care team assessment

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CARE Team:The Community Asset & Resource Engagement Team

Assessment & Evaluation of Effectiveness for 2009-2010

By:Pam Kummerer

University of ToledoM.S.W. StudentApril 28, 2010

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Executive Summary

The purpose of this paper is to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the CARE Team (The Community Asset & Resource Engagement Team) at reaching Lucas County residents in situational poverty; in need of food and services. The CARE Team was developed as a grassroots effort to help people in these difficult times get connected to community resources and services. According to survey results the CARE Team has been successful at reaching Lucas County residents in need of food and community services during these difficult economic times. As many families are still struggling with financial hardship, the program should continue to be offered in various locations throughout Lucas County.

The CARE Team is a collaboration of many local agencies, which take the needed services to the people in the community.

The goal of CARE Team is to reach individuals and families in need of food and services, particularly those new to situational poverty, and may not know how to obtain the needed services.

The CARE Team targets a different neighborhood each month. Which neighborhood to target is determined though the use of data from the DEN (Data Evaluation Network), Job & Family Services and United Way 2-1-1 as well as a discussion among the partner agencies.

The CARE Team model has been an effective intervention in reaching individuals and families in need. The number of individuals served at each event varies, with a low of 40 to a high of 163 served. On average 93 families and individuals were served at each event.

At the December 2009 CARE Team which took place at the Maumee Senior Center, individuals where asked to complete a survey. Results indicate that The CARE Team has been effective at reaching individuals new to situational poverty.

According to the survey, 58% of the participants reported they were not currently receiving services from a social service agency. Eighty-seven percent report they would use these services in the future, and 97% of the participants found coming to the CARE Team to be helpful.

The results indicated that the two tables which had the most visitors were the Census Bureau and Read for Literacy (Books for Kids) with 67.7% and 74.2% respectively, of participants visiting their tables. Although reasons for visiting tables were not addressed on the survey, it is important to note that these two agencies give away free items, such as cups/mugs, carry bags, and books.

To increase the number of participants visiting the agency tables, a raffle was implemented. Through observation, it was noticed that more people were at the tables talking with the agency staff. Also, agency staff was asked if they noticed

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any difference with the number of people visiting their table with the raffle ticket. Agency staff said they definitely noticed more people were stopping by their table and asking questions.

A follow up survey was conducted at the April 2010 CARE Team event held at The Hungarian Club of Toledo, to determine if the raffle ticket had increased the number of participants visiting the agency tables.

Results of the follow up survey indicated an increase in the number of individual visiting the tables, with five agencies having more than 50% of the participants visiting their table. In addition, all agency tables had been visited by 21% of the participants or more.

The CARE Team has been successful at reaching Lucas County residents in need of food and services during these difficult economic times.

As many families are still struggling with financial hardship, the program should continue to be offered in various locations throughout Lucas County.

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CARE Team:The Community Asset & Resource Engagement Team

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the CARE Team (The Community Asset & Resource Engagement Team) at reaching individuals in need of food and community resources to meet their daily needs.

CARE Team Background

The CARE Team (The Community Asset & Resource Engagement Team) was developed by Commissioner Skeldon Wozniak as a grassroots effort to help people in these difficult times get connected to community resources and services. It was based on the belief that people new to situational poverty tend to shy away from getting help or have barriers, such as transportation, keeping them from obtaining the needed services. Therefore, it is the belief of the CARE Team that in order to reach the citizens in need of services, these services must be taken out into the community, specifically targeting neighborhoods with the greatest need, and the least amount of community resources. It is believed that this is the only grassroots program of its kind.

The CARE Team is a collaboration of many local agencies, which take community resources to citizens in need. Each month the CARE Team is held in a different struggling neighborhood to reach those in need within Lucas County. Along with getting connected to services, Food for Thought, a mobile food pantry provides food to those in need. Food For Thought is a unique mobile food pantry, which gives individuals choices as to what food items they will receive. They provide non-perishable food items, fresh produce, bakery items and personal care items.

Agency Partners

United Way 2-1-1 Jobs & Family Services Read for Literacy OSU – Family Nutrition Program Area Office on Aging – Kinship

Navigator YWCA – Child Care Resource &

Referral “The Source” - Lucas County

Workforce Development

ABLE/Legal Aid Neighborhood Health Associations Unison Health Insurance 1 Matters Lucas County Health Department Census Bureau Food For Thought Aids Resource Center Buckeye Health Insurance Social Security Administration

Due to recruitment and agency staffing and financial issue, the agencies present at each CARE Team can vary.

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Philosophies & Goals of CARE Team

The following are the primary philosophies behind the CARE Team. 1) In the current state of the economy, many people are finding themselves in poverty for the first time. 2) Those that are new to poverty often do not know “the system” or are unfamiliar with the social services available and how to access them. And, 3) People in situational poverty often have barriers making it difficult for them to get to the needed services. For example, they may have transportation issues which keep them from getting to the services. People in situational poverty may also have emotional barriers, such as embarrassment or shame, keeping them from seeking out services. Therefore, by taking the services out, into the communities, some of these barriers can be overcome.

Although obtaining food is a primary and basic need for individuals in poverty, the goal is to provide food and basic needs for the short term, and services to provide sustainability and independence in the long term. To do this individuals are encouraged to visit all agency tables, to learn about services they can use currently or in the future. Although individuals will not need all the services available, the more tables they visit, the more likely they are to find appropriate and sustainable services for their needs. For example, by visiting the Neighborhood Health Association table and getting their blood pressure checked, may lead them to a follow-up health care appointment if a concern was found. Location & Promotion of CARE Team

The CARE Team targets a different neighborhood each month. Which neighborhood to target is determined though a discussion among the partner agencies. Data from the DEN report (Data Evaluation Network), information from Jobs and Family Services regarding increases in new applications, data from United Way 2-1-1 regarding high call neighborhoods, personal knowledge, and word of moth to determine which neighborhood to target.

To promote the CARE Team, United Way canvases the neighborhood leaving flyers at homes/apartments to announce the upcoming event. Flyers are also faxed to social service agencies, schools, and churches in the neighborhood. On several occasions, announcements where made during church services and printed in the church bulletin.

Unfortunately, there have been months when the turnout for the event has been somewhat small. Therefore, there have been a few occasions when a press release was sent to the local news media. However, when media alerts have been made, the turnout is usually too large. A very large turnout causes congestion at the event, a very long wait for individuals getting food, and a shortage of food. This causes a struggle each month trying to determine if a media announcement should be made or not. Obviously the CARE Team want to serve as many people as it can, but not having enough food is definitely a problem.

Number Served

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The CARE Team model has been an effective intervention in reaching individuals and families in need. In 2009, there were 11 CARE Team Events held at various locations throughout Lucas County. The number of individuals served at each event varies, with a low of 40 to a high of 137 served. On average 87 families and individuals were served at each event. Throughout 2009, nearly 1,000 families were served throughout Lucas County.

The CARE Team is continuing to grow; in 2010, the Lucas County Health Department has joined the CARE Team to provide free H1N1 vaccines. The first CARE Team of 2010 was a success with 163 families being served and 113 individuals receiving the H1N1 vaccine.

MonthFamilies Served Location Area

January 137 Salem Lutheran North ToledoFebruary 108 Friendship Park Senior Ctr. Point Place

March 40 New Harvest OregonApril 81 W. Lucas Co. Clinic HollandMay 120 Friendship Baptist West ToledoJune 73 Mayores Senior Ctr. South Toledo

August 52 Grace Church West ToledoSeptember 120 Fairgreen Presbyterian West Toledo

October 70 W. Lucas Co. Clinic HollandNovember 74 Ability Ctr. SylvaniaDecember 90 Maumee Senior Ctr. Maumee

Average (2009) 87.7

January 163 St. Peter & Paul's South ToledoFebruary 84 Census Event- Mayores S. Toledo/Census

March 50 Indiana Baptist Old West EndApril 130 Hungarian Club East Side

Average (2010) 106.8 Average (09-10) 92.8

CARE Team Survey #1

At the December 2009 CARE Team which took place at the Maumee Senior Center, individuals where asked to complete a survey. Individuals were given the survey after visiting the agency tables and were asked to complete the survey while they waited to be registered for the food pantry. There were a total of 31 participants who completed the survey, out of approximately 90 families served.

Survey #1 Results

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One item on the survey asked participants how they heard about the CARE Team event. Only 3.2% of the participants reported learning about the event from a flyer left at their home. The majority (71%) of the participants reported they learned of the CARE Team from word of mouth.

The CARE Team has been effective at reaching individuals new to poverty. According to the survey, 58% of the participants reported they were not currently receiving services from a social service agency. Eighty-seven percent report they would use these services in the future, and 97% of the participants found coming to the CARE Team to be helpful.

Another item on the survey asked participants which agency tables they visited. The following graph shows the percent of participants reporting to have visited each agency table.

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The two tables which had the most visitors were the Census Bureau and Read for Literacy (Books for Kids) with 67.7% and 74.2% respectively, of participants visiting their tables. Although reasons for visiting tables were not addressed on the survey, it is important to note that these two agencies give away free items, such as cups/mugs, carry bags, and books.

Increasing Visits to Agency Tables

One issue that has been noticed is that people are concerned about getting food, so they do not visit the tables, but stand in the food registration line. The team understands the basic and primary need individuals have for food, but by visiting the tables they could get connected to services that would help them for a longer period of time.

To help ensure people that they would receive food, even if they didn’t go directly to the registration line, colored flyers are passed out. The colored flyers are handed out at the door as their “ticket for food” and presented to staff when they register for food. The color that is being registered is announced and people must wait for their color to be called before they can register for food. There are 10 flyers of each color, so even if they are the last person in line with that color, there can only be 9 other people/families in front of them. We encourage people to visit the tables while they wait for their color to be called. Unfortunately, many people still go stand in line and do not visit the tables.

As a team, different ideas of how to get people to visit the tables were discussed. In the end, the team decided on a raffle. The individual takes the raffle ticket to the tables and after having it marked off by at least 4 agencies, they qualify to be in the raffle. The raffle is held hourly, and agencies were asked to bring in their “give away” items to make the prize.

March 2010 was the first CARE Team event using the raffle ticket. Although there was not a big turnout for the event, the raffle ticket seemed to be successful. Through observation, this writer noticed more people were at the tables talking with the agency staff. Also, agency staff was asked if they noticed any difference with the number of people visiting their table with the raffle ticket. All but one agency said they definitely noticed more people were stopping by their table and asking questions. The agency that did not notice much of a difference was “Read for Literacy”; however she always had a high number of people stopping at her table. Nevertheless, she did say she noticed that more people were visiting the other agency tables. One agency staff said that the people seemed excited or even proud to get their raffle ticket stamped.

CARE Team Survey # 2

A follow up survey was administered at the April 2010 CARE Team which took place at the Hungarian Club of Toledo. The primary purpose of this survey was to determine if the use of the raffle ticket had increased the number of participants visiting the agency tables.

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Changes and revisions to the survey were made to obtain addition/different information. The changes in the second survey were:

oWe wanted to determine race of participantsoWe wanted to determine age group of participantsoWe wanted to know if they have children living in their homeoWe eliminated the zip code question because it was determined to be less

important since people could work in the area but live elsewhereIndividuals were given the survey after visiting the agency tables and were asked to complete the survey while they waited to be registered for the food pantry. There were a total of 74 participants who completed the survey, out of approximately 130 families served.

Survey #2 Results

One item on the survey asked participants how they had heard of the CARE Team event. Although word of mouth was still the most common means (43%), the number of people hearing of the event through a flyer left at their house had increased significantly. In the first survey, 3% reported receiving a flyer at home, while in the second survey, 23% reported receiving a flyer at home.

Since the April CARE Team was held in a neighborhood with a high concentration of families from Hungarian decent, the majority of participants were Caucasian (66%). The remaining 34% were African American, Hispanic/Latino, Biracial, or other, as shown in the graph below.

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The age of the participants varied, with the highest representation (28%) being individual age 40 – 49, and the second highest representation (23%) being individuals age 30-39.

The CARE Team has been effective at reaching both individuals as well as families. Fifty-eight percent of the participants reported to having children under the age of 18 living in their home. The April CARE Team served individuals new to poverty, or not currently receiving services (47%), as well as individuals who are currently receiving services from a social service agency (46%). Eighty-eight percent report they would use these services in the future, and 92% of the participants found coming to the CARE Team to be helpful.

The raffle ticket did appear to increase the number of participants visiting the agency tables. In the first survey, only two agency tables (The Census Bureau and Read for Literacy) had been visited by more than 50% of the participants. However, in the second survey, five agencies (United Way, Jobs and Family Services, YWCA, The Census Bureau, and Read for Literacy) had been visited by more than 50% of the participants. In

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addition, in the first survey, five agency tables (Neighborhood Health Association, AIDS Resource Center, ABLE, Kinship Navigator, and Unison Health Insurance) had been visited by less than 20% of the participants, while in the second survey, all tables had been visited by 21% of the participants or more.

Because of recruitment, and changes in agency staffing issues, the same agencies were not present during both surveys. Below is a graph showing the change in visits to agency tables, for the agencies that were present for both surveys.

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Summary

The CARE Team has been held at various locations throughout Lucas County starting in January 2009. An average number of 93 individuals and families have been served at each CARE Team event. Survey results indicate that it has been effective in reaching individuals new to poverty. According to the surveys, 58% and 46% (respectively) of the participants reported they were not currently receiving services from a social service agency. In both surveys 87% and 88% of the participants report they would use these services in the future, and 97% and 92% of the participants found coming to the CARE Team to be helpful.

To increase the number of participants visiting the agency tables, a raffle was implemented. Through observation, it was noticed that more people were at the tables talking with the agency staff. Also, through a follow up survey, it was determined that there was an increase in the number of people visiting the tables.

The CARE Team has been successful at reaching Lucas County residents in need of food and services during these difficult economic times. As many families are still struggling with financial hardship, the program should continue to be offered in various locations throughout Lucas County.

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Appendix

Survey SamplesFrequency Tables

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CARE TeamCommunity Resource Survey (#1 Dec. 2009)

Please fill out this anonymous survey to help us evaluate and improve on the services brought to you today through the CARE Team.

How did you hear about the CARE Team (today’s event)? _____Flyer left at your house_____Flyer posted at local agency or church_____Flyer posted at school_____Word of mouth_____Local news station_____Other (please list)__________________

What is your zip code?______________

Are you currently receiving services/assistance from any agency? ____ yes ____ no

Which tables did you visit today at the CARE Team? (Mark all that apply)____ United Way 2-1-1____ Job & Family Services (food & cash assistance)____ Neighborhood Health Associations (nurse taking blood pressure)____ AIDS Resource Center ____ The Census Bureau ____ ABLE/ Legal Aid____ Books for Kids/ Read for Literacy ____ Kinship Navigator/ Area Office on Aging____ Unison Health Insurance

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____ Food for Though/food pantry____ Other

Are you planning on using any of the services in the future? ____ yes ____ no

Was coming to this CARE Team event today helpful? ____ yes ____ no

What additional services would you have liked information about?

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Comments/Suggestions

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your time and input!!!

Community Resource Survey (#2 April 2010)

Please fill out this anonymous survey to help us evaluate and improve on the services brought to you today through the CARE Team.

How did you hear about the CARE Team (today’s event)? ____ Flyer left at your house ____ Local news station____ Flyer posted at church or bulletin ____ Flyer posted at local agency____ Flyer posted at school ____ Other (please list)____________________ Word of mouth

What is your race? (Optional)____ Asian _____ Hispanic/Latino____ Black/ African American _____ More than one race____ White _____ Other

What is your age?_____ 19 or under _____ 30 - 39 _____ 50 - 59_____ 20 - 29 _____ 40 - 49 _____ 60 and over

Do you have children under age 18 living in your home? ____ yes ____no

Are you currently receiving services/assistance from any agency? ____ yes ____ no

Which tables did you visit today at the CARE Team? (Mark all that apply)____ United Way 2-1-1____ Job & Family Services (food & cash assistance)____ Neighborhood Health Associations (nurse taking blood pressure)____ YWCA Child Resource & Referral

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____ The Census Bureau ____ ABLE/ Legal Aid____ Books for Kids/ Read for Literacy ____ Kinship Navigator/ Area Office on Aging____ Family Nutrition Program (recipes) ____ Lucas County Health Department____ Other

Are you planning on using any of the services in the future? ____ yes ____ no

Was coming to this CARE Team event today helpful? ____ yes ____ no

Comments/Suggestions

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your time and input!!!

Frequency Tables – Survey #1

How did you hear about Care Team?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent

Cumulative

Percent

Valid home 1 3.2 3.2 3.2

news 1 3.2 3.2 6.5

other 6 19.4 19.4 25.8

school 1 3.2 3.2 29.0

word of mouth 22 71.0 71.0 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

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what is your zip code?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 43528 2 6.5 6.7 6.7

43537 2 6.5 6.7 13.3

43551 1 3.2 3.3 16.7

43605 4 12.9 13.3 30.0

43606 1 3.2 3.3 33.3

43607 3 9.7 10.0 43.3

43608 1 3.2 3.3 46.7

43609 5 16.1 16.7 63.3

43611 1 3.2 3.3 66.7

43615 7 22.6 23.3 90.0

43616 2 6.5 6.7 96.7

43619 1 3.2 3.3 100.0

Total 30 96.8 100.0

Missing System 1 3.2

Total 31 100.0


Are you receiving services form an agency


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 2 6.5 6.5 6.5

no 18 58.1 58.1 64.5

yes 11 35.5 35.5 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

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Are you planning on using these services in the future?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 4 12.9 12.9 12.9

yes 27 87.1 87.1 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

Was coming to Care Team helpful?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 1 3.2 3.2 3.2

yes 30 96.8 96.8 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

United Way table


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 20 64.5 64.5 64.5

yes 11 35.5 35.5 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0


JFS table


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 17 54.8 54.8 54.8

yes 14 45.2 45.2 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

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Neighborhood health association


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 27 87.1 87.1 87.1

yes 4 12.9 12.9 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

Aids Resource Center


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 29 93.5 93.5 93.5

yes 2 6.5 6.5 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

Census Bureau


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 10 32.3 32.3 32.3

yes 21 67.7 67.7 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0


ABLE


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 26 83.9 83.9 83.9

yes 5 16.1 16.1 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

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Books for Kids


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 8 25.8 25.8 25.8

yes 23 74.2 74.2 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

Kinship Navigator


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 25 80.6 80.6 80.6

yes 6 19.4 19.4 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

Unison Health Ins


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 27 87.1 87.1 87.1

yes 4 12.9 12.9 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0


Food for Thought


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 11 35.5 35.5 35.5

yes 20 64.5 64.5 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0

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Other


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 27 87.1 87.1 87.1

yes 4 12.9 12.9 100.0

Total 31 100.0 100.0


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How did you hear about Care Team?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid agency 2 2.7 2.7 2.7

flyer at church 4 5.4 5.4 8.1

Flyer at house 17 23.0 23.0 31.1

other – Kinship Navigator 2 2.7 2.7 33.8

other 9 12.2 12.2 45.9

other - seen people 8 10.8 10.8 56.8

word of mouth 32 43.2 43.2 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

what is your race


Cumulative

Percent

Valid Black/Afriacan American 10 13.5 13.5 13.5

Hispanic/Latino 6 8.1 8.1 21.6

More than one race 7 9.5 9.5 31.1

Other 2 2.7 2.7 33.8

White 49 66.2 66.2 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Frequency Tables – Survey # 2

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age


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 19- or under 7 9.5 9.7 9.7

20-29 12 16.2 16.7 26.4

30-39 17 23.0 23.6 50.0

40-49 21 28.4 29.2 79.2

50-59 8 10.8 11.1 90.3

60 and over 7 9.5 9.7 100.0

Total 72 97.3 100.0


Total 74 100.0

children at home


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 29 39.2 42.0 42.0

yes 40 54.1 58.0 100.0

Total 69 93.2 100.0


Total 74 100.0

Are you receiving services form an agency


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 5 6.8 6.8 6.8

no 35 47.3 47.3 54.1

yes 34 45.9 45.9 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0


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Are you planning on using these services in the future?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 4 5.4 5.4 5.4

no 5 6.8 6.8 12.2

yes 65 87.8 87.8 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Was coming to Care Team helpful?


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 3 4.1 4.1 4.1

no 3 4.1 4.1 8.1

yes 68 91.9 91.9 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

United Way table


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 19 25.7 25.7 25.7

yes 55 74.3 74.3 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

JFS table


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 30 40.5 40.5 40.5

yes 44 59.5 59.5 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0


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Neighborhood health association


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 44 59.5 59.5 59.5

yes 30 40.5 40.5 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

YWCA Child Resource & Referral


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 36 48.6 48.6 48.6

yes 38 51.4 51.4 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Census Bureau


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 34 45.9 45.9 45.9

yes 40 54.1 54.1 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

ABLE


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 48 64.9 64.9 64.9

yes 26 35.1 35.1 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0


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Books for Kids


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 35 47.3 47.3 47.3

yes 39 52.7 52.7 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Kinship Navigator


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 56 75.7 75.7 75.7

yes 18 24.3 24.3 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Family Nutrition Program


Cumulative

Percent

Valid no 48 64.9 64.9 64.9

yes 26 35.1 35.1 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

Lucas County Health Department


Cumulative

Percent

Valid 1 47 63.5 63.5 63.5

2 27 36.5 36.5 100.0

Total 74 100.0 100.0

care team assessment

Health & Medicine

care team page

care team event

care team model

goal of care team

need of services

needed services

agency tables

need of food