Community Sustainability
Sustainability in community programs is the capacity of programs (services designed to meet the needs of community members) to continuously respond to community issues.
A sustained program maintains a focus consonant with its original goals and objectives, including the individuals, families, and communities it was originally intended to serve. Programs change regarding the breadth and depth of their programming. Some become aligned with other organizations and established institutions, whereas others maintain their independence. Understanding the community context in which programs serving the community function has an important influence on program sustainability and success. See table:
| Sustainability elements→ | Middle-range program results→ | Ultimate result |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership competence. Effective collaboration. Understanding the community. Demonstrating program results. Strategic funding. Staff involvement and integration. Program responsivity. | Participant needs met. Confidence in program survival. Effective sustainability planning. | Sustainability. |
Read more about this topic: Local Community
Famous quotes containing the word community:
“Commitment, by its nature, frees us from ourselves and, while it stands us in opposition to some, it joins us with others similarly committed. Commitment moves us from the mirror trap of the self absorbed with the self to the freedom of a community of shared values.”
—Michael Lewis (late 20th century)