Community Participation Report
The Misión Evangélica Luterana Project
Leading areas of community concern 
Of the 21 categories of responses, socialization programs, is the only one that was mentioned for all age groups. Thirty-one of the total 179 responses addressed Socialization Programs (community activities designed to bring people together). Academic preparation was the next highest community concern with 18 responses. Job opportunities and personal management (financial planning and legal assistance) each were mentioned 14 times by the participants in the meetings. These responses reflect a very strong feeling that families and individuals are isolated; that there is no community. This suggests there is a great need in the area for a place where people can come together to form relationships and develop a sense of community.
Community concerns by age group
Family Strengthening Programs for young adults was the single area of greatest concern; 13 responses addressed this category. Comments during meetings indicated that respondents believe strongly that families with children are highly stressed and lack the time and resources necessary to be effective parents. Representatives from the community are especially concerned about young married couples with very young children and single mothers with adolescent children, especially boys. Participants in the meetings felt that parents are not fully involved in the development of their children because they lack the skills needed to be effective disciplinarians.
Socialization Programs for Elders/Seniors was the age category with the second highest number of responses (12).
In categories of need by age group, family strengthening programs for young adults (13) and socialization programs for elders/seniors (12) were followed in number of responses by job opportunities for youth, academic preparation for young adults, personal management and socialization programs for middle-aged adults and health for elders/seniors, each with 11 responses. The first three categories (job opportunities for youth, academic preparation for young adults, and personal management for middle-aged adults) reflect a deeply felt concern that residents of the area are not prepared to compete effectively in today’s economy. It is important to note that across all age groups, academic preparation received the second highest number of responses (18). Participants felt that young people are not well-prepared in school, drop out of school too often and fail to take advantage of post-high school learning opportunities. Socialization programs and job opportunities and personal management tied for the third highest concern across all age groups (14). This suggests that participants from the community believe there is a need for more social interaction and there is a significant need in the community for better job opportunities and basic skills required for managing a household.
Future Development of the Misión Evangélica Luterana Project
The Misión Evangélica Luterana Project is a collaborative partnership between the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (represented by volunteers from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church), the South Central AHEC, Pastor Julio Flamenco, and the residents of the community. On November 14, 2006, the Advisory Committee, including two area residents, completed a strategic planning process to answer the question, “What do we, as the Advisory Committee, want to see happen (realized) within ten years?”
The strategic planning process led the Advisory Committee to the following conclusions (strategic directions):
- The partnership must meet the community “where they are” and genuinely “listen” to the concerns and interests of residents.
- Resident-led activities should be encouraged.
- Programming must be in response to clearly articulated resident needs.
The Advisory Committee wants to engage an on-site coordinator and expand the Edgewood Family Network promotore model*. The Advisory Committee is dedicated to developing leadership in the community by offering leadership and development training, as well as continuous skill building and support at the Misión Evangélica Luterana complex.
Based on their understanding of the needs of the community, the Advisory Committee believes the new project might start by offering the following programs:
- a food bank clothing swap
- clothing swap
- exercise programs
- information on job opportunities and help in applying for jobs
A comparison between community priorities and this list shows these programs to be consistent with identified needs in the community and the resources available to the project.
Resident-driven priority strategic initiatives
A joint strategic planning meeting was held on December 12, 2006. Residents who had participated in the small group discussions (platicas) in November were invited. Participants were invited to bring friends, relatives and neighbors with them to the meeting. A total of 50 individuals participated in the strategic planning process on this date: 41 residents and 9 members of the Advisory Committee. The group reviewed the results of the needs assessment and added additional elements. Finally in answer to the question “What is most urgent?”, the group selected the following priority strategic directions.
- Child and youth development programs
- Healthcare
- Basic needs
- Safety
- Personal development
- Care for the elderly
- Life skills development programs
- A place for community
Next Steps
A follow-up meeting of the community was scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2007, for the purpose of developing a specific action plan. Obviously the needs of the community are great and there is much to be done before a fully functional program is in place. On the plus side, the neighborhood has significant assets – most important, a number of individuals who have indicated a desire to volunteer. Most respondents still expect government or some other resource-rich entity to provide services to meet the needs of the community. On the other hand, several of the more active participants responded positively to the concept of a community-owned organization based on the belief that residents know best what is needed in the community, that control of the decision-making process is possible only when residents take responsibility for resource development, and that resource development begins with the full involvement and volunteer efforts of the residents themselves.
* Edgewood Family Network (EFN) uses promotores (community health workers), community residents trained to work in the community and provide education about common community and health and social services concerns. The EFN promotores offer a variety of activities and education opportunities in the Edgewood Community at the Jose Cardenas Center at 3300 Ruiz.