Program evaluations are useful tools for programs, funders, and researchers to better understand the impact of services on participants and collaborations between organizations. One such evaluation of the Margaret’s Place in Communities Impacted by Trauma-exposed Youth (MP-CITY) program identified several ways to improve programmatic operations and participant experiences.

MP-CITY offered services at two public schools in Washington Heights between 2018 and 2021. The program offered three programming tiers that provided multiple entry points for mental health supports so that a range of students with different types of mental health needs could engage with the program at the appropriate level.

Funded by the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) to improve safety in neighborhoods that have experienced disproportionate impacts of divestment and criminal legal system involvement, the Hubs connected a diverse population of youth to wraparound services that addressed their material, social, educational, and physical and mental health needs.

A recent evaluation found the Youth Opportunity Hubs were successful in creating unique partnership networks that built on their organizational strengths and the needs of their youth participants. The networks they created helped the Hubs be flexible and adaptable in providing youth services, efficient and resilient against partner changes, and prepared to share resources across many partner organizations.