1. Community Input Survey Results Report
Saunders County
A Bright Future
Community Input Survey Results Report
October 27, 2015
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

2. Survey process / methodology
Data collected from an eight question online survey tool from Aug. 21 – Oct. 15, 2015
560 community stakeholders were personally invited to participate via postcards and
Stakeholders represented business, government, education, faith-based and community sectors
125 total respondents - 22 % response rate
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

3. Community Response Rates
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

4. Survey Questions What community do you identify most strongly with?
How critical are the following needs for people with low incomes living in that community?
In Saunders County as a whole, how critical are the following needs for people with low incomes living there?
What other needs do you think are critical for people with low incomes living in the county?
What populations do you believe are underserved in the county?
What organizations should Community Action partner with to address these needs?
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

5. Saunders County Needs Rating Scale: Education & employment training
(Community Action Services)
Rating Scale:
High need – Low need – 1
Education & employment training
4.2
Early childhood education
4.1
Parenting support
Money management education/support
4.0
Housing assistance
3.8
Home weatherization
3.5
Tax prep and filing
3.4
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

6. Wahoo Needs Rating Scale: Education & employment training 4.2
(Community Action Services)
Rating Scale:
High need – Low need – 1
Education & employment training
4.2
Money management education/support
4.1
Early childhood education
4.0
Parenting support
3.9
Housing assistance
3.6
Home weatherization
3.3
Tax prep and filing
3.4
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

7. Additional Responses / Needs
Transportation
Mental/behavioral health services
Youth activities (after school, community service projects, work prep)
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

8. Percent (respondents could choose more than one)
Underserved
populations
Percent (respondents could choose more than one)
Single parents
46.0%
Seniors
36.2%
18-30 year olds
32.7%
Infants to age five
30.9%
Other (Upper elementary & middle school, pre-teens & teens, disabled or those with mental health needs)
10.6%
31-65 year olds
9.7%
Women
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

9. Written Responses Increase Public Internet Access
Educate residents on how to find and use available resources
County resource website
Expand Entrepreneurship Opportunities - Less regulation for starting businesses, and lower taxes
Attract more good employers to the community
Money & Savings Education - Education about the importance of making wise money decisions / choices
- Not everyone understands this
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

10. Written Responses (continued)
Provide counseling / education and assistance to job seekers
- Guidance in continued education and daycare to complete skills and find work.
Cut off assistance until employed
Many jobs are available in Saunders County
Limit free stuff
- Discourage laziness and encourage employment (applies to people that are very capable of working).
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

11. Written Responses (continued)
Parenting Classes
During pregnancy and before they leave the hospital
Training for parents on how to support their children in school
Work with at-risk youth on community service projects
Have some sort of bicycle program, or skate board park
Build a Habitat for Humanity house
Adult mentors
- To step in and help kids whose parents aren’t supporting them
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

12. Written Responses (continued)
Keep food bank stocked
Encourage people to use the food bank
Strengthen back pack program
Rental properties
Hold property owners accountable for the way they maintain rental properties
Subsidized housing
People living in subsidized housing of any kind should be drug tested during and after housing.
People should receive continued support and education to discontinue drug use, and not be allowed to smoke in housing.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

13. Written Responses Related to Partnering
Schools, food assistance, or food bank programs to identify families in need and reach out to help them build self-sufficiency
After school programs at churches (i.e., Mead)
Existing young mothers or teen organizations
The CLOSET and KID’S CUPBOARD
OPPD utility assistance program
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

14. Written Responses Related to Partnering
Wahoo Civic Center
Ashland Education Center
Probation, parole, diversion, county attorney’s office
Volunteer fire departments
Business associations, Chamber
Southeast Community College & UNL Extension
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

15. Written Responses Related to Partnering
VFW, other veterans’ and service organizations
Lutheran Family Services, Blue Valley, DHHS
Medical and dental offices and clinics
Senior care centers
Salvation Army, other social service programs
Preschool programs and daycares, parent school groups
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

16. Next steps timeline
December 2015: Community Action Board utilizes results to identify priorities within Saunders County and determine if priority needs are best met by Community Action, partnerships with other entities, or by referral to other entities.
By end of March 2016: Community Action Staff/Board develops a plan to promote programs offered by Community Action in Saunders County to increase resident awareness and utilization. Staff/Board work to establish new partnerships and effective referral processes.
April 2016: Implement plan.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |

17. Saunders County A Bright Future
Thanks to everyone who has participated in this effort! Please contact Michelle Martinez at: actionatwork.org if you want to stay involved in planning/implementation activities.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties | |