Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Pre-LMDA Picture: Defining Success
Employment-related success is broadly defined by those who responded to the Pre-LMDA Survey.
"Success" certainly includes finding work, or entering a training program. But to many practitioners, success also encompasses increased confidence, independence and security in a client's life, and results in greater stability for a family.
As a way to capture evaluative information, we asked respondents to the survey to provide program success stories. The range of responses gives an indication of the many ways of observing and assessing employment success.
Some respondents provided quantitative data, which looked at the number of clients that completed training or became employed.
Many more gave qualitative responses, describing the changes in the lives of their clients as a result of participation in a program or service.
The following story details one client's journey. It illustrates the challenges some clients face - homelessness, settlement, illness, isolation, abuse, and limited skills - and the array of services and supports an agency can offer – access to computers and related training, training resources, referral services and counseling.
This is the last entry on the Pre-LMDA Survey results. Read the full survey report on the Putting Women in the Picture web site.
"Success" certainly includes finding work, or entering a training program. But to many practitioners, success also encompasses increased confidence, independence and security in a client's life, and results in greater stability for a family.
As a way to capture evaluative information, we asked respondents to the survey to provide program success stories. The range of responses gives an indication of the many ways of observing and assessing employment success.
Some respondents provided quantitative data, which looked at the number of clients that completed training or became employed.
Many more gave qualitative responses, describing the changes in the lives of their clients as a result of participation in a program or service.
The following story details one client's journey. It illustrates the challenges some clients face - homelessness, settlement, illness, isolation, abuse, and limited skills - and the array of services and supports an agency can offer – access to computers and related training, training resources, referral services and counseling.
"A woman was staying in a shelter. She was a refugee. She was depressed and had some physical health issues. She came to our Centre for support. She learned how to use a computer. She set up an email account to stay in touch with her family. She took flyers about women, violence and abuse. We gave her information about education and training. She followed through. She got support for her abuse issues. She went to school graduated and furthered her education. She found permanent employment and came back to the Centre a couple of years later to thank us for all we had done to help her. We have many success stories."Broadening definitions of success in evaluating programs and services have far reaching positive consequences for families, communities and a country. Yet, under the Canada-Ontario LMDA, the only evaluation parameters stipulated are savings to the EI account and numbers of clients placed in jobs.
This is the last entry on the Pre-LMDA Survey results. Read the full survey report on the Putting Women in the Picture web site.
Labels: Pre-LMDA
