Community Participation Report

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The Misión Evangélica Luterana Project

Community Assessment
The Misión Evangélica Luterana (ZIP Code 78227) assessment involved meetings of a number of groups. Oversight and planning were provided through two meetings of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Advisory Committee. Seven gender-specific small group meetings (five for women and 2 for men) of community residents were held to learn what community residents believe is needed to make the area a healthier and better place to live. A plenary strategic planning meeting was held to provide feedback to the community about the findings of the assessment and engage residents in planning how to proceed in developing the complex as a community resource. The strategic planning meeting was attended by residents of ZIP Code 78227 who had participated in the small group meetings in November, as well as many residents of the area who had not attended the earlier meetings, and members of the Advisory Committee. All of the meetings were held in the church hall and classrooms at Misión Evangélica Luterana. Including all meetings, a total of 96 residents of various ages and ethnicities, including 62 women and 34 men attended the meetings. Residents who attended the meeting were broadly representative of the population of ZIP Code 78227 in terms of education and income. Age distribution ranged from 14 years to over 65 years of age. Several participants presented significant disabilities.

Meetings lasted for approximately two hours. Small groups ranged in size from 3 to 13. All who attended participated actively and enthusiastically. Each participant was given a $25 gift certificate to either HEB or Target as an acknowledgement for their contribution. A card-storming process was used to engage participants in addressing what they believe to be the major concerns that need to be addressed to make their community a healthier and safer place to live. A more detailed description of the methods used is given below. Summary of Community Concerns There were a total of 179 responses provided about community concerns. The number of concerns provided by age group was

• Youth (ages birth to 20)–52
• Young adults (age 21 to 40)–51
• Middle-aged adults (age 41 to 65)–38
• Elders/Seniors (age 65 and over)–38

To enhance understanding, the concerns were grouped into categories. There are 23 categories as follows:

1. Academic preparation
2. Affordable housing
3. Assistance for the homeless or disabled
4. Child care
5. Emergency assistance
6. Family strengthening programs
7. Fitness programs
8. Health
9. Information and referral
10. Job opportunities
11. Nutrition
12. Parental involvement
13. Personal management
14. Problem prevention and intervention programs
15. Public recreation
16. Self-development through informal learning
17. Socialization programs
18. Sport and fitness programs
19. Support services for the elderly (including transportation)
20. Transportation
21. Youth development