Springing Forward—Integrating Innovation and Evidence in Social Services
Posted: May 2025 [1]Transforming Organizations, Empowering Teams, and Driving Lasting Change As the days grow longer and the seasons shift, Spring invites us to reflect on where we’ve been—and look ahead to where we’re going. In the world of social services, this time of year offers a valuable opportunity to think about how we can blend new ideas with proven strategies to better serve our communities. Innovation with Purpose Innovation in social services can mean introducing new tools, technologies, or approaches to address long-standing challenges. From virtual service delivery to culturally responsive care models, innovation allows organizations to adapt to changing needs and be more responsive to those they serve. But innovation doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. It’s about building on what works, staying curious, and being open to learning from both the successes and struggles of others. Grounding in Evidence While innovation is exciting, it needs to be grounded in evidence-based practices—those approaches that have been tested and shown to make a real difference. Using data, evaluation, and community feedback helps us ensure that new strategies aren’t just creative but also effective and sustainable. When we anchor our work in evidence, we build trust—with funders, stakeholders, and most importantly, the people and families we serve. Blending Both for Impact At the heart of our work is the ability to balance innovation with evidence. For example:• A community mental health program might introduce a peer support model (an innovative approach) while still using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (a well-established evidence-based method).• A family support agency may adapt a case management tool to better reflect the cultural and linguistic needs of their clients while tracking outcomes in ways that align with federal standards. This kind of blending helps organizations stay grounded and flexible—meeting the moment while staying aligned with long-term goals. Our Role: Helping You Build with Intention My consulting work is rooted in helping organizations grow with purpose. Whether you’re implementing a new practice, seeking to align with funders, or reimagining a service model, I support teams in creating solutions that are:• Person-centered• Equity-driven• Rooted in evidence and lived experience• Sustainable and scalable Spring is a great time to reflect on your organization’s vision and take strategic steps forward. Let’s talk about how we can plant seeds for real, lasting change—together. Want to explore how to integrate innovation and evidence in your work? Let’s connect.
Evidence-Based vs. Emerging Practices in Social Services: Finding the Right Approach
Posted: April 2025 – Transforming Organizations, Empowering Teams, and Driving Lasting Change – Spring offers a natural moment for renewal and reflection—especially for mission-driven organizations navigating increasingly complex social challenges. As budgets are reviewed, strategic plans refreshed, and new programming envisioned, many leaders ask: Should we invest in tried-and-true evidence-based practices, or explore promising, emerging ones? The answer isn’t either/or. In fact, the most impactful organizations recognize that evidence-based and emerging practices serve distinct and complementary roles in advancing equity, quality, and innovation in social services. What Are Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)? Evidence-based practices are interventions or models that have undergone rigorousevaluation-typically through randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies-anddemonstrated effectiveness across specific populations and outcomes. In fields like behavioralhealth, child welfare, and homelessness prevention, the use of EBPs is often incentivized by fundersand regulators. Key advantages of EBPs: However, many EBPs were designed and tested within narrow parameters and may not adequatelyaddress cultural responsiveness, community context, or structural inequities. What Are Emerging Practices? Emerging practices are promising approaches developed in the field-often in direct response tounmet needs, community feedback, or systemic gaps. While they may not yet have extensiveevidence behind them, these practices are often rooted in lived experience, community expertise,and innovation. Benefits of emerging practices: While emerging practices may not (yet) meet the standards for evidence-based classification, they can advance equity and drive innovation, especially when paired with structured evaluation and learning agendas. When—and How—To Use Each Rather than positioning EBPs and emerging practices in competition, organizations should ask: The ideal approach is intentional and dynamic: leveraging what is known, honoring what isemerging, and always centering person- and community-driven solutions. What We Offer At JWH, LCSW PLLC, we help nonprofits and government agencies: Whether you’re expanding programming, responding to policy shifts, or innovating service delivery, we partner with you to choose—and evolve—the right approach for your organization. Spring Forward with Purpose This spring, ask yourself: Are we using practices that reflect the needs of our community today—or those validated in a different time, for a different audience? Let’s find the right path forward—together. Schedule a consultation to explore how evidence-based and emerging practices can drive your next stage of impact. References Chapman, M.V., et al. (2021). Balancing Evidence-Based Practices with Cultural Relevance: Strategies for Effective Implementation. Journal of Social Service Research, 47(2), 145–160. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2022). Evidence-Based Practice in Child Welfare. U.S.Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov Fixsen, D.L., et al. (2005). Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature. National Implementation Research Network. Greenhalgh, T., et al. (2004). Diffusion of Innovations in Service Organizations: Systematic Review and Recommendations. The Milbank Quarterly, 82(4), 581–629. National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2021). NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients from Historically Marginalized Populations. National Implementation Research Network (NIRN). (n.d.). Active Implementation Hub: Resources and Frameworks. Retrieved from https://nirn.fpg.unc.edu Niec, L.N., et al. (2020). Challenges in Disseminating Evidence-Based Practices in Underserved Communities. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 23(2), 177–194. Roberts, S.F., et al. (2022). Reimagining Evidence: Equity-Informed Evaluation and Community-Engaged Practice. Evaluation and Program Planning, 94, 102097.
Is Your Organization Ready for Change? A Guide to Change Readiness in Nonprofits and Government Agencies
Change is inevitable. Readiness is not. Nonprofits and government agencies are constantly adapting—to policy shifts, funding changes, technological advancements, and evolving community needs. But even the best-planned change initiatives can fail if an organization isn’t ready for them. So how can you ensure your organization isn’t just responding to change but is truly prepared to embrace it? That’s where change readiness comes in. What is Change Readiness? Change readiness is an organization’s ability to successfully prepare for, implement, and sustain change. Unlike change management, which focuses on executing change, change readiness assesses whether your organization has the culture, structures, and mindset to make change stick. Think of it like this: change management is the road map; change readiness is making sure your vehicle is in good condition before you begin the journey. Why Change Readiness Matters Many organizations struggle with change, not because the change itself is flawed, but because: Change readiness helps organizations proactively identify these barriers before they derail the process. Key Elements of Change Readiness To assess your organization’s change readiness, consider these key areas: 1. Leadership Commitment Is leadership truly invested in the change? Do they model the behaviors they expect from staff? Change starts at the top—leaders need to clearly articulate the vision, listen to concerns, and actively support the transition. 2. Organizational Culture Does your organization foster a culture of adaptability, or is there resistance to new ways of working? A culture that values learning, feedback, and collaboration is better positioned for change. 3. Staff Engagement and Buy-In Do staff understand why the change is happening and how it affects them? Engaging employees early and often—through discussions, training, and co-creation—reduces resistance and increases ownership. 4. Infrastructure and Systems Do your existing policies, processes, and technology support the change, or do they create obstacles? Change readiness includes assessing whether internal systems need updating to align with new ways of working. 5. Capacity and Resources Does your organization have the staffing, funding, and expertise to implement change effectively? If not, how can you build the necessary capacity through training, partnerships, or phased implementation? How to Build Change Readiness in Your Organization 1. Conduct a Change Readiness Assessment Before implementing change, assess your organization’s strengths and gaps. Consider using surveys, focus groups, or readiness checklists to gauge attitudes, concerns, and structural barriers. 2. Create a Clear and Inclusive Change Strategy Develop a roadmap that outlines: • The goals of the change • Who will be affected • Key milestones and timelines • Support structures (e.g., training, coaching) Ensure staff input is incorporated early in the process to build engagement. 3. Strengthen Leadership and Communication Leaders should act as champions of change, communicating consistently and transparently. Use multiple communication channels (meetings, emails, workshops) to ensure messaging reaches all levels of the organization. 4. Invest in Training and Capacity Building Equip staff with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. This may include technical training, leadership development, or change management workshops. 5. Pilot, Evaluate, and Adjust Rather than rolling out large-scale changes all at once, consider piloting new processes in small teams or departments first. Gather feedback, make adjustments, and scale up as readiness improves. The Bottom Line: Readiness Leads to Resilience Organizations that are change-ready are more resilient, adaptable, and successful in meeting their missions. Whether implementing a new policy, launching a new program, or restructuring operations, preparing for change before it happens ensures smoother transitions and stronger outcomes. Want to assess your organization’s change readiness or get support in implementing sustainable change? Let’s start the conversation.
Grant Writing Tips: Crafting a Winning Proposal
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, policies are vital tools that guide organizations, governments, and communities toward achieving their goals while maintaining fairness, accountability, and clarity. Whether in the public or private sector, policy development is an essential process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and execution. What is Policy Development? Policy development is the process of creating, implementing, and evaluating policies to address specific issues or objectives. Policies serve as frameworks for decision-making and action, ensuring consistency, transparency, and alignment with overarching goals. Effective policy development involves identifying challenges, consulting stakeholders, and crafting solutions that are both practical and sustainable. Steps in the Policy Development Process 1. Identify the Need for a Policy Every policy begins with identifying a specific issue, gap, or opportunity. This step involves: 2. Conduct Research Thorough research lays the foundation for an effective policy. This phase includes: 3. Engage Stakeholders Collaboration with stakeholders ensures that diverse perspectives are considered. This step involves: 4. Draft the Policy The drafting phase translates research and consultations into actionable guidelines. Key elements include: 5. Review and Revise A thorough review ensures the policy is comprehensive and effective. This stage includes: 6. Implement the Policy Successful implementation requires: 7. Evaluate and Update Policies must evolve to remain relevant. Regular evaluation involves: Why is Policy Development Important? 1. Provides Clarity and Direction Policies establish a clear framework, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. 2. Promotes Consistency and Fairness By standardizing processes, policies reduce bias and promote equal treatment. 3. Enhances Accountability Well-defined policies hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions. 4. Ensures Legal and Ethical Compliance Policies help organizations navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes, minimizing risks. Challenges in Policy Development Despite its importance, policy development can face obstacles such as: Conclusion Effective policy development is a cornerstone of successful governance and management. By following a structured process and fostering collaboration, organizations can craft policies that drive meaningful change and foster sustainable growth. Whether you are shaping policies for a local community, a global corporation, or a government body, investing in thoughtful policy development is a step toward achieving shared goals and addressing complex challenges. By prioritizing inclusivity, clarity, and adaptability, policies can serve as powerful tools for positive transformation. What steps will you take today to develop impactful policies?
Discover Unparalleled Expertise
Securing funding through grants can be a game-changer for organizations, researchers, and community initiatives. However, the process of writing a compelling grant proposal can be daunting. With the right approach and a clear understanding of what funders expect, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the grant writing process: Before you begin writing, thoroughly research the grant provider. Review their mission, funding priorities, and previously funded projects. Tailor your proposal to align with their objectives, showing how your project fits within their vision and adds value to their goals. Grant guidelines often include specific instructions about eligibility, format, and required documentation. Pay close attention to deadlines, word limits, and any required forms. Failing to adhere to these guidelines can lead to immediate disqualification. Articulate the problem your project addresses and explain why it matters. Be specific about your goals, objectives, and the outcomes you aim to achieve. Funders want to support well-defined projects with measurable impact. Use data, research, and testimonials to demonstrate the significance of the issue your project addresses. Showing a clear and compelling need builds a strong case for why your project deserves funding. A clear, realistic budget is crucial. Break down your costs and justify each expense. Ensure that your budget aligns with the funder’s expectations and covers all aspects of your project. A typical grant proposal includes: Executive Summary: A concise overview of your project and its goals. Introduction: Background on your organization and its relevance to the project. Problem Statement: The need or issue your project addresses. Objectives: Clear, measurable goals for your project. Methods/Implementation Plan: A detailed explanation of how you will achieve your objectives. Evaluation: How you will measure success. Budget: Itemized costs with explanations. Conclusion: A summary emphasizing the importance of your project. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms unless required. Write in a way that is easy for reviewers to understand. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organize your content. Show that your organization or team has the skills and experience to execute the project successfully. Include resumes, past achievements, and partnerships that enhance your credibility. Letters from partners, community leaders, or stakeholders can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating broad support for your project. Errors can undermine your proposal’s professionalism. Proofread carefully or ask a colleague to review your application. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and a polished presentation. Avoid last-minute issues by preparing well in advance. Submitting early allows time for unforeseen problems and demonstrates your professionalism. Conclusion Grant writing is both an art and a science. By understanding your audience, presenting a well-structured proposal, and showcasing the value of your project, you can increase your chances of securing funding. With
Crafting Effective Guidelines for Success
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, policies are vital tools that guide organizations, governments, and communities toward achieving their goals while maintaining fairness, accountability, and clarity. Whether in the public or private sector, policy development is an essential process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and execution. What is Policy Development? Policy development is the process of creating, implementing, and evaluating policies to address specific issues or objectives. Policies serve as frameworks for decision-making and action, ensuring consistency, transparency, and alignment with overarching goals. Effective policy development involves identifying challenges, consulting stakeholders, and crafting solutions that are both practical and sustainable. Steps in the Policy Development Process 1. Identify the Need for a Policy Every policy begins with identifying a specific issue, gap, or opportunity. This step involves: 2. Conduct Research Thorough research lays the foundation for an effective policy. This phase includes: 3. Engage Stakeholders Collaboration with stakeholders ensures that diverse perspectives are considered. This step involves: 4. Draft the Policy The drafting phase translates research and consultations into actionable guidelines. Key elements include: 5. Review and Revise A thorough review ensures the policy is comprehensive and effective. This stage includes: 6. Implement the Policy Successful implementation requires: 7. Evaluate and Update Policies must evolve to remain relevant. Regular evaluation involves: Why is Policy Development Important? 1. Provides Clarity and Direction Policies establish a clear framework, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. 2. Promotes Consistency and Fairness By standardizing processes, policies reduce bias and promote equal treatment. 3. Enhances Accountability Well-defined policies hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions. 4. Ensures Legal and Ethical Compliance Policies help organizations navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes, minimizing risks. Challenges in Policy Development Despite its importance, policy development can face obstacles such as: Conclusion Effective policy development is a cornerstone of successful governance and management. By following a structured process and fostering collaboration, organizations can craft policies that drive meaningful change and foster sustainable growth. Whether you are shaping policies for a local community, a global corporation, or a government body, investing in thoughtful policy development is a step toward achieving shared goals and addressing complex challenges. By prioritizing inclusivity, clarity, and adaptability, policies can serve as powerful tools for positive transformation. What steps will you take today to develop impactful policies?