A CGR evaluation of the impact of 2007 reforms in workers’ compensation finds that while benefits to workers have increased as envisioned, cost savings have largely failed to materialize, and overall costs have continued to rise. Implementation of reforms has proceeded slowly, and several key cost-cutting reforms, such as medical treatment guidelines and limits on benefits to permanently partially disabled workers, haven’t fully taken effect.

CGR was engaged by Rochester (NY) AmeriCorps to assess how to make the best use of their members to target improving educational outcomes for Rochester students, and also to determine how their sites can best measure members’ impact.  AmeriCorps offices are required to conduct an external evaluation to ensure that their members are well placed and supported and are “getting things done” in their communities. CGR’s assessment for Rochester AmeriCorps aligns with the federal Corporation for National and Community Service’s new strategic focus on educational outcomes and evaluation.

CGR recently completed a 17-month engagement with the relatively new Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund to design and implement an evaluation of primary prevention activities – ranging from trainings for contractors, homeowners and landlords  to a media campaign – aimed at reducing childhood lead poisoning. CGR assisted staff with developing an evaluation plan and providing technical assistance to grantees engaged in primary prevention efforts across the state.  A key aspect of our work involved helping the fund articulate the processes, goals and intermediate steps to assess in order to ensure the fund is moving toward its goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning. The evaluation plan is also designed to minimize reporting burdens for grantees, take into account different local approaches, and allow flexibility as a program develops over time.

An evaluation of Western NY AmeriCorps’ ABLE program (AmeriCorps Builds Lives through Education) found evidence of a strong community impact on the Buffalo region. CGR’s evaluation, which included surveys, focus groups, interviews, site visits, and data analysis, met requirements of the Corporation for National & Community Service. CGR also provided staff with new insights about program operations and impact.

A network of 35 nonprofit Independent Living Centers operate some 50 sites in NY that serve residents with disabilities. NYS has found these nonprofit organizations save taxpayers millions of dollars annually in avoided institutionalized care costs. In 2008, the centers’ statewide association engaged CGR to conduct a needs assessment. Our report identifies underserved geographic areas, significant inequities in operating costs and resources across regions, and barriers that impact some rural, immigrant and racial/ethnic populations. CGR offers recommendations for the future.