LIFT Annual Report 2013: Building Strong Foundations | Page 7

Theory of Change for
Member Impact
We don’t have to wait 20-30 years to know if our program is working – we
get feedback after nearly every meeting. If it’s as predictive as its corporate
equivalent, CV can help us learn and improve right here and now.
What were your first steps as Chief Program Officer?
My first step was to understand where we are right now. I visited each region to
talk with the staff and to observe the member service meetings. I asked myself,
‘To what extent does the data match up to what I’m seeing?’ That’s an essential
step as we build a barometer to measure impact. Then I started serving as an
advocate myself, so I can understand first-hand what our members are facing and
how LIFT can support their success.

Members and advocates build
a relationship that is memberled and rooted in dignity and
respect.

And you found out how hard it is.
Definitely. The challenges our members are able to face and overcome would
be daunting for anyone. You can’t help but marvel at their strength – and be
humbled by it. Getting to be part of their journey is a gift and a big responsibility –
one that I don’t take lightly.
What’s the biggest challenge of your job?
The overwhelming need. Times are very tough for individuals who are striving
to build a better future for themselves and their families. It’s heartbreaking to
visit our offices and see how many community members we have to turn away
because we don’t have enough space, staff, and hours in the day to work with
everyone who comes in the door. My challenge is to figure out how we can do a
better job for the folks we can see. How can we be more effective in supporting
their success? How can we get even closer to realizing our vision of helping
people lift themselves out of poverty for good?

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Together, they partner to make
progress on the member’s goals and
to work to strengthen members’
connections to social services,
supportive relationships, and local
community.

What is your goal for 2014?
To sharpen the focus. We’re investing in doing a more rigorous job of evaluating
our impact and figuring out which aspects of our program are delivering the
most value for our members and in what context. It’s my job to hone in on what
works and pare back everything else so that we’re laser focused on helping our
members succeed. Nothing could be more important.

Members build stronger personal, social,
and financial foundations that help them
lift themselves and their families out of
poverty for good.
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