D.C. area funders, representatives of nonprofits and those generally interested in accountability and evaluation of organizations met this morning at the National Press Club for an inspiring discussion by Washington’s Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) titled, “Lessons Learned from the Latin American Youth Center’s New Strategic Direction and Tracking Progress with Efforts-to-Outcomes Software”. 

The Latin American Youth Center, a long-time client of Social Solutions, showcased their strategic planning initiatives and the role ETO software has played in their planning and goal setting for the success of the organization.  We heard from Lori Kaplan, Executive Director of LAYC; Isaac Castillo, Director of Learning and Evaluation at LAYC; John Kalafatas, portfolio manager at Edna McConnell Clark Foundation; Kate Robinson, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Social Solutions; and a memorable group of young people willing to share LAYC testimonials.

How inspiring it was to sit in a room full of people charged for the same cause, helping to make our nonprofit organizations more effective in an effort to help our young people.  It was a comfort to know that the LAYC, a leading multi-service nonprofit, was willing to take a leap of faith, use a tool like ETO to learn how to better serve the community and marry their organizational vision with the evaluation of their work. Our own Steve Butz commented, “Working with LAYC has been a remarkable experience. They are a truly commendable service organization whose work to tie their efforts to outcomes can serve as an example to all nonprofits who seek to make a larger impact.”  LAYC is doing everything right. Their commitment to bettering their organization, over time and through evaluation, shows their intent at a lasting relationship with the community and a desire to positively make a difference in the lives of those who most need it.

Latin American Youth Center, Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, ETO, Steve Butz, efforts to outcomes, evaluation, nonprofit