Sustainable Community Engagement Partnerships

Presented by Lylie Fisher

Director of Community Engagement with Iona Senior Services
Certified organization and coach

Workshop Agenda
Iona Senior Services Our Story Foundations in Community Engagement Review and Re-visioning Success stories Consulting Partnerships specialist volunteers Research Partnerships local universities Harnessing Community responding to issues Day to Day Support maintaining the core Growth within capacity Making difficult decisions Converting a challenge into an opportunity Partnerships that really make a difference Lessons Learned and Next Steps

Iona Our Story

Iona Senior Services mission is to support people as they experience the challenges and opportunities of aging. We educate, advocate, and provide community-based programs and services to help people age well and live well. We envision a community that celebrates, values, respects and protects the contributions and possibilities of every individual. Iona Senior Services was established in 1975 to serve the needs of people in the community. To improve their ability to handle the increasing number of requests for guidance on medical care, public services and other social assistance of local churches, non profits and community advocates.

Foundations in Community Engagement

Iona Senior Services is a non profit organization based on the concept of community. We believe in the importance of collaboration and partnership and are proud to partner with organizations that help us to advance our mission. Our partners include: The DC Office on Aging (DCOA) Iona is a DCOA lead senior services agency (Ward 3) Through service delivery funding, DCOA contributes approx 23% of Ionas annual budget Local Aging in Place Village communities Member Congregations Kindred non profit organizations Our past and current board members Recipients and caregivers of our services Neighborhood supporters Community stakeholders

Review and Re-Visioning

Iona Senior Services, like most non profits in the US, has faced challenges with sustainability, increased demand for our services and ramifications from the economic downturn. In 2007 we commenced a thorough review of our volunteer corps, community program service delivery and staffing. Major changes resulted in decreased services and staffing. Joining Iona in August 2009, my role has been to invigorate our community partnerships, bring success driven business models to the organization and introduce innovation to our community engagement. My mantra is breathing fresh life into our work and community. Forging professional connections and building mutually beneficial relationships with kindred organizations and universities.

Success Stories
Major Public Health research projects University of Maryland, School of Social Work review of service delivery. University of Maryland, School of Public Health review of active wellness models, existing Iona service delivery and potential growth. George Washington University, School of Public Health review of needs assessments and best practice models. Yale University, Summer Intern review of office on aging and service delivery models. Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service, summer internships review of Spanish speaking senior services in Washington DC, review of affordable care act and long term care options for seniors. Significant Community Partnerships - Groups American University Service Learning, teams and individual students. Compass Consulting Program, team MBA professionals review and assessment of potential new growth areas. Greater DC Cares, Skilled Volunteers determined appropriate cost analysis for Ionas fee for services. Significant Community Partnerships Individuals Retired professional working pro bono on key policy, service delivery, strategic planning and marketing assignments.

Growth within Capacity

Iona Senior Services owes its ability to take on major research and development projects through the support of its community partners, its skilled work force and pro active board. Iona continues to be a leader in the areas of health services and quality of life advocacy, we shine, because we: - Founded the Washington DC Senior Advisory Coalition - Launched Community Advocacy Forums for seniors and core community partners - Developed DCOA best practice model for Lunchtime Senior Activity Programs - Incorporate skilled based volunteers - Provide a training base for students and their scholarly work - Support on the job training for skilled change of career professionals - Operate within budget with reduced fiscal and human resources - Maintain excellent service delivery irrespective of financial restrictions.

Lessons to be Learned
How to achieve best practice and quality service delivery: Maintain solid partnerships with community of supporters Be prepared to say NO NO to internal organizational pressures NO to goals that are may compromise effective operations NO to out dated or redundant ideas and models Find creative alternatives to the existing paradigms Be wise and attract supporters from forward thinking pro bono volunteers Forge partnerships with schools of higher education Be a team player in sector and beyond Look beyond the problem maintain perspective of the big picture

Next Steps

Non profit organizations are prone to economic and practical resource challenges. Accept this and maintain focus on excellence. Essential Ingredients Passion Clarity Integrity Collaboration Smart people Willingness to work that extra 5%

Be Creative
Collaboration with volunteers enhances the non profit workforce and deepens our relationship with the community. Strive to reflect integrity and trust in these relationships.