At Seeds of Learning in Pagosa Springs, the toddlers giggle, play, nap, snack and learn. The well-trained teachers and academic programs foster positive child development.
The staff members care deeply about outcomes for these children, 83 percent of whom have been identified as from low or low-to-moderate income families. Teachers want to know that they have made a difference, which is why they have partnered with the Archuleta School District to track these little ones through the third grade to examine their outcomes.
The results show what their guts told them – these kids are doing well. In fact, the average graduate of Seeds scores in the 75th to 85th percentile of their kindergarten through third-grade classes. Nice work!
Seeds is a United Way partner agency that works to make positive changes in our community. To become a partner agency, an organization must undergo a rigorous application process that includes examination of an organization’s operations, finances and effect on the community it serves.
The Nest Child Advocacy Center in Cortez is also making a difference. The Nest works with children who have had significant Adverse Childhood Experiences such as physical or sexual abuse. The Nest worked with about 73 children last year who were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their ACE. The goal of their program is to use Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce the effects of PTSD so that these kids are more likely to avoid future negative consequences of untreated trauma such as substance abuse or depression. Of those children served with the full protocol of treatment, 100 percent exited the program with no signs of PTSD. Wow!
It is tough to put a price those results. In the nonprofit world, we talk about “keeping overhead low,” which helps to keep us operating efficiently.
However, it is even more important to make sure we are achieving positive results. Next time you consider a donation to an organization, be sure to look at the evaluation of its achievements. Can it tell you how it made a difference?
In La Plata County, we are lucky to have the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. It pairs at-risk youths with adult mentors to provide friendship, fun and encouragement through life’s challenges. This model works! In 2012, the Littles (children) showed measured academic improvement, increased self-confidence and improved ability to express themselves, among other positive results.
Additionally, a long-term study by Harris Interactive in 2009 found Littles from the program were 75 percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than non-mentored children, and 52 percent of Littles reported that their Big (adult mentor) kept them from dropping out of school. These results show the benefits to the Littles, but undoubtedly, there are benefits to the Bigs and the community as a whole. Good job!
There are many other great results out there. As United Way builds partnerships for the future, we will continue to look for those organizations that operate well and show positive results for our communities.
Lynn Urban is president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado.
