2025-2026 Community Needs Assessment
“United Way exists to solve community-wide issues and addressing health and human service needs through the programs of our partner agencies, as well as internal programs. The goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place.”
-Excerpts from the Mission Statement of the United Way of NW Alabama
What are these needs and how can they be addressed?
Define the Need
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3 years ago, we collected surveys and interviewed key informants in each sector.
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We collected data from existing sources, which we will update and can compare to the past, the state, and the nation.
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We can collect NEW data:
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From new key informants to better represent our full geography and scope
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From a widely administered survey
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From focus groups of citizens from each county, representing key demographics of interest
Assess the Strength of Existing Resources:
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We can investigate existing resources, mapping them to the identified needs
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We can determine opportunities among existing leaders and organizations that might be willing to bring a change, if provided with adequate support
Service Name
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Mission and political will of the United Way
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Feasibility to implement with the funding and partners available
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Reasonable expectation of producing measurable results
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Need to balance size of northern counties with higher needs ofsouthern counties
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ALICE as the United Way-directed population of interest