A Rural Central Alberta Community Needs Assessment
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Karin Engen, Neighborhood Place, Eckville
Scott Oddie, David Thompson RDA
Background:
Public stakeholders (Public Health, Family and Community Support Services, Seniors Services, Neighborhood Place, Friendship Centre, Elementary School, Junior/Senior High School, and Youth Foundation) initiated a needs assessment in their rural central Alberta community, with the support of the Red Deer College and participating students. The aim of the project was to collect information relevant to the development of programs and services that met identified needs and the current demographic status of those in the rural community.
Method:
A survey instrument was developed and mailed to residents in the community to:
- Examine the community’s awareness and use of existing programs and services
- Identify barriers to participating in programs and services currently offered
- Assess the need for a set of proposed community programs and services, and
- Determine and prioritize basic service needs, housing, education, children and youth, physical and mental health, family violence, public safety, and legal service needs in the rural community.
Results:
The needs assessment helped community stakeholders prioritize and develop programs and services, and provided evidence required to apply for sustainable funding for these programs and services. For example, the survey showed which proposed programs and services were identified as being strongly needed by each household type:
Families
Crime prevention 42%
Drug/alcohol addition education and counseling 31%
Homemaking assistance for seniors 30%
2+ Adults
Crime prevention 42%
Bullying programs 33%
Drug/alcohol addition education and counseling 32%
Homemaking assistance for seniors 32%
Local First Aid, WHIMIS, and H2S training 30%
Single Adults
Crime prevention 44%
Drug/alcohol addition education and counseling 31%