Transforming Community Safety: EmpowerSC’s Training Impact
Program evaluations are powerful tools that measure the success and impact of initiatives. Evaluations look at goals, methods, and outcomes. They show if a program is reaching its intended results. They also point out areas that need improvement.
Evaluations provide organizations with concrete data, allowing them to refine strategies, secure funding, and demonstrate effectiveness to stakeholders. Beyond impact, evaluations offer insights that drive decision-making and help shape future growth.
For nonprofits and businesses alike, program evaluations are invaluable for staying mission-focused, optimizing resources, and amplifying their reach. In short, they’re essential for turning vision into measurable, lasting results.
Table of Contents
Client Overview
The Solutions
The Results
The Impact
Client Overview
Our fictional client, EmpowerSC, is a nonprofit organization based in South Carolina. They seek to increase community safety by educating the public on human trafficking awareness and prevention.
EmpowerSC runs training sessions for schools, community groups, and organizations. These training and awareness programs equip participants with the knowledge to identify and respond to human trafficking in their communities. This client sought to evaluate the effectiveness of their training program to ensure they were making a measurable impact.
The Challenge
EmpowerSC’s program focused on educating participants about the signs of human trafficking and ways to seek help. They needed data to show whether their training increased participants' awareness and understanding over time.
The goal was to assess pre and post-training knowledge levels and gather insights through follow-up interviews. This helps us to understand the program’s lasting impact on participants.
The Solution
Better Way Consulting designed a Program Evaluation tailored to EmpowerSC’s goals. We implemented a three-step approach:
Pre-Intervention Survey: Before the training, we gathered basic information from participants. This helped us understand their initial knowledge of human trafficking signs and resources. This survey provided a snapshot of awareness levels and allowed us to set benchmarks for measuring progress.
Post-Intervention Survey: After the training, we administered a follow-up survey. This measured any changes in participants’ knowledge and awareness. This immediate feedback highlighted shifts in understanding and provided evidence of the training's effectiveness.
Follow-Up Interviews: A few months later, we conducted in-depth interviews with select participants. The purpose of these interviews was to measure long-term impact. These conversations revealed how the training influenced participants’ daily lives, whether they felt more equipped to spot warning signs, and if they had used the information in real-world scenarios.
The Results
The program evaluation provided EmpowerSC with valuable insights into the effectiveness of their training:
Increased Awareness: The post-intervention survey showed a significant increase in participants’ understanding of human trafficking signs and reporting methods.
Improved Retention: Follow-up interviews indicated that many participants retained key information and felt more confident in identifying potential trafficking situations in their communities.
Program Adjustments: Feedback from participants also highlighted areas for improvement, allowing EmpowerSC to refine their materials for even greater clarity and impact.
The Impact
Through our program evaluation, EmpowerSC gained concrete data demonstrating the value of their training initiative. They used the findings to improve their program and secure additional funding. The data gathered helped to show donors and stakeholders the measurable impact of their work.
EmpowerSC is now better equipped to expand their reach. Ultimately, this helps more communities in South Carolina become vigilant against human trafficking.
