A Holistic Lens
Our unique model enables us to support and view multiple domains of our clients’ lives. This allows us to better understand and align the best path forward for each individual through the lens of the seven following outcome areas.
EDUCATION
From Surviving
Lack of basic literacy, no diploma or GED
To Thriving
Completed a post secondary educational or vocational program
EMPLOYMENT
From Surviving
Unemployed or temporarily employed.
To Thriving
Held full-time employment for a year in a position with benefits and wage of $17.50 per hour or more.
FINANCIAL
From Surviving
No budget or savings. Income does not meet expenses.
To Thriving
Balanced monthly budget. Current on monthly bills, paid down debt. 10% of monthly net income saved.
HOUSING
From Surviving
Temporary or transitional housing.
To Thriving
Permanent unsubsidized housing for a minimum of 12 months.
TRANSPORTATION
From Surviving
No access or affordability for public or private transportation.
To Thriving
Owns reliable transportation or public transportation fully meets needs.
CHILDCARE
From Surviving
No childcare – active barrier.
To Thriving
Consistent childcare with contingency plans or – client does not have children requiring childcare.
WELLNESS
From Surviving
Challenges with depression, anxiety or other issue with no counseling support.
To Thriving
No challenges in last 12 months or has never experienced challenges.
The CityLink Client Progression Index
CityLink leveraged historic client data to formulate a weighted scale, which we simply call the CityLink Client Progression Index. This scale allows us to uniquely quantify and evaluate the totality of our clients’ experience in order to actively drive continuous experience. Evaluation of the data informs client pathways, program mix, and interventions all to help more clients achieve more gains and sustain those gains over time.
Here is a sample client run chart of progression across multiple domains. Through the evaluation of individual and aggregate data, we seek to understand critical services or sequencing to support client growth or avoid regressions.
1
Counseling
Gains
2
Stabilizes
Housing
3
Attains
GED
4
Establishes
Budget
5
Expands Education
with Certification
6
Secures
Employment
7
Stabilizes
Transportation
8
Stabilizes
Budget
Measuring Poverty
When evaluating poverty in a community, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is the clearest and most widely accepted measure. But… even when an individual moves to 100% of the FPL, they aren’t truly out of poverty. The goal to support families advancement out of poverty (over 200% FPL) requires a single parent with two children to obtain a full-time job paying over $20/hour or a two head of household family with two children to have combined full-time earnings of $25.10/hour. This is why CLC is focusing on expanding career and technical training so that more clients can attain living wage jobs.
For context, take a look at these hourly rates earned in Cincinnati, Ohio:
Fast Food Industry
$9.83/hr
Home Health Aide
$11.14/hr
Logistics
$12.12/hr
Construction
$18.89/hr
This chart takes a look at household size and what income level is required to reach the Federal Poverty level 100% FPL and self sufficiency at 200% FPL
The Federal Poverty Level – A Common Measure
When evaluating poverty in a community, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is the clearest and most widely accepted measure. However, even when an individual moves to 100% of the FPL, they aren’t truly out of poverty. The goal to support families advancement out of poverty (over 200% FPL) requires a single parent with two children to obtain a full-time job paying over $20/hour, or a two-head of household family with two children to have combined full-time earnings of $25.10/hour. This is why CLC is focusing on expanding career and technical training so that more clients can attain living wage jobs.
Our progress through the years
Over the past 5 years, we have matured our model, working with our partners to integrate services to better serve more clients. Double-digit growth of client engagement has been fueled by scaling existing partners and adding new ones. Every number is a neighbor working to advance their lives.
Stories of life change
Just 3 of over 1,700 journeys that have and are taking place within our walls over the past 3.5 years.