From as far away as California to as nearby as the office across the street, more than a dozen organizations sought assistance from The Center for Community Solutions in 2021. Our experts conduct research, perform analysis, produce content, and provide advice. The pace and breadth of people reaching out for help has only increased during the pandemic, as the health and social services sector grapples with rapidly changing circumstances.
Our experts conduct research, perform analysis, produce content, and provide advice.
Mapping and demographics analysis to identify the best COVID clinic locations
One of our fastest projects could have been the most impactful. In just a few days in early 2021, we produced a series of maps showing the concentrations of certain demographic groups for a long-term partner who used them to identify where Covid vaccine clinics should be located. When they didn’t have the analysis and mapping capacity in-house, they turned to Community Solutions.
Pairing official records with community input and engagement
In more comprehensive projects we are often trying to assess needs and quantify community conditions. We compile data from a variety of sources (our favorite is the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey), but often available information only answers some questions. In those cases, we go to the source and ask people in the community with lived experience, usually via surveys or actually talking to them in focus groups, round tables, and interviews.
We’ve noticed that there are times when being on Zoom allows us to hear from more voices, because there can be a robust conversation in the chat in addition to what is spoken.
Thoughtful surveys are an essential part of our work. We mailed thousands of surveys to older adults in Lorain County for one assessment, and collected hundreds of online responses from people struggling with food insecurity for another. Shifting away from in-person group conversations and learning to conduct productive facilitated conversations in the virtual environment has been interesting. We’ve noticed that there are times when being on Zoom allows us to hear from more voices, because there can be a robust conversation in the chat in addition to what is spoken.
Part of our mission is to support yours
As a small and nonpartisan nonprofit organization, we have to be selective about the work we take on. Our clients are almost exclusively nonprofits, philanthropic funders, or public agencies. Every single project relates to our mission and the vast majority align with our priority issues. In 2022, will be working with groups seeking to advance maternal and infant health, improve the well-being of older adults, strengthen the social services safety net, and ensure Ohio has strong Medicaid policies.
If you are interested in learning more or have an area where you think Community Solutions’ experts can help, please reach out.
