Driving Impact Through Learning: An Evolving Theory of Change
How It Starts
A Community Quarterback organization (CQB) works with residents and key community stakeholders to establish and execute a vision for resident-centered community transformation.
Purpose Built Communities coaches, connects, resources, and convenes CQBs who execute the work at the neighborhood level.
A robust community of practice and regular convenings allow CQBs to contribute to the health and vitality of the Purpose Built Network.
The Work
CQBs partner with residents and organizations to:
- Build and renovate mixed-income housing.
- Create high-quality education pathways.
- Expand access to medical care, mental health supports, and healthy food.
- Foster community cohesion with parks and gathering spaces.
- Support local businesses and create a thriving commercial core.
- Provide job training and placement programs to help families achieve stability.
The Intended Outcomes
Results include:
- Belonging and social cohesion.
- Stable, thriving households.
- Inclusive wealth-building opportunities.
- Youth graduating high school with pathways to college and careers.
- Improved health outcomes and life expectancy.
- Lower poverty rates and higher employment in living-wage jobs.
- Commercial viability with healthy local businesses.
How We Measure Change
Program and Operational Data
Program and Operational Data help us understand the work of Community Quarterback organizations, who they partner with, how many residents they engage, and the funding they can leverage.
Population-Level Data
Population-Level Data from sources like the US Census Bureau, local school districts, and other agencies provide insights about economic mobility in neighborhoods.
Community Surveys and Evaluations
Community Surveys and Evaluations provide resident voice to understand the experience of neighborhood transformation and are invaluable sources of data on health outcomes and sense of belonging.
Research Evidence
Research Evidence from academia and the field informs all of our data and measurement work, particularly because it points to shorter-term measures that tell us whether we’re on track for the long-term change we aim to achieve.