Community. Assessment. Summary Report

Transcription

1 Community 2014 Assessment Summary Report

2 Executive Summary Background The 2014 Central Missouri Community Action Needs Assessment is a report on the demographics, needs and trends affecting the eight counties covered by Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA). It is designed to lead the Strategic Planning Process for the agency for the next three years ( ). The counties covered include Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage. The data and information in this report was gathered and reviewed by various CMCA staff, CMCA Board Members, community partners, low income families and the general public. An effort was made to encourage participants in the process to get below the surface in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of the needs in the eight counties and many communities served by the agency. In 2008 the CMCA Board of Directors approved five areas of focus for the agency. Based upon two and a half years of research, study and review, these priorities have become the foundation on which all programs, services and initiatives are based. In 2012 these five areas of focus were reaffirmed by the CMCA Board of Directors. The areas of focus, otherwise known as Agency Strategic Commitments are: Engage the community to assure that all people have their basic needs met. Enhance community capacity to ensure that all people have lifelong learning opportunities. Build community capacity to enhance economic and community assets. Build relationships across class and race lines. Develop an innovative, caring agency dedicated to being an influential leader in our communities. Of these strategic commitments, four of the five have been designed to work directly with communities to identify and reduce the causes of poverty. All services, activities, initiatives and programs provided through CMCA fall within one of these strategic commitments. Methodology This report is based on information gathered from five different sources. Because CMCA has focused on a strategic plan to transform the agency to more meaningfully respond to the needs of the poor in Central Missouri, this was designed to test the assumptions of that plan. Agency gathered data: 1. Survey 373 families living with low income in the eight county CMCA service area completed the client survey. For the partnership survey 440 community partners, CMCA staff and CMCA Board Members responded. Both surveys were an internet based program hosted by as well as made available in paper format. Overall, 813 individuals completed survey questions designed to inquire about the causes of poverty as identified in CMCA strategic commitments. 2. Public Survey This year, the leadership team of CMCA discussed potential improvements to the traditional focus group to increase the audience and participants view of poverty in Central Missouri. It was determined that in addition to hosting Community Conversations, CMCA would conduct a public survey of five questions seeking input from random individuals. The public surveys were conducted in person and on line with 782 individuals throughout the CMCA service area. Summary Report Page 1

3 3. Community Conversations Central Missouri Community Action facilitated ten (10) Community Conversations throughout the eight (8) counties served by the agency. More than 145 community members attended these conversations and answered the following questions: a. What are the issues that are surrounding the causes and conditions of poverty in County? b. What are the strengths or opportunities that exist to address the causes and conditions of poverty in County? c. What should CMCA s role be in addressing these issues and supporting these opportunities in County? 4. MIS System Data Community Services staff reviewed CMCA intake data collected through the state MIS system from July 5, 2011 through February 28, Information collected was based on the county in which the intake was performed and all answers provided by those completing a comprehensive intake process. 5. Secondary data - Secondary data information was obtained through the Web Based Tool developed by the Center for Applied Research and Environmental Systems and the Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis. The comprehensive report included information derived from standard local, state, or national sources on: Population Profile Employment Education Housing Income Nutrition Healthcare 5. CMCA Head Start/Early Head Start CMCA Head start conducted a self assessment including parent survey information and regularly tested assumptions through on-going program management. The data has been organized in the Appendix to address Head Start s regulation CFR which requires programs to determine their community s strengths and needs by collecting and analyzing data related to six areas. Information from these sources presented an overview of the current community conditions for each of the eight counties within the CMCA service region. Review of Findings Agency staff analyzed the information gathered through the surveys and secondary data. In this analysis, staff followed a 4 step process to gain a deeper understanding of the information. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Overall look at service area focused on Population Profile drawn from the web based tool Entire group gave input on assumptions on/about population in entire service area Began the focused attention for each commitment area. Time was given to the group to look individually at the data for the commitment area. Summary Report Page 2

4 Step 4: Agency staff was given time to state their assumptions/what they know about their area. The rest of the group then provided their assumptions and observations and testing the assumptions with data and observations from a cross functional perspective. Discussion was guided by the following questions: What are the assumptions (what do we inherently know) about the current conditions around the Outcomes and Goals in each Strategic Commitment area? Is there anything in the statistical report information from the new CCNA tool that supports or counters these assumptions? Why? Does anything from the survey or data support or counter these assumptions? Why? Does the data show any surprises or concerns not yet mentioned? Why? What resources, internal or external can/are being focused in this area? Why? What may be the root causes for these conditions? Why? Steps 3 and 4 were repeated for each Strategic Commitment Area. Step 5: Discuss interrelationship between the Strategic Commitment areas what themes emerged and what outcomes had substantial ties to success in other areas? Agency staff including the Community Services Director, Community Organizers, Community Service Program Managers and the Agency Executive Director reviewed all of the information, held discussions on what could have been the causes of various issues raised and agreed on priority issues. The staff met in March 2014 to review and prioritize the findings of this assessment. Staff presented a summary of the information obtained from each group and a priority list to the agency Leadership Team. The agency Leadership Team, made up of agency program directors, reviewed these recommendations and developed the final priorities of the 2014 Community Needs Assessment. The Head Start required data and self assessment were also reviewed for cross agency implications. Throughout the Needs Assessment process, the CMCA Board of Directors participated in local discussions and worked with agency staff to develop client and community surveys. In April 2014, the 2014 was presented to the CMCA Board of Directors for approval. Summary of Findings The following is a summary of the findings in the analysis of the data collected based upon the five steps identified in the Review of Findings. Analysis included assumptions about the agency strategies, observations of families and the community, and a review of the data to test those assumptions and observations. Summary Of Findings Population Profile Key findings of the data Data shows population increases in all counties with the exception of Audrain and Howard counties where the population continues to decrease, although not as much as shown in the 2011 data. o Boone County shows the most significant population increase at 20.53%, a greater increase than the 8 county service region average o Audrain County shows the most significant population decrease. o Audrain, Boone and Howard counties show a poverty rate greater than that of the state average. o The overall poverty rate has increased in the service area at a rate higher than that of the state Summary Report Page 3

5 poverty rate. o Audrain County and Boone County show the highest poverty rate change in the service area, each at 7.8%, yet Audrain has the highest decrease in population and Boone has the highest increase in population. o The percentage of households living in poverty has increased since 2000 in all counties with the highest increase in Howard County, an increase of 6.45% since o The unemployment rate in all 8 counties is lower than that of the state average. Poverty 2012 poverty estimates show a total of 56,817 persons living below the poverty rate in the report area. The report area poverty rate of 16.4% is above the Missouri average of 16.2% during In 2012, Audrain County had the highest poverty rate (20.3%), while Osage County had the lowest poverty rate (11.1%). County All Ages Age 0-17 Age 5-17 Number of Persons Poverty Rate Number of Persons Poverty Rate Number of Persons Poverty Rate Audrain 4, , , Boone 28, , , Callaway 6, , , Cole 9, , , Cooper 2, Howard 1, Moniteau 1, Osage 1, Report Area 56, , , Statewide 945, , , Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE), Summary Report Page 4

6 Poverty Rate Change Poverty rate change in the 8 county report area from 2000 to 2012 is shown in Table 7. According to the U.S. Census, the poverty rate for the 8 county area increased by 6.7%, compared to a statewide increase of 5.6%. Audrain County experienced the greatest change in poverty, increasing by 7.8% from and Moniteau County experienced the least amount of change, increasing by 3.4% County Persons in Poverty, 2000 Poverty Rate, 2000 Persons in Poverty, 2009 Poverty Rate, 2009 Persons in Poverty, 2012 Poverty Rate, 2012 Change in Poverty Rate, Audrain 2, , , Boone 13, , , Callaway 3, , , Cole 4, , , Cooper 1, , , Howard 1, , , Moniteau 1, , , Osage , , Report Area 29, , , Statewide 581, , , Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE), Observations of conditions o It has been observed that the population is moving out of Audrain County. o It has been observed that the population of Boone County has increased along with the poverty rate in that county. o Howard County has the highest rate of increase poverty across the service area. o Unemployment continues to go down, but the poverty rate continues to increase. Assumptions o The increase of poverty in Howard County is due to a lack of jobs and employment opportunities. Summary Report Page 5

7 o The decrease in population in Audrain County is due to a lack of resources, jobs and opportunity. o Audrain County and Howard County appear to be struggling to address the continuing decrease in population and increase in poverty. o The gap between education attainment and available jobs prevents many low income individuals from qualifying for work. o Central Missouri has numerous opportunities to address the causes and conditions of poverty thanks to university and higher education access, community economic development opportunities and local leaders and community members willingness to keep poverty issues in the forefront. Summary of Findings Basic Needs An assumption leading to the creation of the Central Missouri Community Action Transformational Plan was that people are unable to meet the basic needs of transportation, housing, nutrition and healthcare. Survey data showed that people answered that they were meeting their basic needs. Yet, it is observed that people continue to seek assistance in various areas such as housing and utility assistance. It is believed that people feel that their basic needs are met because of social service intervention. This belief is substantiated by the survey data. Transportation It is assumed that transportation continues to be a barrier to low income families. Data shows that the majority of respondents have access to a vehicle, however observations indicate that transportation is not always reliable or affordable. True transportation issues seem to be quality and affordability of transportation resources rather than actual availability of transportation resources. It is known that where relationships exist, people are able to access their transportation needs. Housing The assumption that there is a lack of quality affordable housing in all areas is supported by the data. It is believed that although the housing market is starting to rebound from the Great Recession, families continue to struggle with housing issues. Data shows declining housing stock in Audrain and Howard Counties over the last year and a dramatic increase in overcrowded housing in Boone and Cole Counties over the last five years. Overcrowded Housing Occupied housing units, overcrowded housing units, and percent overcrowded for 2000 and 2012 are provided for the 8 county report area in Table 42. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, percent of overcrowded houses in 2000 ranged from 0.63 in Howard County to 1.49 in Moniteau County. The average for the report area for 2012 is 1.17%, compared to a statewide average of 1.64%. Summary Report Page 6

8 Overcrowded Housing Units / /2012 County Overcrowded Housing Units, 2000 Percent Overcrowded 2000 Overcrowded Housing Units, 2005/2007 Percent Overcrowded, 2005/2007 Overcrowde d Housing Units, 2008/2012 Percent Overcrowded, 2008/2012 Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper no data no data Howard 11 0 no data no data Moniteau no data no data Osage no data no data Report , Area Statewide 3, , Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census of Population and Housing, Summary File 3, 2000.;U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2012 Data Release, December The 2012 American Community Survey 5-year data is a 5-year average of data collected from 2008 through It is also believed that the housing stock available is not appropriate for those seeking housing in that the housing is unsafe or unsanitary or simply unavailable. Data also shows that the housing stock in smaller rural counties is older and may have issues associated with older homes such as lead or mold issues. Finally, the cost for housing is believed to be an issue for low income families as the fair market rent for a two-bedroom home is simply out of reach for a minimum wage earner. Housing Affordability The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports each year on the amount of money a household must earn in order to afford a rental unit based on Fair Market Rents in the area and an accepted limit of 30% of income for housing costs. For 2011, the hourly wage a worker must earn to afford a 2 bedroom rental ranged from in Cole County to in Boone County in the 8 County report area. Summary Report Page 7

9 Hourly Wage for a 2 Bedroom Rent, 2013 $14.00 $12.00 $10.00 $8.00 $6.00 $4.00 $2.00 $0.00 Hourly Pay Rate Required Mimimum Wage Average Renter Hourly Wage ($)* County Average Renter Hourly Wage ($)* 0 Bedrooms Hourly Wage ($'s) for 1 Bedroom 2 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Report Area Statewide Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition, Out of Reach 2013 Report. Published March 11, 2013 * Based on 2011 BLS data, adjusted using the ratio of renter to overall household income reported in ACS, and projected to April 1, Nutrition An assumption is held that families need access to quality, affordable nutrition. Data shows that participation in the free and reduced lunch program, although lower than the state average, has increased each year for the last three years throughout the agency service area. In addition, the monthly benefit received by families through the Supplemental Nutrition Program (formally food stamps) for Central Missouri has increased from an average of $73 per month in 2007 to $280 per month in However, it is also known that this increase is attributed to an increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Program during the Recovery Act and that these increases will end in 2014 reducing average payments to pre-recovery Act rates. Summary Report Page 8

10 Free and Reduced Lunch Program County Percent of Students Participating, 2008 Percent of Students Participating, 2010 Percent of Students Participating, 2012 Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Report Area Statewide Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Annual Reporting of School District Data, 2011/2012 Academic Year. Data provided by school district, summarized by DESE school district - county association. Healthcare An assumption is held that individuals do not have access to affordable quality healthcare. The data shows that a lack of access to medical professionals and a lack of financial resources is a barrier to regular physical and oral health services. The data shows that although there are additional health care resources, access to those resources are limited, especially in rural communities. Basic Needs Highlights Based upon these highlights, many of the operating assumptions surrounding the agency Strategic Commitments prove to be accurate. With this in mind, the priorities for Basic Needs are as follows: Quality, affordable housing Adequate, affordable and nutritious food Access to health care resources Summary Report Page 9

11 Summary of Findings Life Long Learning An assumption is that comprehensive accessible education is lacking to ensure that all students achieve success. It is believed that education includes all learning experiences from cradle to grave, not just the traditional kindergarten through high school, although the traditional K-12 educational structure is assumed to be a key element in the reduction of poverty. It is assumed that early child education is crucial in preparing children for the formal learning environment found in traditional public schools. It is also assumed that youth are not graduating from high school and the lack of a high school diploma will affect the future earning potential and financial stability of individuals and families. Education Data shows that access to early childhood education and dependent care options for low income families is often unobtainable. Data supports the assumption that available child care subsidies are not enough to cover the cost of a quality early learning facility for children. Thus many low income children enter school at a learning deficit of their peers. Schools are seen as the sole responsibility for the educational success of children. Nearly all communities identified their public education system as high quality and a success of the community. However, parents do not indicate that they have the support needed to help their children succeed in school. High school graduation rates in Howard and Moniteau counties are making significant progress while Audrain, Boone, and Cole are making smaller progress. However, graduation rates in Callaway, Cooper and Osage are decreasing. High School Graduation Rate It is assumed that youth are not graduating from high school and that the lack of a high school diploma will affect the future earning potential and financial stability of individuals and families. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, graduation rates ranged from 83.98% in Callaway County to 93.17% in Osage County in the 2011/2012 academic school year. Data shows that although high school graduation rates for the eight county service area are increasing, they are still below the state average. However, high school graduation rates have dramatically decreased in Cooper County by 4%, Callaway County by 2% and in Osage County by.2%. High School Graduation Rates Summary Report Page 10

12 County 2010 Graduation Rate 2012 Graduation Rate Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Report Area Statewide Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Annual Reporting of School District Data, 2011/2012 Academic Year. Data provided by school district, summarized by DESE school district - county association. Educational Attainment The chart below shows the distribution of educational attainment levels in the 8 county region. Educational attainment is calculated for persons over 25, and is an average for the period from 2008 to % 17% 14% 41% No High School Diploma High School Only Bachelors Graduate or Professional County % No High School Diploma, 2000 % No High School Diploma, 2012 % High School Only, 2000 % High School Only, 2012 % Bachelors, 2000 % Bachelors, 2012 % Graduate or Professio nal, 2000 % Graduate or Professio nal, 2012 Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Summary Report Page 11

13 Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Report Area Statewide Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census of Population and Housing, Summary File 3, 2000.; U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2012 Data Release, December The 2012 American Community Survey 5-year data is a 5-year average of data collected from 2008 through Skills and Knowledge It is assumed that people are knowledgeable about to access opportunities to develop a new skill. Based upon data, people do not have the skills necessary to qualify for the jobs available in today s market. Additional skills training and education are believed to be necessary to move up in the workforce. Data seems to support this assumption. It is believed that literacy affects all commitment areas as well as Life Long Learning and that literacy rates are below average. Data confirms that six counties have literacy rates below the state average. Life Long Learning Highlights Based upon the assumptions, observations, data discussions and priority tools utilized throughout this process, many of the original assumptions around the agency Strategic Commitments have proven to be accurate. With this in mind, the priorities for Life Long Learning are as follows: Early childhood education Graduation supports Skills training Summary Report Page 12

14 Summary of Findings Economic Assets Employment is an ongoing issue that is a significant factor in the causes and condition of poverty. Data shows that unemployment in the eight county service region is 5.4%, lower than the state average unemployment rate. Data also shows that unemployment has continued to fall in all counties over the last three years. However, this trend does not include those individuals who are no longer seeking work. It is believed that by building community capacity to enhance economic and community assets, communities and families will be strengthened. Unemployment Rate Trend 2011, 2012, County 2011 Unemployment Rate 2012 Unemployment Rate 2013 Unemployment Rate Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Statewide Household Income There is an assumption that families in Central Missouri do not have a household income sufficient to meet their needs and that there are not enough living wage jobs in the region especially in the smaller counties. Data shows that the availability of good jobs is increasing. However, the definition of good job is subjective and could carry various meaning for people such as living wage, Summary Report Page 13

15 benefits, etc. Data shows that the average annual wage in Central Missouri is approximately 25% lower than the state average living wage. Compared to a 33% difference in 2011, this is an improvement. Despite the belief that it costs less for a family to live in Central Missouri, a 25% wage difference is not justified by the cost of living differences. Data shows that there is a 13% difference between the average wage and the average cost of living in Central Missouri. $18 $16 $14 $12 $10 $8 $6 $4 $2 $0 Average Hourly Wage Average Living Wage County Average Hourly Wage Average Living Wage Audrain Boone Callaway Cole Cooper Howard Moniteau Osage Report Area Statewide Average Living Wage for 2 adults and 2 children Source: Poverty in America, Living Wage Calculator, June ( 2013 Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier and The Pennsylvania State University) Housing There is an assumption that there is an inadequate number of housing units that are decent, safe and affordable to low income families. Shortage of such housing can also be attributed to local rules, regulations and requirements that may prevent a low-income family from accessing decent, safe and affordable housing. Data shows that housing costs for low income families make up a significant amount of available financial resources. The Section 8 program operated by CMCA is a reflection of the quality and supply of housing in six of the eight counties. There has been a reduction of successful 60 day participant leases up from 2012/13 to now. It went from 92% to 80% (a reflection of the difficulty in finding housing). This last Summary Report Page 14

16 year we have seen an increase in clients having difficulties in obtaining one bedroom units. In addition, the quality of housing is reflected in the fact that 25% of the units selected by participants to reside in fail their first (pre-move in) inspection for HUD Housing Quality Standards. There is a wide assumption that everyone should/wants to be a homeowner. Staff has seen problems with affordability and home ownership. Many want to own a home, but can t because of poor credit, the expense of owning a home is too great or they lack the knowledge on what it takes to purchase and maintain a home. Financial literacy is believed to be a key component to buying and keeping a home. It is believed that homeownership may not be for everyone, such as senior citizens, but the need for safe, quality housing is an option that needs to be available to all families. Personal Assets It is an assumption that individuals need personal assets in order to become self sufficient. Data shows that asset development improves self-sufficiency and supports this assumption. An assumption is that low income people over utilize payday loans. The data does not support this assumption. However, nearly 47% of respondents indicated that they have utilized some sort of payday lending in the past. This correlates to the 40% who indicate that they are unable to obtain any type of banking account. The nearly 55% who do have a banking relationship may be a reflection of more individuals saving and utilizing banking as a way to secure money or the requirement of many federal programs to utilize direct deposit or bank cards as a method of receiving benefits. Dependent Care There is an assumption that families need access to affordable, quality dependent care services. The data supports this assumption. Although nearly 40% of respondents indicated that access to child care was not a necessity for their families, 24.5%, or nearly one quarter of respondents indicated that child care is not accessible or affordable. While MIS data shows that nearly 33% of families completing the intake process indicated that they were in need of dependent care services, such as Head Start. Economic Assets Highlights Based upon the assumptions, observations, data discussions, and priority tools utilized throughout this process, many of the original assumptions around the agency Strategic Commitments have proven to be accurate. With this in mind, the priorities for Economic Assets are as follows: Economic Development/job creation/enhancement Availability of quality, affordable housing Individual & Community Asset Development Summary Report Page 15

17 Summary of Findings Relationships It is an assumption that building relationships across race and class lines is the strongest tool in the fight against poverty. Relationships are the common thread throughout all of the Strategic Commitments. It is almost a foundational component needed to succeed in each area. With that being said, relationship based work is very difficult to quantify and therefore hard to measure. It is assumed that the majority of individuals served by Central Missouri Community Action are white. Although MIS data confirms this assumption, the data also shows that while only 7.84% of the regional population identify themselves as black, 35% of individuals served by Central Missouri Community Action are black. This data supports the assumption that minorities are more likely to live in poverty and seek out assistance than non-minorities. Population served by Race 0% 0% 1% 4% 35% 5% 55% White Black or African American American Indian Asian Native Hawaiian Other Multi Race Race Number of persons served by CMCA White 4,727 Black or African American 3,042 American Indian 25 Asian 18 Native Hawaiian 28 Other 371 Multi-Race 416 Source: CMCA MIS/CSBG IS Report FY11, FY12, FY13 A common assumption identified by community conversations as a major issue contributing to the causes and conditions of poverty is that of single parent households. Although it is a common belief that single parent families are becoming more the norm, data does not support this assumption. However, data does show that the majority of families served by Central Missouri Community Action are single female parents. Although MIS data confirms this assumption, the data also shows that while only 16.42% of the regional household population is headed by single mothers, 37% of families served by Central Missouri Community Action are households headed by single mothers. This data Summary Report Page 16

18 supports the assumption that single mothers are more likely to live in poverty and seek out assistance than other types of families. Families Served by CMCA 7% 6% 37% Single parent/female Single parent/male 31% Two parent household 16% 3% Single Person Two adults/no children Other Family Type Number of persons served by CMCA Single parent/female 4555 Single parent/male 373 Two-parent household 2038 Single Person 3804 Two adults/no children 856 Other 693 Total Source: CMCA MIS/CSBG IS Report FY11, FY12, FY13 There is an assumption that there is a need to better educate community leaders on the issues of poverty. The data shows that progress has been made in filling the divide felt between families in poverty and their community leaders, but an intentional effort still needs to be focused on this divide. Relationship Highlights Based upon the assumptions, observations, data discussions and priority tools utilized throughout this process, many of the original assumptions around the agency Strategic Commitments have proven to be accurate. With this in mind, the priorities for Building Relationships are as follows: Create opportunities for collaboration and coordination between agencies, programs and community resources Increase the voice of the low income population Inter-relationship Between Commitment Areas The continuum of human development that makes up the Central Missouri Community Action Transformational Plan demonstrates how all of the Strategic Commitments are interrelated. Each Summary Report Page 17

19 commitment is needed to succeed in each area with the Relationship Commitment being the foundational component of each. Priorities The staff analyzed the data, tested their assumptions and observations, and reviewed the results of the findings. Then, utilizing the Paired Comparison Technique and the Inter-relationship Diagram tools, determined the following priorities for each Strategic Commitment. Basic Needs Quality, affordable housing Adequate, affordable and nutritious food Access to health care resources Life Long Learning Early childhood education Graduation Supports Skills training Economic Assets Economic Development/job creation/enhancement Availability of quality, affordable housing Individual & Community Asset Development Relationships Create opportunities for collaboration and coordination between agencies, programs and community resources Increase the voice of the low income population Next Steps Rather than identifying the problems shown throughout a typical needs assessment, Central Missouri Community Action will utilize this to ask, How can our communities utilize its strengths to form new opportunities, structures, and combinations for increased success and possibilities for families? The next step in Central Missouri Community Actions plan is to revise priorities to identify the goals for the agency over the next three years. These priorities and goals will be based on the priorities identified in this document and the aforementioned question, and our existing and potential new programs, services and initiatives. Conclusion This report is designed to be the core information sources for citizens, policymakers, and Central Missouri Community Action management staff of the critical issues facing Central Missouri families. The solution to these issues requires collaboration and multiple approaches by departments, organizations and citizens working together toward a common vision. If this report is successful, it will provide direction for groups, individuals and organizations in the counties of Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage to come together to coordinate, cooperate, and provide opportunities for communities that will result in an increase quality of life for all who live here. Summary Report Page 18