The Future

In the last two years the focus has been primarily on developing the program, doing the work, evaluating what's been done, looking at what the needs are, improving the quality of the work, building and strengthening the partnership and relationships with the Center, getting the word out to universities, drawing more students, and finally, looking at expansion of the program. According to Suzanne, "At this point, we have evolved the program to a very stable place. Feedback from the interns has indicated that there isn't a lot of need for programmatic change right now. So, now we are thinking about the future and long-term goals. We know we need to be more integrated in our approach to serving families and with the Center as a partner." Drew Buscarano, CFH Executive Director, agrees, "We're at a very important stage right now. We need to begin a new visioning process. What will the future look like - how can we integrate what we are doing in PEDS in other programs at the Center? How can we take the knowledge base and transfer it to other things we do - in other Center programs? We are trying to focus on an action-oriented future were we can see where we have been and what we've done - now we need to think about what we can do in the future."

The future of the PEDS program will also include the creation of a long-term plan that will incorporate strategies for an endowment locally and securing other funding sources for future program expansion and sustainability. Suzanne believes that "As we grow and expand the program, we recognize that the needs of these mothers and children are great which impacts on the community. What we've learned so far is invaluable and will help us in creating a brighter future for them. The partnerships between families, Memorial Hospital, The Center, universities, and the community have shaped the program in most significant ways."

Programmatic/Planning Recommendations:

Be creative and innovative in your approach. Think outside the box!

Create measurable objectives that work for both partners and use them to engage in quality improvement.

Don't forget to include the perspectives of those who are doing the work.

There are resources out there already! Don't try to recreate the wheel - there are plenty of models already out there and people are willing to share. Take advantage of this.

You must have an understanding of and be an advocate for those who are most in need and most vulnerable. They are often our youngest citizens - those in the 0-3 age population.

It is critical to have an understanding that what you do in the 0-3 age population to develop the brain is never lost. The brain is in the developmental mode from 0-3 so this effect is permanent because of the brain's continued formation and has lasting effect - for a person's lifetime.

You may not be able to put a "medical" model at a Homeless Center - consider all the options and be willing to look at new concepts and models that will work in the environment you find yourself.

Partnership Recommendations:

You must be able to identify a good community partner. Look for mission compatibility, executive/leadership commitment, and demonstrated innovation. These shared values and visions will help you weather any storms. Don't try to fit a square peg in a round hole. If there is no shared mission, the relationship has no foundation.

Don't start with finances. Instead, start with what is possible and move from idea development and story telling to resource development.

Rely on the leadership when the going gets rough. Have patience, patience, and more patience.

Seek first to understand! Develop a shared understanding of the strengths of people in poverty. How can you help people transform their own experiences into positive growth opportunities?

Just Do IT! Don't get lost in the planning. Start with a small prototype, if possible, with real live people. The more planning you do the more complicated things get. Focus on action and execution. Clarify roles, trust your partners and don't micro-manage.

Invest in "value-added" services; outcomes will be greater and more significant.

Share the story and keep on telling it, again and again - it makes a difference. Celebrate every milestone and really focus on the "small stuff." Engage parents and encourage them to celebrate their children. " Don't accept limitations - they are all self-imposed. Always be looking to move to the next level - ask where can we go from here.