Case Study on SHIP of Frederick County Re-envisioning Project

The founder and executive director of a regional nonprofit in Maryland approached Adam to help the organization monitor their approach to serving their population. Seven years after their establishment, the organization served thousands of young people in several programs focused on ending homelessness and expanding opportunities in a variety of ways. However, the organization had very little youth voice or involvement in substantive ways and were aware of the need to change that.

After an organization-wide evaluation and assessment of programs, procedures, policies and personnel, Adam led organizational leaders in identifying growth opportunities for all staff and youth participants. Taking a systems approach to youth involvement, specific avenues for professional development were identified with Adam facilitating several sessions tailored for specific programs and staff roles. Additionally, organizational policy and procedures were modified as needed, and specific activities were transformed to sustain meaningful youth involvement in the long term. When the process was finished, an organizational assessment was administered which showed significant transformation in SHIP over the course of the project.