Clemson University's Strong Communities program oversees a comprehensive research and evaluation program that examines both processes and outcomes. The program is led by professors Jim McDonnell and Asher Ben-Arieh, who conduct community surveys of parents with children in middle and elementary schools three times a year. Strong Communities aims to provide support services to families with young children to prevent child maltreatment. The Strong Communities evaluation covers 10 areas through studies of processes like organizational involvement and volunteers, and outcomes such as a neighborhood observation study, school and family study, and child injuries and illness study.

1. Evaluation Program of Strong
Communities
By Michael Wolfe, Greenville SC

2. Introduction
• Fundraiser and financial planner Michael Wolfe previously
served as pastor in Greenville, SC, for more than a decade,
during which time he led his church in becoming a
community center for local families in need. Alongside his
service in Greenville, SC, Michael Wolfe supports nonprofit
organizations such as Clemson University's Strong
Communities.
Clemson University's Strong Communities oversees a
comprehensive research and evaluation program that looks at
both processes and outcomes. The project operates under the
leadership of professors Jim McDonnell and Asher Ben-Arieh,
who also conduct a community survey of parents with
children in middle and elementary schools three times a year.

3. Strong Communities
• Through these efforts, Strong Communities aims to
provide support services to families with young children,
thereby forestalling maltreatment of the children
The Strong Communities' evaluation covers 10
important areas with its studies. Its process evaluation
covers areas such as organizational involvement and
volunteers. The outcome evaluations include a
neighborhood observation study, school and family
study, child injuries and illness study, and strong
families study. These studies look at vital questions
about the results of volunteer efforts and the benefits
families receive from various activities.