Understanding the Language of Accountability and Performance

Goals:         A description of how people or places are different when your 

                   program is successful.

Activities:    The work that goes on in your program every day.

Outcomes:  Something measurable to demonstrate that your program is  

                   achieving its goals.

What I Do

Combining our expertise I create tools so you can demonstrate that your program is achieving its goals.  You are the expert about your program.  I have research and evaluation expertise. 

I listen and assess your situation.  My solutions are custom designed for your unique program. 

I am skilled in working in an environment with limited resources.  I work in all settings from small programs to coalitions.

How Accountability and Performance Can Help You

Funding

• Satisfy a grant requirement.
• Persuade a donor to support your program.
• Obtain grant funding.

 

Collaboration

 

• Build on your program's strengths.
• Seek partners with complementary strengths.
• Create strategic partnerships.

Program Management

• Increase the size of your program.
• Replicate your program in another location.
• Correct problems while they are small.

 

Learning Organization

 

• Motivate staff to perform better.
• Identify activities critical to your success.
• Maintain focus on your programs goals.

 

Board Involvement

 

• Revise strategies to achieve goals.
• Develop new programs based on proven programs.
• Develop priorities based on effective activities.

 

Additional Benefits

 

• Communicate efforts to reach your programs goals.
• Describe problems and obstacles addressed along the way.
• Develop a snapshot of your programs successes.

 

What I Can Do to Help

I am an experienced evaluation research consultant.  My talents include analyzing activities, assessing capabilities and simplifying procedures.  I can:

• Analyze performance requirements set by your funders and set up a system to collect data.
• Assess decision-making needs and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with you to design key indicators of success.
• Research survey instruments or create one specific to your situation.  
• Interview administrators to assess their knowledge and skills.
• Teach administrators to compare expected and actual results.  
• Train and supervise staff who enter data and create reports.
• Inventory paperwork to assess the information it contains for reporting. 
• Analyze existing databases and data collection processes. 
• Provide graphs and text so you can win grant awards, solicit individual gifts and compete successfully for government contracts.

About Me

I was born and raised in New York City, attending St. Brigid's school then JHS 93 on Forest Ave. in Ridgewood, Queens.  I graduated from Stuyvesant HS.  While working my way through college I earned a BA in Urban Studies / Economics from Barnard College and a Master of City Planning from UC, Berkeley. 

From my parents who were active in our church I learned about giving to the community.  I became a community activist in high school when I organized my block to protect our baby trees and when I worked with friends to have a rock concert in Madison Park. 

In the Belair-Edison community of Baltimore where I have lived for fifteen years I am active on my block, in Herring Run Park and the community.  I am on the board of Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. My dog, Promenade, and I are a Pet Partner Team with the Delta Society. We cheer up sick children and their families.  I am a Master Gardener where I work in community gardens and other places to teach sustainable gardening practices that are kind to the environment.

Contact Me

Catherine Carey

catherine@practical-research.com

410-325-7045

3030 Chesterfield Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21213