Partnering with Communities When Choosing Interventions to Implement with Organizations: Lessons Learned [1]
Resource Description
Soul Survivors of Chicago founder Rafiah Maxie-Cole highlights the importance of organizations partnering with communities when selecting and implementing interventions. She underscores the value of building ongoing, trust-based relationships rather than relying on one-time engagement strategies like focus groups. By meaningfully involving those who receive services in decision-making, organizations can choose models that are more relevant, effective, and sustainable. The focus shifts from designing programs for communities to building solutions with them. Ms. Maxie-Cole illustrates this approach through examples from Soul Survivors of Chicago, demonstrating how collaborative, community-driven efforts can strengthen both impact and long-term success.
Resources
- Soul Survivors of Chicago. (n.d.). Soul Survivors of Chicago. https://www.soulsurvivorsofchicago.com/ [2]
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). NCTSN resources: Family-youth-provider partnerships. NCTSN. https://www.nctsn.org/trauma-informed-care/family-youth-provider-partner... [3]
- Soul Survivors of Chicago. (2025). The Nourish and Flourish Project. https://www.soulsurvivorschicago.org/programs [4]
- Maxie-Cole, R. (2026, March). Soul Survivors of Chicago is proud to announce our 'Nourish and Flourish' project! [LinkedIn post]. LinkedIn. https://shorturl.at/8bhHv [5]