Methodology

The Community Assessment creates a snapshot of community needs by gathering new data, analyzing current data, and through collaboration with experts in Think Tanks. In total more than 75 Ottawa County professionals provided technical assistance and expertise in this assessment.

The Community Research Institute (CRI) of Grand Valley State University’s Johnson School of Philanthropy provided the research arm of the assessment, facilitating surveys and analysis with United Way think tanks.

Greater Ottawa County United Way began the process by recruiting a Community Assessment Steering Committee (CASC) from leaders and experts in many areas of Health & Human Services in Ottawa County, and by gaining support from The Ottawa County Human Services Coordinating Council (HSCC), Great Start Collaborative (GSC) and local community foundations, including Holland/Zeeland, Grand Haven Area, and Coopersville Area Foundations.

A Key Informant survey began the process, surveying almost 100 local community leaders regarding Ottawa County’s needs. From this initial survey the seven focus areas came to the surface. Greater Ottawa County United Way then recruited leaders from the CASC for Think Tanks in each area to delve deeper into the focus areas.

These leaders then recruited think tank members who were experts in the areas that comprised the focus area. These think tanks, with assistance from CRI, compiled and analyzed all current data, researching issue areas and finding places where more data and current data were needed. Out of these think tanks, additional survey questions were created, leading to a comprehensive 2008 ottawa County Household Needs Survey conducted by CRI.

Think tanks then finalized data-driven reports in each area, resulting in the assessment you see before you today. An on-line version of the assessment, including updates and additional studies, is available at www.ottawaunitedway.org.

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