Center for the Greater Good has developed comprehensive outcomes in categories like health, education, and economic stability based on over 1,000 hours of research. They measure outcomes rather than just attendance at programs. They have created lists of interventions and indicators for each desired outcome. Foundations can choose from core and enhanced programs to create social services plans tailored to community needs. Measurements track indicators to assess the true impact of programs. If programs are ineffective, they can be improved or replaced to ensure accountability. Regular reporting and public availability of the process and measurements enable transparency.

1. CITIZENS FIRST HOUSING
Measurements and Outcomes
Written by Ravi Hanumara
www.CenterforGreaterGood.com | contact@centergg.com | 410 East State Street Eagle, ID 83616

2. Measurements and Outcomes
Center for the Greater Good has done over a thousand hours of research into best practices and
programs to develop a comprehensive set of outcomes under categories such as Health, Education,
Economic Stability and Social Responsibility. Outcomes range from reducing eviction rates, increasing
education levels, improving overall health to increasing a sense of community, green outcomes
and encouraging entrepreneurship. Our approach ensures that measurements are based on
outcomes rather than the typical approach of simply measuring impact by attendance at scheduled
programming.
Center for the Greater Good, in collaboration with seasoned social service providers, has created a list
of interventions for each desired outcome. Also, for each desired outcome, we have created a list of
affected indicators to be measured. Furthermore, the interventions are categorized into two menus -
Core Programs and Enhanced Programs.
Foundations and investors can recommend and coordinators can choose from the typical programs
offered in many communities (Core) as well as specific programs based on area needs (Enhanced
programs) to create an integrated social services plan based on the desired outcomes. Once the
interventions are in place, the corresponding indicators are measured and provide an indication of
the impact for that particular community.
True Impact
While we do track attendance, our measurements are designed to measure the effectiveness of the
programs. Each of the outcomes are mapped with specific indicators to assess the true impact and
effectiveness of the social services. For example, in the case of an after-school program, math scores,
reading scores, report cards (GPA), vandalism rates, substance abuse rates, juvenile arrest rates, high
school graduation rates, and grade retention rates are measured.
Accountability
Based on the metrics, progress towards outcomes can be accurately assessed. In case a particular
social service program does not show significant progress towards the desired outcomes, the
program can be re-analyzed, reinforced with additional resources, or replaced by another, more
effective program. This keeps the providers accountable for ensuring the efficiency and efficacy of the
programs they provide.
Transparency
Measurements also serve the purpose of making the outcomes of any community completely
transparent. Technology tools coupled with scientific data analysis will be used to provide regular
progress reporting to foundations and investors.
In addition to providing these reports, Center for the Greater Good will also make the process of
creating the integrated social service plan as well as the resulting measurements publicly available so
that the model can be replicated in other communities.
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