Interfaith Outreach Strategic Plan Sharpens Focus on Mission

Interfaith Outreach’s board of directors unanimously endorsed a new strategic plan that maps out a three-year process to strengthen, sharpen and focus the nonprofit’s ability to respond to the basic needs of individuals and families in the Twin Cities West Metro. 

“The new strategic plan reaffirms our commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive community, where those who use our services can get what they need, when they need it,” said executive director Kevin Ward. 

The nonprofit’s board charged Ward with developing the new plan, which he, the board and the staff did via a comprehensive process that gathered thousands of data points and solicited input from nearly 300 clients, staff, board members, donors, partners and community members. The process was guided by The Prouty Project, a leading Twin Cities strategic planning firm.   

In response to the plan’s renewed focus on “what you need, when you need it,” Interfaith Outreach clients responded with comments such as, “Good idea to base it on need because some people may need more than others.” And, some said, “I love it. Straight to the point. Wonderful.” 

The strategic plan calls for Interfaith Outreach to focus on five key areas: being client-centric, emphasizing core services, leveraging new technologies, broadening communications and using resources strategically. Three core values will drive the work: collaboration, inclusion and integrity. 

Year one is a year of assessment, conversation and questioning, with Ward and staff meeting with the key stakeholders in the community to determine the need for and the effectiveness of current programs and partnerships, while also seeking new ways to advance the nonprofit’s work more efficiently and effectively. 

“Our strategic plan puts clients at the center of all we do,” said board chair Jessica Markkula. “Our community always has been and remains key to the work Interfaith Outreach does. I’m excited for everyone to join us and help continue to make meaningful difference in our community and in the lives of people who live here.” 

The one-page strategic plan summary can be found on the Interfaith Outreach website at iocp.org/impact. 

About Interfaith Outreach 

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) is a human service nonprofit that strengthens our community by meeting basic needs and equipping individuals and families for ongoing stability. Interfaith lives out the values of collaboration, inclusion, and integrity. The organization has served people living in the eight Twin Cities west metro communities of Hamel, Long Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth (west of 494) and Wayzata since 1979.