Evaluating the Impact of Community Development Work in the South Mountain Community

Abstract

This report investigated the impacts of community development work in the South Mountain Neighborhood (Kiwanis and Victoria Park Homes). A team of Research Associates from the McMaster Research Shop analyzed data from stakeholder interviews and focus groups, general resident surveys, and small grant event report documents. Taken together, there is strong evidence that residents who engage with community development are empowered to make change, engage in personal development, and have increased satisfaction with their neighbourhoods. However, survey responses show that there still is a large proportion of residents who are unaware of and/or not accessing opportunities related to the community development program in their neighbourhood and who have not had the opportunity to provide feedback to set and act on community priorities. Ensuring continuity among community development staff and continuing to raise awareness may help connect residents who have not yet engaged with community development opportunities. Greater outreach is important to ensure all residents may benefit from participation. Overall, resident and staff voices agree that community development promotes positive change within the South Mountain community.