Introduction
In May 2003, United Way of Greater Duluth
convened a group of partners representing non-profit, governmental,
education and other community-based service providers to discuss
the possibility of undertaking a collaborative needs assessment focused on
essential human services. A combination of an economic recession and weak
recovery,
a state budget crisis accompanied by reduction in local government
services, and shrinking foundation resources were having a significant
impact on the partners' ability to meet the needs of their clients, especially
low income people. Partners wanted a centralized place in the public domain
to access accurate, reliable and timely data that would track indicators
over time and provide them with the tools they needed as they sought to raise
resources and advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations as well as
the population as a whole in the region. This was accomplished through
the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders, United Way of Greater Duluth
and the Center for Community & Regional Research (UMD).
Why is this project important?
Collection of secondary and primary
data is a very important part of this collaborative effort, but represents only
a portion of the overall goal. The ultimate goal of this project is to improve
the well-being of our community, especially for vulnerable populations. The assessment
process will serve as a catalyst for increased collaboration, joint planning
and cooperation at all levels. Instead of independent sectors directing their
own initiatives and resources to meet particular needs, entities
can effectively and efficiently address community needs by working
together.
With an ever-increasing emphasis to view and work within the Duluth-Superior
area as a region, one of the other exciting and unique parts of this project
can be found in the broad base of community partners
that have committed to this effort - on both sides of the bridge. The energy
resulting from this broad partnership will powerfully impact this area in many
ways and at a variety of levels. A centralized,
consistent, and up-to-date source for accessing local data and identifying the
changing needs of the community will inevitably spur increased collaboration
and planning across the broader community, region and state.
Project Vision and Purpose
The collaborative efforts of
the Regional Assessment Partnership will result in better
and more available data for nonprofits and planning
agencies, a broad assessment of unmet needs in
the Duluth-Superior area, an ongoing measurable tool
to document community needs and opportunities
for collaboration.
Major Categories
Key indicators
were identified and data collected in each of
the following areas:
