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.
The new strategic plan will take effect on April 1, 2022, when the current plan ends. Year one will be 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 is a human service nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen its community by meeting the basic needs of individuals and families, and equipping them for ongoing stability. It does so by rallying resources, igniting the power of community and living out the core values of collaboration, inclusion and integrity. Since 1979, Interfaith Outreach has served the west Hennepin County communities of Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata.
