PME 802 Module 1 Program Evaluation Design

 

Purpose

The social program I have selected for my Program Evaluation Design is Sara Riel Inc. “Sara Riel Inc. provides community-based support to persons who experience issues with mental illness or mental health challenges including substance use disorders and addictions.” Sara Riel’s mission is to provide a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where individual needs are valued and all are assisted on their journey to reaching their self-determined goals. The community rehabilitation program manages 22 beds and offers 24 hour daily support and rehabilitation services for individuals experiencing mental health concerns.

 Staff

Sara Riel is comprised of a Board of Directors including representation from an Aboriginal language specialist, one lawyer, several educators, one financial planner, one psychiatrist, one health care specialist, and a social worker in the position of vice-chair. Additionally, Sara Riel employs mental health counsellors and employment services case managers. This dedicated team are passionate about helping participants explore and acknowledge feelings that are often related to their experiences as well as to help prepare them to enter the workforce, find and sustain meaningful employment.

 Goals

The goal of this program is to assist and provide programs and services for any person that has or is experiencing mental health challenges including substance abuse and addictions. The focus of the mental health counsellors is to assist participants toward a goal of recovery. The focus of their employment services is to develop skills, support job search, and to support job retention.

 Resources

Sara Riel Inc. is a charitable organization that provides voluntary programs and services in a community-based setting to adults experiencing mental health concern. Primary funding is acquired through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and relies on the generosity of sponsors, funders and grant funders. Some of the many grant funders include; United Way Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, Réseau Compassion Network, and Catholic Health Association of Manitoba.

 Community Demographics

Sara Riel Inc. demographic is comprised of men and women that are 18 years of age and older. Participants must have clinically diagnosed mental health concern or a health concern which affects their ability to obtain or maintain employment. Additionally, participants must be willing to actively participate in all aspects of the services and attend appointments as necessary.

 Purpose of Evaluation:

The purpose of looking at this program is to explore the short-term and long-term effectiveness on the mental health and substance abuse challenges. What might we do as a community to ensure progress towards the established goal of recovery and meaningful job retention?

 Questions that will act as a guide to my Program Evaluation Design (PED):

• How effective are the counselling services to participants in achieving their self determined goals?
• What have been the long term outcomes for meaningful job retention? How many participants that have entered the work force through the support of Sara Riel, continue to maintain and sustain workforce productivity?
• What indicators of success are used to determine the efficacy of programming towards their mission and vision statements?
• If participants are unsuccessful with their engagement in the services and appointments offered by Sara Riel inc., in what ways can they be further assisted?
• How long are participants eligible to benefit from the services? Is there continuous or ongoing progress monitoring?