Mountain CAP serves CSBG customers in Braxton, Upshur, and Webster Counties, while many programs also reach into numerous additional counties.

 

This comprehensive community needs assessment looks at needs, issues, resources, and gaps in services. As part of the Mountain CAP strategic planning process, the entire document highlights needs, issues, concerns, opportunities, as well as a review of direct services, partnerships, collaborations, and information and referral. Each will be key considerations for future program planning.

 

The three-county service area is rural with limited resources. The top needs identified were common throughout the area.

1. More Jobs

2. Affordable Housing

3. Public Transportation

The focus groups’ input, direct survey results, and secondary data research produced consistent information vital for future planning.

 

Community action agencies are required by regulation to obtain timely, relevant, and appropriate information about local services, resources, and needs. Although organizations throughout the service area may also conduct independent assessments, the parameters may vary, timelines may not align, and the target population may be different than those served by Mountain CAP.

 

Mountain CAP performs a community needs assessment of the agency’s community action three county service area every three years. The population of focus is low-income individuals, families, and the community.

The results are compiled, analyzed, and formatted. The document is submitted to administration and management for review, additions, or deletions. It is then presented to the Board of Directors for input, opportunities for modification, and/or acceptance.

 

Internally, the Community Needs Assessment becomes part of the agency toolkit for future planning and direction. Findings are integral to strategic planning and program development. Mountain CAP also shares the Community Needs Assessment externally and with contributors, stakeholders, partners, collaborators, and the public via public meetings, social media, and the agency website.