Theory of Change

Making Connections Des Moines believes the most effective way to reach long-lasting, sustained change in a given geographic area is to bring together all the people who have a stake in what happens. This includes people striving to improve their circumstances on an individual or neighborhood basis and those who represent community supports, such as social service groups, government and business.

We focus on the power of partnerships at all levels and believe the growing understanding and appreciation of the need for and value of connections will allow positive change to be sustained in Des Moines.

The 3Ps of our strategy are:
  1)  Practice & policy — focusing on funding and policy barriers that keep families and children from getting
  ahead, working to alter practices and policies that unfairly or inadvertently create barriers; better-targeting
  investments of money and time to achieve maximum results; and creating more-effective or
  resident-centered programs
  2)  People & culture — focusing on our stakeholders, both vertical and horizontal, getting individuals
  engaged in finding solutions that work for them
  3)  Programs — focusing on community-based organizations, service providers, and fostering greater
  dialogue, understanding, interaction, and collaboration among all of us