76 Families Were Served Overall, Including 171 Children

Service analysis

·  76 families were served overall, including 171 children

·  The average number of people immediately impacted by the award was four, giving the fund an approximate overall reach of 304 people.

·  $94,342 was allocated in awards, with the average award of $1,240 per family

Process analysis (from follow-up surveys with 62% return rate for families and 48% return rate for providers)

·  From 29 responses from providers, 69% found the application process manageable, 66% found it user-friendly, and 66% found the process clear. Several providers found the process time consuming.

·  From 37 responses, 57% of families reported challenges with the application process, with 49% reporting that help from their provider made the process easy.

·  Providers rated the communication process with the Hope Fund committee as appropriate (72%), timely (83%), and professional (76%).

·  Parents and providers reported minor process challenges in regards to communication with vendors (landlords, mechanics, etc.).

·  81% of awards ($76,417) were made to Washington County vendors. O’Brien’s Quality Autocare (5) and Walls TV and Appliance (4) were the top two vendors.

·  21% of recipients had accessed the Hope Fund at least once before.

Impact analysis (from follow-up surveys)

·  100% of auto-repair awards resulted in a safe transportation with State of Maine inspections.

·  100% of auto-related awards (repairs, down payment) allowed families to get to appointments.

·  88% of auto-related awards helped a family member keep their job, 29% helped a family member look for a job, and 63% helped parents or children get to educational opportunities.

·  75% of security deposits prevented homelessness, and 75% supported permanency for children (i.e. not being removed from their parents’ custody)

·  56% of housing-related awards helped keep families safe

·  30% of all awards helped prevent a potential family crisis (e.g. losing a job, being homeless, or a child potentially running into the road).

·  60% of all awards helped a family member meet health or developmental needs, with 30% specifically helping a child access developmental services or equipment and 16% helping a parent access recovery supports.

·  62% of all awards increased families’ ability to earn money

·  In response to the award, 57% of families offered that they felt “relieved,” 38% said they felt “thankful,” and 51% said they felt “happy” or “excited.” Others remarked that they felt “supported,” “secure,” “amazed,” and more.

Families were invited to respond to the question, “Without the Hope Fund award, how would your life look different today?” They responded:

·  I would be homeless and would not have custody of my daughter

·  We would have gone without food to get the car repaired

·  We would still be living in a very unsafe home

·  I wouldn't have a fence…safe area for my autistic child to play…she enjoys being outside more

·  Possibly unemployed, unmet medical and mental health needs

·  I would still be carless, unable to get to work

·  My child's development may not have progressed as much as it did