Neighbor to Neighbor

Catholic Charities

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
Participants will learn how to make long- and short-term goals.

Measure
Participants will show knowledge of goals by knowing the reason for making goals and the four criteria for a goal as evidenced by class discussion and completion of worksheets and assignments (classes 7 and 8).

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Outcome 2
Participants will graduate with a written plan for making their lives more stable and successful.

Measure
Participants will develop a written Action Plan, consisting of goals in the areas of Health/Physical Well Being, Faith/Family, Finances/Education and Social Life (classes 9, 10, 11).

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Outcome 3
Participants will learn multiple life skills and find the resources necessary to create a realistic household budget.

Measure
Participants will use the materials and resources available to make a household budget (classes 9, 10, and 12). {The USI School of Social Work has helped us develop outcome measurements which we use at every session to track progress of participants. This helps us to prevent dropouts and to continually improve the program.}

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Outcome 4
Participants will increase their spiritual resources to overcome daily problems.

Measure
Graduates will report that the faith elements of NTN were encouraging, helpful and a positive experience for them. (Currently, a Master's level USI researcher is writing his thesis on the powerful benefits of using faith as a resource for overcoming daily problems. His research shows that the faith element of NTN helps students find the motivation and strength to make healthier life choices.

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Outcome 5
Participants will find and nurture and empowering sense of connectedness to God through prayer.

Measure
Graduates will report that the faith elements of NTN were encouraging, helpful and a positive experience for them. (As above, the qualitative research shows an unquestionable desire for spiritual connection.)

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Change Process: (self-reported)

Neighbor to Neighbor uses a group process based on positive, solution-oriented psychology. Valuable life skills including smart shopping, using community resources, discerning between wants and needs, and changing destructive behaviors, are presented in a manner which involves every member at every session in a process of developing their own solutions. Participants practice learned skills to set achievable goals and develop their own budget. They practice responsibility and social skills by participating in discussions and completing assignments. They practice accountability by following a contract promising to arrive on time, speak in turn and remain drug and alcohol free during all sessions. The successful student attends three individual sessions with a caseworker. Each student is given individualized support and resources, with referrals based upon his needs. These sessions are helpful to build studentÕs self-esteem with encouragement and praise for any movement away from dependency. NTNÕs development is research-based. The Director of Research at the University of Southern IndianaÕs Social Work Department has guided each step of development. With their direction Catholic Charities is able to translate participantsÕ daily self-assessments into reliably measurable outcomes. Participants gain a renewed sense of God-given dignity. Some who take this course have no Òhome church,Ó although most share basic Christian beliefs. All participants are welcome to actively participate in prayer and faith sharing. Simple prayer and thanksgiving incorporated into lesion helps people in crisis draw closer to God. NTN graduates are enthusiastic about the deep spiritual impact or participating in Neighbor to Neighbor.

Director: Terri Lautner-Uebelhor

Neighbor to Neighbor
c/o Catholic Charities
Evansville, IN, 47708

Phone: 8124235456
Fax: 8124234392
Website: Visit Catholic Charities online