California has long been a leader in addressing mental health and housing challenges through innovative funding mechanisms. Since its passage in 2004, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has been a cornerstone of California’s behavioral health strategy. Funded by a 1% tax on incomes exceeding $1 million, the MHSA has provided billions in funding to…
Currently, EVALCORP is partnering with Pinellas County, Florida to conduct a program evaluation for initiatives funded through the First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Grants (FR-CARA) program. This project addresses the County’s goals of reducing opioid-related deaths and connecting individuals to effective treatment. Evaluating Overdose Response Programming In our work for this project, we are…
Housing affordability and availability have become critical challenges for communities across California. Comprehensive housing needs assessments have become essential for municipalities, counties, and housing authorities as the housing shortage continues. These assessments provide crucial data and insights for housing policies, development priorities, and funding allocations. A housing needs assessment is a systematic evaluation that: With…
Organizations across sectors are prioritizing sustainability and long-term impact more and more each day. Achieving meaningful and lasting change requires more than just good intentions—it demands strategic planning that aligns with mission-driven objectives, stakeholder engagement, and data-informed decision-making. Without a well-structured strategy, social impact initiatives risk inefficiency, short-term gains, or missed opportunities for systemic change.…
Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate camaraderie, gratitude, and of course—delicious food! This year, the EVALCORP team gathered for a fun Valentine’s Day office celebration filled with laughter, good company, and plenty of festive treats. Our celebration kicked off with a spread of Italian cuisine, setting the stage for an afternoon of indulgence.…
What is the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Program? Organized retail theft has become a growing challenge for communities across California. In 2022, the state launched the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention Grant Program to help respond to the issue. Funded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), this initiative provides funding to…
Community-based initiatives are more than just good intentions—they’re powerful vehicles for positive social change. In this post we’ll explain both how program evaluation can maximize community impact and how to work effectively with an evaluation consultant. At its core, program evaluation is about maximizing a program’s potential—ensuring that every effort is purposeful, effective, and continually…
As EVALCORP’s lead methodologist, I was proud to represent the firm in a presentation: “Requirements for Measuring Subjective Experiences,” on measurement at the 2024 annual conference of the American Evaluation Association. Specifically, I was selected to talk about the measurement of subjective experiences, or the experiences that people have in their minds, such the experience…
The holidays offer a special opportunity to reflect on the past year and create meaningful connections, and this year, the EVALCORP team celebrated in style with a festive outing to remember! Nearly 20 of us—both local and from across the country—gathered at Universal Studios for a Grinchmas day filled with holiday cheer. Our adventure began…
On November 21, 2024, EVALCORP had the honor of hosting an International Abductive Coding Workshop, offering a deep dive into qualitative coding and abductive analysis. This virtual event provided a unique opportunity for researchers, educators, and applied practitioners from around the world to explore valuable tools and strategies grounded in the innovative techniques presented in…