From the Ground Up: How to Effectively Merge Research and Practice to Build Impactful Community Programs

BTSU 314

The purpose of this presentation is to guide those interested in working in community non-profits through the program development process. Furthermore, this presentation highlights the importance of using an evidence-based eye when building programs--bridging what has been learned in the classroom with real world, hands on experience. The presentation will focus on the presenter's academic and professional journey to being responsible for building a program from the ground up--focusing on what was learned along the way. In this presentation, participants will be walked through the process that guided the development of Delaware County's Caregiver Program. Information will be shared regarding how to effectively utilize literature, research, create meaningful logic models, increase program enrollment, and track program outcomes to ensure program sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to review program data as well as engage in discussions about identifying community needs and collaborating with community partners to ensure programmatic success.