3C1. Evaluating Enhanced Homework Clubs Programs: A Service Provider’s Perspective on Community-Led Versus Community-Based Approaches

The Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses and United Way East Ontario collaboratively designed a program evaluation for the Enhanced Homework Club program, targeting middle school students in high priority neighbourhoods. The evaluation measured the program activities on child social and emotional wellbeing, their academic achievement and their potential for a brighter future. The program staff led the development of an evaluation plan with feasible measures that tells their data story. As a result, when lockdown measures in 2020 restricted in person programming, the OCCH was able to easily pivot their strategy into a hybrid, three prong approach that continued to serve vulnerable youth. This model was later replicated by community houses funded by the City of Ottawa.

OCCH and UWEO will facilitate an interactive demonstration that highlights good practices for participatory approaches. They will discuss the benefits and challenges of conducting an evaluation driven by the community. They will review techniques to build trust and consensus, the process to develop an evaluation framework, and methods to align measures that satisfy the program’s need and funder’s expectations. They will have a live Q&A throughout the presentation, ending with a survey for feedback on the participatory approach. Finally, there will be a 15 minute breakout exercise for participants to demo their own journey of applying participatory approaches that can be scaled.

This session will present a different perspective on participatory evaluation, highlighting its advantages. Participants will have a chance to engage in bottom-up thinking.

Erin Montague, Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation, United Way East Ontario
Erin Montague is an evaluation specialist with over 10 years of experience advancing equity-focused research and evaluation in health and social systems. She is the Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation at United Way East Ontario and leads the design and implementation of evaluation strategies that drive measurable improvements for priority populations across East Ontario. Erin has a Master of Science in Public Service Policy and Management from King’s College London, and she has advanced skills in social valuation, equity-informed program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.

Beth Tooley, Coalition Coordinator & OCYI Manager, Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses
Beth Tooley has over 20 years in community development, specializing in child and youth programming. She is the Coalition Coordinator of Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses, and the Manager of Ottawa Child Youth Initiative. Beth sits on the Steering Committee for United for All, a collective impact initiative to address hate and violence in Ottawa. Beth was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Critical Hours Evaluation Framework in all Ottawa-based community houses and resource centres. She is recognized for her expertise on youth engagement protocols by City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health, and the Community Development Framework.

Jade Odiase, Child & Youth Network Facilitator, Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses
Jade Odiase is the Community Child and Youth Network Facilitator at Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses. As a passionate community developer with a heart for social justice, she strives to create a meaningful impact by addressing the unique needs and advocating for the well-being of marginalized communities. Her work involves collaborating with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to build bridges, promote understanding, and amplify the voices of those who need it the most. Previously she worked at John Howard Society of Ottawa, holds a B.A in Criminology at Carleton University, and obtained a Social Service Worker diploma.