used. Lastly, data from the needs assessment will be used to implement strategies to meet the commitments outlined in Part VI: Key Changes to Service Delivery.
7. What major barriers were anticipated and encountered?
Major barriers anticipated, based on prior experience, included the three approaches: focus groups, listening sessions, and survey distribution. The barriers were basically the same; how to get enough participation that would provide adequate data with which to work. Those barriers were encountered as expected, mostly in attendance in focus groups and listening sessions. No other major barriers were experienced.
8. What strategy was used to overcome barriers?
PCOA engaged an outside consultant to conduct the focus groups. This was done for two reasons. First, the consultant used is well known within the community and was thought to have a good chance of getting as large a response as possible. Second, consideration was given to the likely attendees of the focus groups. It was agreed that government organizations and social service agencies would likely speak more freely about the quality and availability of current services if representatives from PCOA, the designated Area Agency on Aging, were not present at the focus groups. While the attendance was not as robust as desired, the input from attendees reflected openness and willingness to discuss the topics presented. Listening sessions were scheduled throughout Pima County and in various settings such as community centers, lunch program centers, faith-based organizations, and via Zoom. They were advertised widely through PCOA’s various media sources, local radio and newspaper, and library announcements. Attendance was still much lower than had been hoped. This was largely, as reported by several sites, a reluctance of people being in a group setting, regardless of COVID-19 precautions taken. The community survey results were much better, resulting in over 1,000 more surveys collected than those collected when completing the last Area Plan, despite distributing a much more thorough survey. Involving a wide array of community organizations who were willing to distribute the survey in various formats, and encourage their own communities to complete the survey, was enough to overcome the anticipated barriers.
9. What prior planning activities or approaches were used?
Prior planning was mostly communication. PCOA, its partners, and the Advisory Groups convened and engaged in regular communication before the start of the needs assessment and throughout the entire process.
Region II: PCOA
Area Plan 2024-2027
Page 20 of 113
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online