West campus news Releases Archive
ASU faculty compile West Valley community assessment for United Way
Mar. 1, 2005
West Valley community assessment mobilizes resources and planning
The Arizona State University Partnership for Community Development has partnered with the Valley of the Sun United Way and Stardust Foundation to create a report on the state of human services in the West Valley with the intended goal of improving the quality of life.
After months of hosting focus group discussions across West Valley communities, a process known as the West Valley Community Scan, the input of 400 residents was synthesized into a report that outlines the results. The report entitled "Gathering the Voices of the Community, Mobilizing the West Valley and Improving Lives" was revealed at a community symposium held today at ASU's West campus. More than 200 community members gathered to learn the results, witness a plenary discussion among West Valley leaders and participate in continued social service planning through community task force workshops.
The report was compiled by ASU faculty members Richard Knopf, who is also director of the Partnership for Community Development, and John Burk a lecturer in communication studies, both in the College of Human Services. According to United Way, the expertise of these individuals was critical to capturing the data and developing a report that would serve as a resource for future social service planning.
The Scan's results were presented by Knopf, Burk and Brian Spicker, senior vice president of community impact for Valley of the Sun United Way.
Through the Scan, five major themes were identified as being key to improving the quality of life in the West Valley. They include: communication and collaboration; community planning and development; education; health; wellness and safety; and transportation.
"The Scan has fostered strong partnerships and promoted dialogue among businesses, nonprofits, government and academic institutions that will be key to addressing the dynamic needs of the West Valley," stated Mark Searle, ASU vice president and provost at the West campus.
The report is available online at: http://www.west.asu.edu/chs/partdev/ASUVSUW.pdf
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