Creating a Data-Driven Learning Culture at LifeWorks Austin
Explore how LifeWorks Austin is tackling barriers to self-sufficiency for transitional-aged youth through innovative programs and services focused on housing, counseling, education, and workforce development. Learn about their mission, services offered, and efforts in building a data ecosystem to drive social impact. Discover the population they serve and their strategic approach to achieving sustainable outcomes.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Failing Forward Creating a Culture of Curiorisity and Data Driven Learning Susan McDowell, MA CEO LifeWorks Austin, TX 1
Our Mission LifeWorks is a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their paths to self-sufficiency. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable and measurable results for the youth we serve. lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
What problem are we trying to solve? Barriers to self-sufficiency for transitional aged youth/young adults who are: Aging out of foster care Experiencing homelessness Pregnant/parenting Have experienced trauma 3 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Services HOUSING Homelessness Diversion Street Outreach Foster Care Transitional Services Emergency Shelter Transition Age Youth Shelter Transitional Living Rapid Re-Housing Young Parents Program Permanent Supportive Housing COUNSELING Youth and Adult Counseling Psychiatric Services Resolution Counseling Community Based Peer Support and Counseling EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention GED/Literacy Life Skills Workforce Teen Parent Services 4
Building a Data Ecosystem Funders as Partners in Learning Board of Directors Internal Expertise Organizational Culture Executive Leadership Financial Investors Organizational Infrastructure 5 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Failing Forward: On the Road to Social Impact https://www.nonprofitsfailingforward.org/films 6
Define the Scope What problem are you trying to solve? What outcome(s) are you trying to achieve? What are the characteristics of your target population? lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Understanding the Population No Foster Care (n = 275) Foster Care (n = 213) Employed at Intake 35.71% 26.85% Monthly Income Homeless at Intake (HUD) Custody Transitions History of Drug Misuse History of Suicidal Ideation $1,006.60 19.85% 1.30 16.16% 26.50% 9.84% (35.85%); n = .74 $209.70 37.07% 9.96 25.32% 38.85% 30.41% Attempted Suicide (73.77%); n = 2.97 Schoenfeld, E. A., & McDowell, S. (2016). Vulnerabilities and opportunities: Profiles of foster and non-foster youth served by LifeWorks. Austin, TX: Youth & Family Alliance dba LifeWorks. Retrieved from www.lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Look to the Literature Identify possible evidence-based programs Assess the quality of the research Reconcile options with youth s perspectives & values
Individual Placement and Support Competitive employment is the primary goal Everyone who wants to work is eligible for employment support We help you look for work which suits your preferences and strengths We start job search and contact with employers quickly - within four weeks Employment specialists are based within clinical teams, and work with the team to support people to find paid employment Our support is ongoing and arranged to suit both the employee and employer We provide benefits advice as part of your return to work We build relationships with employers to access the hidden labor market
Elements of Our Ecosystem Funders as Partners in Learning Board of Directors Internal Expertise Organizational Culture Executive Leadership Financial Investors Organizational Infrastructure 1 1 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Elements of our Ecosystem Funders as Partners in Learning Board of Directors Internal Expertise Organizational Culture Executive Leadership Financial Investors Organizational Infrastructure 1 3 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
What does it mean to fail forward? Committed to learning as a top priority Articulate how learning from data enhances impact Ask Learning Questions Build the ecosystem! Model resilience 1 4 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Learning Culture and Staff Value Commit time for regular sessions where staff share and interpret data, and propose improvements Get useful data back to frontline users Have sessions where staff share and interpret data, and propose improvements Clarify roles Right people in the right roles Communicate honestly safe space 1 5 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
Contact Susan McDowell, MA | Executive Director susan.mcdowell@lifeworksaustin.org 512.735.2453 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources 1 6 lifeworksaustin.org/research-resources
