1. Deborah Rosenbloom, JD/MPA Vice-President Programs drosenbloom@jwi.org
This project was supported by Grant No CY-AX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this program are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

2. Two very different target communities but similar challenges

3. Challenges ●Male-dominated spaces ●Women’s organization
●Outsider to community
●Questions dominant narrative

4. ●Builds relationships ●Introduces project to community
Strengths & Needs Assessment
●Promotes buy-in
●Builds relationships
●Introduces project to community
●Enhances outcomes
View as opportunity

5. Respect the culture! Assessment What is your Purpose Area?
Are there other factors to assess?
Plan strategically
Who needs to be involved in planning and implementing?
What do you need to learn and from whom?
How will you find out? (methodology)
Respect the culture!

6. Decisions Include stakeholders Goals Timetable Target Gatherers
Instruments
Include stakeholders

7. Process *Get OVW approval*! Conduct assessment Draft data instruments
Analyze findings – any surprises?
Revisit original project plan

8. Strategic Plan Analyze assessment findings
Make changes to original plan
Determine technical assistance needs
Draft and submit to OVW
Share with stakeholders

9. JWI’s Tips Be guided by long-term goals Make tradeoffs with intention
Pay attention to the process
Listen carefully
Respect the community