Citation

Barton WH, Powers GT, Morris ES, Harrison A. Adolesc. Fam. Health 2001; 1(2): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Instutute for Youth Development)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative, narrative summary of the history, challenges, and accomplishments of one medium-sized, Midwestern community’s comprehensive initiative to enhance youth development opportunities, parent empowerment, and community supports for its children, youth, and families. Over a 5-year period, the initiative mobilized broad segments of the community in articulating a common vision for youth development and planned and implemented several projects congruent with that vision. Based on key informant interviews and a review of archival information, lessons learned are viewed through the lenses of the “theory of change” and “hierarchy of results” models for evaluating comprehensive community initiatives. While falling short of its goal of implementing its vision throughout the community, the initiative did enhance awareness of positive youth development, sponsored several effective short-term projects, and enhanced the collaborative capacity of the community. This study highlights several issues relevant for the planning, implementation and evaluation of future community initiatives.

Language: en