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.

NYS is implementing a regional network of 2-1-1 call centers.  Part of a national movement, 2-1-1 will serve as the number to call to access community information and referral services for non-emergency situations. Working collaboratively with regional and state leaders, CGR identified 8 desired outcomes to provide 2-1-1 with a vision of where it is going, and a plan for measuring progress toward each outcome.