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Evaluating Our Work

Program Evaluation at LBFE

Evaluation is part of LBFE’s culture and we are committed to evaluating our programs on an ongoing basis. We gather input from our older adults, volunteers, and staff, analyze this data and use it to inform decisions about our programs. LBFE uses a Theory of Change model for our evaluations, which focuses on the impact or outcomes of our work. We constantly look to identify what is working well, what should be improved, and how we can make our programs have greater impact.

An important part of this evaluation process includes sharing our evaluation outcomes and program enhancements with community members like you.

The Evaluation Cycle

1. Engage

  • Identify stakeholder
  • Define measurable outcomes

 

3. Gather Data

  • Collect data from stakeholders
  • Analyze and interpret data

2. Design

  • Identify evaluation questions
  • Determine measurement tools

4. Share and Implement

  • Report and Recommend
  • Distribute to stakeholders and broader community
  • Learn from findings
  • Create action plan and use findings

Breadth, Depth, and Durability

When LBFE looks at the outcome or impact of a program, we look at Breadth, Depth, and Durability.

Breadth

The number of participants, such as the number of older adults matched with a volunteer.

Depth

The short-term impact(s), such as older adults having opportunities to build relationships with a trusted confidant.

Durability

The long-term impact, such as a greater sense of belonging and connectedness.

 

Recent Evaluations

LBFE recently evaluated our Holiday Programs and following are a few highlights from the evaluation.

Thanksgiving Event

A chart showing volunteer responses: 75% felt their efforts helped alleviate isolation and loneliness, 79% met new people, and 96% had a chance to chat with an older adult
  • “Fun, beautiful event. It was totally well organized, and the band was outstanding. People were all in fabulous, positive spirits. Wish we could do something similar for Christmas. Thanks a million.”
  • “Amazing event. Kudos to Rosa, Karen and Lily for great leadership.  Great volunteers and ambiance.  The only minor suggestion is it would be nice if the lobby was warmer when Seniors wait.”

 

Thanksgiving Meal Visits

A chart showing 77% strongly agreed that they enjoyed the visit, 52% were able to chat with a volunteer, 59% felt part of Thanksgiving celebrations, and 56 % felt part of the larger community

“I truly enjoyed the visit with LBFE volunteer J. & her parents (Mom & Dad). I feel they are like a part of my family. Our conversation was and long & friendly. I thank Little Brothers for sending the delicious turkey dinner. Thank you LBFE for including me in holiday food & flowering plant. Since I no longer cook the meal was truly appreciated. The visit with J. & parents made Thanksgiving very special for me.”

 

A chart showing 100% of volunteers strongly agreed they'd like to do something like this again, 73% that they'd helped alleviate isolation and loneliness, and 93% that the information from LBFE prepared them for the visit.

“The person I delivered to was very appreciative and gracious. She thanked me and put the bags on her walker seat to roll back into her apartment.”

 

Thanksgiving Visits

A chart showing 86% of volunteers strongly agreed that they'd be interested in doing something like this again, 57% that they'd helped alleviate isolation and loneliness, and 71% that the information from LBFE prepared them for the visit

“I delivered 2 bags to a nursing home. One elder was not there when I arrived, so I left the bag in her room. The other elder was very excited to receive the bag. We spent about 20 minutes reviewing the contents and chatting. She had been in a very negative mood (according to the CNA) before I arrived. She calmed down significantly and was very pleasant during our visit. I truly believe the visit made her day!”

 

Christmas Meal Visits

A chart showing 86% of older adults strongly agreed they'd enjoyed the visit, 81% that they'd been able to chat with a volunteer, 71% that they felt part of the Christmas celebration, and 76% that they felt a part of the larger community.
  • “During my window of time I was in the hospital. They brought the celebration bag to the hospital. LBFE has the most caring people in the world. I love you ALL.”  
  • “The bag was so well put together, you could tell there was so much kindness and thought work and care put into wrapping the gifts and selecting them. The meal was more than awesome and so were the snacks. You thought of everything. Thank you so very much.”

 

A chart showing 91% of volunteers strongly agreed that they'd be interested in doing something like this again, 77% that they'd helped alleviate isolation and loneliness for the older adult they visited, and 91% that the information from LBFE prepared them for the visit
  • “This was my first time volunteering with LBFE, it was a great experience for me, and thank you for pairing me with older adults that lived in the same building making it easier for me deliver the meals by bike.”  
  • “It was nice to see the elderly persons I delivered to be happy to receive the meal and to know that someone or some organization cares about them.”