
organize and facilitate the survey process. The Survey Committee worked with Mr.
Andrzejewski to create the script for the Focus Group on Wednesday, February 25.
Speaking with members of the community gave the class a better understanding of what
should be asked on the survey.
Sue Roberson was the class’s contact on the TCC board for the project. She supplied
important information that helped the class throughout the semester. Ms. Roberson
indicated where she wanted the class to focus their surveying efforts. She shared a map
that divided Richmond into sections, and asked that the class focus on Section 33, or the
section of the city where the TCC lies. She also asked to focus specifically on North A
through E streets and North 11th through 18th Streets. The Norwood Apartments, which are
located just behind the center on North 14th to 17th Streets, was one of the most important
areas Ms. Roberson wanted the class to reach during the survey period.
A survey record was created by Laura Ferrari of the Programs and Survey
Committee, and edited by Committee Chair Lindi Johnson. This record provided a means
for students to record what houses they visited, whether or not the door was answered, to
hand out flyers or conduct surveys. This information was then to be shared on a class
Google Spreadsheet to show where each group had visited. A document containing two
maps of Section 33 and a listing of the streets was compiled for the class by Ms. Johnson
and shared with the class to prepare them for the survey period.
The Survey Committee selected the final survey questions, with final suggestions
from each committee. Then the questions were turned over to the class for possible edits
before the Marketing Committee formatted the survey. The survey was divided into two
16. Survey Results 14
sections. The first section contained questions on how community members felt about
attending the center, what programs are offered, what population the community thinks
the center serves, etc. The second section contained demographics questions to gain an
understanding of the community the class surveyed.
The surveying was conducted over three Wednesday evenings in March and April.
On March 18, the students gathered into small groups as part of which they would survey
on assigned streets. The next week (March 25), students paired off into groups of two, with
two groups of three, and signed up to survey on particular streets. There were two groups
to each street. During the final week of surveying (April 1), the groups focused on
surveying on any remaining streets that had not been reached on the previous survey
dates. Students went door to door in Section 33 of Richmond and asked that community
members take a few minutes right then to fill out the survey. Students were also able to
have face-to-face conversations with community members as they conducted the surveys.
Surveying occurred in roughly an hour-long period each evening during the survey period.
Pieces of candy were handed out as immediate incentives for participating in the
survey. Respondents were also given the opportunity to enter a drawing for a new digital
camera and memory card for participating in the survey. A gift card was another incentive
for which they could enter the drawing. If they wished to enter, each respondent was given
a small index card on which to write their name and the best way to contact them should
they be chosen. In total 73 surveys were completed almost entirely and 54 people entered
the drawing. Not all of the students transferred their survey records to the shared
spreadsheet, so there is not a definitive number of how many doors were answered to say
how many surveys were not responded to.
Once the surveying was finished, all the surveys were taken to Professor O’Connell
to be analyzed. The Survey Committee met with Professor O’Connell to discuss the results
and the themes the committee drew out of the transcripts from the Townsend Executive
Board meeting and the Focus Group. He provided the committee with the survey responses
as a list of open-ended responses and frequencies from the multiple-choice questions. The
Survey Committee met later on to compare the transcripts and the survey results. As the
Survey Committee and Programs Committee are one and the same, they used the
information they gathered to make program recommendations to the TCC.
The final survey results were both compiled into this report and recorded in the
final report containing information and recommendations from each of the committees in
the class. The survey information in the class’s final report is a condensed narrative version
17. Survey Results 15
of this survey report. This report was created to share the survey experience and results in
detail for the board at the TCC and for the Building Better Communities showcase.
In the following section, a map is included that shows roughly were students
distributed and conducted surveys during their time in Richmond. This map also shows
where students distributed flyers to inform community members of the upcoming survey
dates. Allison Walker, Chair of the Marketing Committee, created the logo on both the
surveys and the flyers. The flyer is included in the next section, as is a blank survey record
that students carried with them as they surveyed to record addresses.
Although not entirely accurate, the survey record map gives a good picture of where
students surveyed during each survey.
21. Survey Results 19
Open-Ended Responses
The following is a list of responses by question for each open-ended question included
in the survey to the Richmond community surrounding the Townsend Community Center.
1. For what reason(s) have you visited the center?
Other family members attend/have attended
To have fun/entertainment for kids /something to do
Program/child in program
Basketball
Program
Zumba
Special events
Volunteering
Reid Hospital Medical Mondays
Amigos
Head Start
Deva Class
After school programs (top response)
Voting
Movie nights
Head Start
2. What has prevented you from attending the TCC?
Not open to the community
Don’t know what they do
No events that “spark’ personal interests
3. Do you know about the programs/services that the TCC offers? If yes, please list any that
you know of:
After school program, homework
Basketball
Counseling
Zumba, karate, soccer, dance, exercise gym
Rentals
22. Survey Results 20
Amigos
GED Programs/Ivy Tech
Deva
Friday night movie nights
Feed the Hungry
Black History Month activities
Medical Monday
4.Why or why not is the TCC well known in the community?
People always used to come; used to be open to entire community
Was a place where kids could come to do something
Needs to be open more often
Not enough financial resources in the surrounding community
Has been around for a long time
Never heard of the TCC
Seems to be improved
Serves the community and general public, as in the past
Not enough people visit the center; need to get more people involved
After school program
Competing with the Boys & Girls Club for presence in the Richmond community
Used to do a lot of things for the community
I have grown up in the center
A safe place for families to go and have fun
Small town – limited on activities
Within a short distance from home
5. What are you looking for in a community center?
Place for people to have fun
Basketball
Teen nights
Safe place for children; place for them to grow, develop, and learn life skills
Welcoming, understanding, refuge, prayer, friendship, community, equality
Children’s programs; working hands on with kids
Special events (e.g. scouts, wrestling, music sessions, etc.).
Social clubs
23. Survey Results 21
Fitness classes
Empower the community, positive changes for the community; caters to everyone,
all inclusive
Spanish classes
Day Care
Something for elders
Food distribution
More family events
6. Which population within the community do you feel the TCC serves?
Nobody as of now
Location
Everyone
Unable to answer at this time
No idea
7. Which types of programs would you like to see at the TCC?
Sponsorship
Teen Programs
Food
Performing art classes, art & mosaic, movie nights
Performing Arts
Gymnastics
Farmer’s Market
Parenting Classes
Dances/Head Start/Nursery
Arts/Entertainment
8. What changes, if any, would you like to see made at the TCC?
New games and basketball court
Teen night
Open more often (popular response); open after school and over the summers
Place where all children could go
Building maintenance; remodeling of the center
24. Survey Results 22
More advertisement
Add sponsorships
More community involvement
More youth and adult activities
Activities and programs showing the involvement of the Richmond Community
None – there is always good supervision
Tutoring, GED class
More diverse volunteers
Less negative viewpoint
Structural updates, landscaping
Bus
Increase interest from all over town
9. Is there anything you would like to add?
Many respondents said no
Treating children as the future
TCC should have/be:
o Church programs
o Good role models
o Respect for all
o Home away from home
We need people who truly & really care about the community & that have faith in
the TCC
TCC has been important to our community – continue to help children & families
Send out information via email with smart media account
Just to get the funding back so it can work with the community
Having more community meetings about Townsend and the surrounding
community
Average Household Size – 3.0
25. Survey Results 23
Data Charts
This section contains the demographic data and responses from the multiple choice
survey questions. At the end of each survey period, the completed surveys were delivered
to Professor John O’Connell for analysis. Updates on the survey progress were also given to
the SOCW 300 Board by Lindi Johnson, Chair of the Survey Committee, and Cassidy Roeglin,
Chairperson of the Board. ProfessorO’Connell compiled a list of open-ended survey
responses and generated frequencies on an Excel sheet that could be formatted into charts
and graphs for a visual representation of the survey results. The charts were generated by
Ms. Johnson, who then compiled the results into the final survey report. Edits were
suggested by Professor Sandra Shelly and corrections were made by Ms. Johnson.
Please note that the percentages are not included on the charts themselves, but in
the key beneath each chart. The numbers on the charts refer to the actual number of survey
respondents.
27. Survey Results 25
Ethnicity of Respondents
Percentages:
White/Caucasian … 35 Respondents, 47.9% Choose Not to Answer …
Hispanic/Latino … 2 Respondents, 2.7% 3 Respondents, 4.1%
Black/African American … 24 Respondents, 32.9% No Response … 8 Respondents
28. Survey Results 26
Other … 1 Respondent, 1.4% 11.0%
Gender of Respondents
Percentages:
Male … 22 Respondents, 30.1% No Response … 4 Respondents, 5.5%
Female … 46 Respondents, 63.0%
Transgender … 0 Respondents
29. Survey Results 27
Other … 0 Respondents
Choose Not to Answer … 1 Respondent, 1.4%
Education Level of Respondents
Percentages:
None … 1 Respondent, 1.4% Associate’s … 7 Respondents, 9.6%
Some High School … 12 Respondents, 16.4% Bachelor’s … 6 Respondents, 8.2%
30. Survey Results 28
High School … 7 Respondents, 9.6% Master’s … 1 Respondent, 1.4%
GED … 7 Respondents, 9.6% No Response … 6 Respondents, 8.2%
Some College … 26 Respondents, 35.6%
One important result to mention is that a variety of ages was represented among the
survey respondents. No children under the age of 11 were surveyed, but the other age
groupings (11 to 61+) were well represented within the sample. This allowed for a variety
of responses on what the community wants in terms of the community as a whole rather
than just focusing on one specific population or ethnicity.
One concern of the board was the mindset that the TCC is an African American
center. In the past, the TCC did primarily serve this population in Richmond. However, as
the times changed, the area surrounding the TCC became more diverse. The survey results
indicated that approximately 48% of respondents self-identified as White/Caucasian, and
around 33% self-identified as Black/African American. Those who responded to the survey
answered fairly similarly, showing that even though the center may not know what
White/Caucasian Americans want, the desires of White/Caucasian and Black/African
Americans for the center are for the TCC to be a safe, fun place for families and a place for
community involvement and empowerment. These are not just valued by one particular
race or ethnicity, but by a diverse community who desires to be a community again.
More females (63%) responded to the surveys than males (30.1%) during the
survey. The survey groups found that some community members that responded to the
survey during the survey period were mothers that had young children in the home. At one
residence in particular, a woman opted not to respond to the survey because she was
caring for one of her children for a specific issue. However, there was a diverse age range of
ages represented in the surveys showing that mothers of young children were not the only
respondents who desired Townsend to be a safe place for children to attend, grow, learn,
and have fun.
The results showed 35.6% of survey respondents had a high school education or
GED equivalent, and 54.7% had received a college education. 65% of those who received a
college education had completed at least some college. One respondent had received a
Master’s degree. All but one respondent had received at least a high school education, and
six respondents chose not to respond to this question. When asked what programs would
be beneficial to the respondents themselves, there were a 151 responses related to
education, finances, and job preparedness (Respondents were given the option to select
31. Survey Results 29
more than one type of program that would be beneficial). At least 54.7% of respondents
had at least some college, and still responded that they would benefit from the TCC offering
programs related to education, finances, and job preparedness.
The following section contains the responses to the multiple choice survey
questions.
Multiple Choice:
Have you or a family member ever visited the TCC?
33. Survey Results 31
If yes, then how often?
Percentages:
1 Day a Week … 6 Respondents, 8.2% 3+ Days a Week … 21 Respondents, 28.8%
2 Days a Week … 7 Respondents, 9.6% No Response … 39 Respondents, 53.4%
34. Survey Results 32
If no, what has prevented you from attending the TCC?
Percentages
Transportation … 3 Respondents, 4.1% Other … 5 Respondents, 6.8%
No Relevant Programs … 7 Respondents, 9.6% No Response … 48 Respondents,
Unaware of Center … 7 Respondents, 9.6% 65.8%
35. Survey Results 33
No Childcare … 3 Respondents, 4.1%
Do you comfortable attending the TCC?
Percentages:
Yes … 64 Respondents, 87.7%
No … 4 Respondents, 5.5%
No Response … 5 Respondents, 6.8%
36. Survey Results 34
Do you feel comfortable sending your children to the TCC?
Percentages:
Yes … 47 Respondents, 64.4%
No … 4 Respondents, 5.5%
No Response … 6 Respondents, 8.2%
37. Survey Results 35
Have No Children … 16 Respondents, 21.9%
Around 77% of respondents have attended the center at some point in time, or they
and/or a family member attend the center currently, and around 29% of respondents
attend the center three or more times a week for various reasons. Approximately 87% of
respondents responded that they themselves would feel comfortable attending the
Townsend Community Center for various programs and services. However, when asked if
they would feel comfortable sending their children to the center, only 64% of respondents
said that they would feel comfortable sending their children. But, looking at the other
responses to the latter question, around 22% of respondents said that they do not have
children. Seeing as how almost the same number of respondents gave almost the same
responses under “No” and “No Response,” the category of respondents without children
makes up for the difference between the respondents who said they feel comfortable
attending the center themselves, and those who would feel comfortable sending their
children.
Safety was a common theme noticed in the survey results, even though, according to
participants in the focus group, there is a low crime rate in the area. This is contrary to the
negative perception of that area held by other residents of Richmond. Although many
respondents said they would feel comfortable sending their children to the center, these
respondents and others expressed the need for Townsend to be portrayed as a safer place
for children in the community. Perhaps the respondents who marked “No” had other
reasons for not sending their children to the TCC beyond the issue of safety. Some
respondents said that the TCC should be open more often, or for longer. Extending the
amount of time the center is open may increase a sense of safety in security for community
members knowing that their children will be able to be in a safe place for longer periods of
time. Parents whose children go to Townsend while they are at work may feel at ease
knowing their children are safe at the center until they are able to pick them up. Concern
for building maintenance may also be important in ensuring that the center is a safe place
for children and other community members.
The neighborhood surrounding the TCC is a low-income area. Students noticed signs
of a financially repressed community as they walked through the community. Surveying
was difficult on some streets as many houses were foreclosed on or appeared to be
abandoned. Looking at statistics on poverty in the area, 29.6% of adults in Richmond and
42% of children live in poverty (United States Census Bureau, 2015). The ALICE Report is
an annual report compiled by United Way that looks at “individuals and families who are
38. Survey Results 36
working, but are unable to afford the basic necessities…” in several states. ALICE stands for
“Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed” (United Way, 2015).
According to the ALICE Report for Indiana, Richmond was at a 24% poverty rate in
2012, in contrast to the 29.6% mentioned in the United States Census Bureau report. The
ALICE population of Richmond was around 27%, while 49% of the Richmond population
was above the ALICE threshold (p. 122, United Way, 2014). There is an evident need in this
area, seen both in the statistics and in the physical community.
Much of the poverty within Richmond is clustered on the north side of town, where
the TCC is located, and where surveying was conducted. Several other houses were also
very run down, and there were a few beat up vehicles parked on the curbs. Students found
that some community members reacted in a way that seemed their homes and privacy
were being invaded by our surveying endeavors. Those who were responded to the surveys
were very friendly and enthusiastic about participating, but there were also those who
were unhappy to see someone knocking at their door.
39. Survey Results 37
Do you know about the programs/services offered by the TCC?
Percentages:
Yes … 33 Respondents, 45.2%
No … 33 Respondents, 45.2%
No Response … 7 Respondents, 9.6%
40. Survey Results 38
Do you think the TCC is well known in the community?
Percentages:
Yes … 52 Respondents, 71.2%
No … 17 Respondents, 23.3%
41. Survey Results 39
No Response … 4 Respondents, 5.5%
Approximately 77% of respondents said that they or a family member had ever
attended the center, but only 45% of respondents indicated they were aware of programs
that the TCC offers. Perhaps this disconnect may have come from respondents only
attending one time events or not being actively involved in the center. Another likely
answer for this disconnect is that some of the respondents have not been to the center in
years, and are therefore unaware of current programs. Perhapsthis is due to not only poor
advertising in the community, but also due to the fact that the TCC website and social
media sites are not regularly updated. These are valuable resources that the board has at
their fingertips, but are not currently utilizing.
When asked if they knew what programs the TCC currently offers, the survey
respondents shared many similar answers, showing where the TCC may have the most
reach or influence in the community at this time. Basketball, Reid Hospital Medical
Mondays, Deva classes, Zumba, and after school programs were commonly seen responses.
Other programs were mentioned, but these seemed to be the programs that respondents
were most familiar with. The TCC also offers a karate class, which Professor Shelly’s class
witnessed when visiting and surveying on Wednesdays. However, only one respondent
mentioned karate at the center.
Programs that the TCC currently provide include: Reid Hospital Medical Mondays,
After School Programs (Monday through Thursday), Zumba (Tuesdays and Thursdays),
Martial Arts (Wednesdays), Food Bank (three times a month). There is also a Teen
Program that may benefit from restructuring. Along with the availability of the gym for
rent, there are also community rooms that can be rented out for parties and other events.
One theme that was pulled from the Executive Board Meeting on February 4th and the
Focus Group on February 25 is that the TCC does not advertise well, whether out in
Richmond or online. This was also reflected in the survey responses that were collected by
the students. 52% of respondents said that the TCC is well known in the community, but
there were 10 out of 27 common responses (37%) that indicated Townsend is well known
because of their history and past involvement within the community as opposed to what
the center is doing currently.
The majority of respondents had heard of or been to the TCC. However, a small
percentage of respondents had not heard of the TCC, even though they lived within a mile
42. Survey Results 40
radius around the center. Perhaps this is due to a combination of a lack of sufficient
advertisement and community members who, themselves, might not be actively engaged in
their community. Whatever the reasoning, there are members in the community who are
within a very short distance of the center who are unaware of the presence of TCC. In one
instance, a man opted not to respond to the survey because he had no idea what the TCC
was. However, his wife recognized the name of the center right away, but also mentioned
that her children attend the Boys and Girls Club.
The Boys and Girls Club is a competitor for the TCC in terms of securing a solid
presence of safety and security, being well advertised, offering well-established programs
with a steady group of employees and volunteers, and access to more funding. Although the
TCC was well-established in the past, and continues to offer beneficial programs to the
community while also offering a safe environment for community members, members of
the community may choose to send their children to the Boys and Girls Club over
Townsend. The Boys and Girls Club of America has centers all over the United States and
have established an impressive reputation since their founding.
Townsend once held a stellar reputation, and still does to this day. However, again,
10 out of 27 respondents said that Townsend was well known because of the history in the
community of North Richmond. Although not an adequate representation of the entire
community surrounding the center (as not every single occupied residence could be
reached/not everyone agreed to respond to the survey), 37%, or a third of respondents
mentioned Townsend being known for what the center was in the past. In comparison, the
Boys and Girls Club is known for their past presence in communities, but also for the vast
network in which they work within communities today.
Townsend has the important task of re-establishing relevance within the Richmond
Community in order to become the community center they desire to be once again. Perhaps
one of the first ways for the TCC to re-establish this presence is by creating partnerships
with other organizations and by the establishment of new programs, as well as
improvements made on other programs. During the executive board meeting, the hiring of
a paid staff was discussed as a possibility. A paid staff would be able to put in the time and
attention the center needs to re-establish a presence and foster a renewed sense of
community, safety, and fun at the TCC.
One important theme that was pulled from the executive board meeting and the
focus group is that there needs to be more organization in leadership at Townsend.
Understandably enough, volunteers simply do not always have time to devote all of their
43. Survey Results 41
energy to necessary tasks at the center and to be totally available to community members.
A paid staff would open up doors to resources and new ideas that the TCC have been
unable to open or are unable to implement as there is no full time staff to devote their time
and energy to such things. Perhaps this is another reason why the staff does not
understand the need of the community and what population(s) they are actually serving.
Which population within the community do you feel the TCC serves?
Percentages:
Children … 57 Respondents; 24.8%
44. Survey Results 42
Adults … 45 Respondents, 19.6%
Black/African American … 47 Respondents, 20.4%
Hispanic/Latino … 43 Respondents, 18.7%
White/Caucasian … 38 Respondents, 16.5%
Do you think the TCC supports diversity in the community?
Percentages:
Not At All … 3 Respondents, 4.1% No Response … 4 Respondents, 5.5%
45. Survey Results 43
Not Enough … 7 Respondents, 9.6%
I Don’t Know … 14 Respondents, 19.2%
Sometimes … 13 Respondents, 17.8%
Very Much … 32 Respondents, 43.8%
Around 20% of respondents said the TCC serves the Black/African American
population in contrast to around 18% of respondents saying that the TCC serves the
Hispanic/Latino population, and around 16% saying the TCC serves the White/Caucasian
community. However, several other respondents were willing to say that the center serves
all populations, as in the community as a whole. Responding that the TCC serves all
populations takes into account the diversity in the community, and that the TCC desires to
serve the community as a whole.
Around 44% of respondents said the TCC very much supports diversity in the
community. This is in contrast to the idea that the entire community shares the mindset of
the center serving one specific population. From the representation of the community
during the survey period, the reality was that the community may share another mindset –
the TCC serves the community as a whole, no matter race or ethnicity. Survey respondents
were given the option to circle multiple responses for the question of which populations
the center serves, and several respondents, in some instance, circled either “All
Populations” alone, or they circled one or more specific population as well as “All
Populations.” However, one respondent expressed that there should be more diversity
among the staff and volunteers at the TCC.
46. Survey Results 44
Which types of programs would you like to see at the TCC?
Percentages:
Financial … 21 Respondents, 8.0% Fitness Programs … 35 Respondents, 13.3%
47. Survey Results 45
GED Course … 30 Respondents, 11.4% Job Preparation … 33 Respondents, 12.5%
Child Care … 31 Respondents, 11.7% Intramural Sports … 22 Respondents, 8.3%
Health/Nutrition … 25 Respondents, 9.5%
Tutoring … 30 Respondents, 11.4%
After School Programs … 37 Respondents, 14.0%
Townsend was portrayed as a place for children in both the survey results and in
face-to-face conversation with survey respondents during the survey period. However,
other populations were selected as populations served by the TCC. Not only is there a
desire for the center to be a safe place for children, but also for the center to be a safe and
fun place for families and other community members as a whole.
Survey respondents were asked what types of programs would they like to see
implemented at the center/what programs would be beneficial to them. In both the survey
results and face-to-face conversations survey respondents, students learned that members
of the community thought both the community and the TCC would benefit from catering to
the entire family. Fostering a safe, family environment with programs that will involve the
entire family were desired by survey respondents.
Although those who answered appeared eager to discuss making changes and
improvements at the center, 28% of respondents responded that they would not like to
learn more about the center. This may be due to reasons including not wanting to receive
mail or other communication from the center, or perhaps they are not truly interested in
visiting Townsend. A very likely reason may be, however, that the respondents who said
“No” are already aware of Townsend’s presence and know about the programs offered.
In contrast, 56% of respondents wish to hear more about the TCC and what they
have to offer the community. One of the themes taken from the Executive Board Meeting
and the Focus Group is that Townsend has the opportunity to empower these individuals
who are interested in finding out more about the center. After all, 88% of the community
feel safe attending the center, and 77% have attended the TCC in the past, or to this date, or
at least know someone who has. One suggestion made on the surveys for improving
Townsend was that there needs to be community involvement. These individuals, who
have already attended the center and who want to know more, are to whom the TCC should
48. Survey Results 46
turn their focus within the community in order to aid in the empowerment of other
community members and to successfully re-establish the TCC within the community.
Would you be interested in learning more about TCC?
50. Survey Results 48
Respondents were given the option to give input on what changes they would like to
see made at the center. Some of the biggest concerns included a desire for the center to be
open more, a need for the building to be repaired/remodeled, more activities for young
people, community empowerment, and more programs. There was also a suggestion that
Townsend offer transportation for community members to and from the center (although
only three of 73 respondents said that transportation issues kept them from coming to the
center). A lack of sufficient advertisement was also mentioned in both the focus group and
the survey responses.
During the focus group, a need for role models was expressed for both young girls
and young boys. Townsend would be an excellent place for young people to learn how to
lead successful lives, whatever that may mean for them, by learning from role models who
model appropriate behaviors in society, who care for others, and who strive to provide for
themselves and their families through integrity and hard work. There was also a suggestion
for the center to focus on community strengths and to capitalize on them. Role models for
young people who attend the center may be found within the community. There may be
potential staff members in the community, which may also contribute to the diversity of the
staff, as a need for more diversity on the staff at the TCC was mentioned.
Perhaps one of Townsend’s issues comes from not having adequate staffing to meet
all the needs of the center and the community, as was mentioned during the focus group.
The center needs staffing that can focus specifically on tasks like advertising and building
maintenance. Community members who were surveyed seemed to agree that the TCC
could and should be doing more to advertise to the community, as well as repairs and
remodeling done on the building being important to making the center look more
presentable and welcoming to the community. Participants in the focus group also
mentioned that there needs to be a spokesperson for Townsend, or someone who can serve
as the face of the center that the community can familiarize with and relate to. In order to
have this type of staffing in the center, however, the TCC needs to focus on restructuring
and reorganizing to have a system in place to operate smoothly. They must also focus on
how they will pay these specific staff members. If there is no structure or a guarantee of
payment, staff members may be unable to stay on for long.
Participants in the focus group mentioned that the center might offer to host
community events, like showcases showing off local businesses and fun things to do in the
community. This would also provide a chance for residents of Richmond to become aware
of the center, to see what the center looks like inside and out, and to learn about the
programs offered by the center. Focus group participants and survey respondents alike
51. Survey Results 49
expressed a desire for the TCC to reach out into the community and become more involved
rather than expecting community members to just come to them. Also, the TCC should
reach out farther than a one-mile radius around the center – they should reach out to
Richmond as a whole.
Social Work 300 Students at the TCC Focus Group, Wednesday, February 25, 2015.
52. Survey Results 50
Conclusion
Focus group participants and survey respondents were, overall, enthusiastic about
contributing to the improvement of the center. The desire to improve the center is present,
even though community members may not think about the center on a daily basis. Acting
on that desire of community members after an event, like surveying, grabs their attention is
important. Creating a sense of urgency may be what the TCC needs to increase the
involvement of staff and community members alike. Community empowerment is a
valuable tool for Townsend.
The TCC board must work to unite and empower themselves before helping
community members do the same. However, the TCC can be the driving force behind unity
and embracing equality in the community. Townsend is still a part of the community of
North Richmond, and still has the opportunity to play a vital role in uniting the community
to create a sense of community and individual pride, as well as neighborliness and a sense
of responsibility to one another. The Townsend motto still stands, “Still here, still serving,
still needing you” (Townsend Community Center, n.d.). Now they need to be proactive and
live out their motto to re-establish a presence for a community that also needs them.
53. Survey Results 51
Acknowledgments
Board Members:
Cassidy Roeglin, Chairperson of the Board
Tabby Hall, By-Laws Committee Chair
Leah Roller, Policy Committee Chair
Lindi Johnson, Programs Committee Chair, Survey Committee Chair
Keri Kochvar, Fund Development Committee Chair
Vaytta Arroyo, Final Event Committee Chair
Allison Walker, Marketing Committee Chair
Under the Instruction of:
Sandra Shelly, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Colleen Kitterman, Teacher’s Assistant
John O’Connell, Instructor, Mathematical Sciences
Matt Bailey, Project Manager, BBC Fellows
Dr. Glenn Stone, Chairperson of the Department of Social Work
Allison Gillespie, Administrative Coordinator
54. Survey Results 52
Committees
Cassidy Roeglin, Chair
By-Laws Committee
Tabby Hall, Chair
Liz Bowers
Policy Committee
Leah Roller, Chair
Kelsie Addison
Lexi Ford
Kyle Naugle
Programs Committee/Survey Committee
Lindi Johnson, Chair
Mercedes Carr
Laura Ferrari
Victoria Maddox
Fund Development Committee
Keri Kochvar, Chair
Melissa Dawson
Alaina Schmidt
Final Event Committee
Vaytta Arroyo, Chair
Chelsey Sallee
Ashley Trice
Marketing Committee
Allison Walker, Chair
Tyler Andrzejewski
Morgan Carroll
Mercedes Rubow
Cydney Young
55. Survey Results 53
References
Indiana Association of United Ways. (2014, Oct. 31). Key facts and statistics by townships,
indiana, 2012. Retrieved from
http://www.uwci.org/files/file/14uw-alice-report-ind-lowres-10-31-14.pdf.
Townsend Community Center. (2015, Feb. 25). [Focus group]. Richmond, Indiana.
Participants: Professionals from Richmond.
Townsend Community Center. (n.d.). By line. Retrieved from
http://www.waynet.org/waynet/spotlight/2001/010416-townsend.htm.
United States Census Bureau. (2015). State and county quick facts. Retrieved from
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18/1864260.html.
