Stakeholders

The term stakeholders are based off of the individual or individuals who helps the organization and agency. This can be the person who is charge, to the families who are a part of the organization as well as the workers who are also a part of the agency. The organization that I am evaluating, is a non-profit organization called “For Kids Inc. For Kids is an organization that is solely focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness for children and families. The stakeholders that are included in my study would be the person who is in charge which is Sara Olson. Sara is the program manager of For Kids Inc. The other stakeholders that are a part of my study, would also have to be the children and also their families.

Evaluation

An evaluation is a systematic assessment. This means that the purpose of the evaluation is to be able to identify specifically what question it is that the person who is interested or conducting any research on the organization or agency. Along with the evaluation, this can cause improvement, or it could also show what it is that the organization should continue doing, since it is helping those who are a part of the organization. The evaluation that I have chosen for my organization would have to be measuring the outcomes and impacts of the program. This type of evaluation is based off the main concerns, such as how is the organization doing? And also, are the skills that are given to the clients working? This evaluation relates to my program by giving me an understanding in how the children and families are being helped. This would also help tell me in if the organization is following its purpose, which is by breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness for the children and their families. If I use this evaluation, then I could understand if the children and families feel that they are receiving all of the proper care and needs that are necessary for them specifically.

Evaluation Question

The evaluation that I have for this organization would be, “Are you receiving the help that you are searching for?” I ask this question because it can branch out into many different answers whether they are good or bad. If I ask this question to the children, then I could understand if they are receiving any help on their education, or with the families if they are getting the help, they need with finding a job, or even a place to stay. The evaluation I have selected aligns with my question because it would help me understand the basic questions that I have. By asking these questions, I would be able to further my research by the answers I would receive by either party.

The data collection methods I would use would have to be interviews, observation, and also a survey. Within each interview with a child, I would start by asking their name, their favorite color, and also what grade they are in. I would ask these questions, because I would then further in asking if they are receiving any help within being at For Kids. I would use observation on the children by visiting the organization in person and viewing how they interact within doing any homework, or also how they interact within their peers, and also their families. The families would come into play within these methods by me also interviewing the families and asking their names, their education level, and if they feel their needs are being met within the organization. Based on their answers, I would then move deeper by giving them a small survey in what it is that they feel they are okay with receiving also if there are any improvements, they feel the organization needs within themselves, and also with their children. Giving this survey would help me have understanding in how the families feel, as well as give the organization an idea in what they are doing well in, and also what they may need any improvement in.

Research Method

The research method that I would use for my study would have to be the Qualitative evaluation. Qualitative evaluation is a procedure that helps the evaluators which is me, understand the program and also how the stakeholders are involved in the program. This also includes what it is that they have gained from the organization and how they would use these skills in the future. It can also give an understanding of the main purpose and goal for the organization.

This research method would work best with my evaluation question, simply because it helps revolve around the question, I have in whether or not the children and families are receiving the proper care that they are to receive while involved with the organization. My main concern for the children would be based on their education. While looking into the organization I have found that they are a program that also helps with their education. They provide a education program that is helpful to their education level. The services that they include would be the “Beyond the bell tutoring”, which is focused on their education level. Those who tutor create a plan that helps within their needs, which includes tutoring between two to five days a week.

Another reason in why this evaluation works best with my evaluation question would also be based off of the families, which include the parents and teens if involved. For Kids also includes critical services, such as job coaching and also housing placement. I would want to make sure that the families are receiving their portion from the program by getting help in finding a job and also a place to stay. If they are not receiving their needs from the organization, then I would use the evaluation portion of my study and use the study to discuss these needs with the organization.

Resource

Family homelessness: FORKIDS: Norfolk, VA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://www.forkids.org/