Roadmaps for Making a Difference:
Lessons from Successful Community-Based Programs for Children, Youth, and Families

Abstract

Because of difficulties that many community-based projects have in sustaining their programs, understanding those programs that have been highly successful can serve as roadmaps for planning, implementation, and sustainability. While what transpires in a successful program cannot necessarily be transferred to any other community situation, nevertheless there are lessons that can be effectively applied. This study highlights seven programs designed to support at-risk children, youth, and families. They were chosen from a larger pool of 46 programs that had been identified as successful. These seven programs were selected for more in-depth analysis because they had strong partnerships with other organizations, provided multi-level services, included program participants in program planning and delivery, operated from an asset-based perspective, were participant-focused, demonstrated accountability through evaluation, and had visionary leadership. Key characteristics of these programs are presented and implications are drawn for developing, implementing, and sustaining successful programs.

Copies of this paper are available from:

Jay A. Mancini, Ph.D.
Department of Human Development
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
303 Wallace Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
mancini@vt.edu

Evaluation Page CYFERNet Home Page

For more information contact cyf@umn.edu.