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Assessment

Case Study:  A Community Research Strategy

Seniors Minnesota, a Minnesota service agency for older adults, had provided services to seniors in their community for more than 30 years.  Their volunteers and paid staff provided transportation, chore services and respite.  While the number of seniors in the community was increasing, the demand for services was not.  Because of this, the agency recognized that they needed to better understand the changing needs of seniors and families in their community. 

Seniors Minnesota formed a strategy team of board members, staff, community and faith leaders, and current and former clients and family members.  They also invited a master’s level social work student from a nearby University to assist them in a three-month research internship.  The intern’s role was to develop a community needs assessment for senior and caregiver-centered services.