While she’s not yet working with one of the many nonprofits supported by Jericho Road Pasadena, new volunteer Jessica Martone, Founder and Principal Consultant at JCM Consulting, is already brainstorming on how she can put her skills and experience to work on their behalf.
“A good place to start is a logic model, a single page that shows the map of your organization or program (what you do and what change will result from these efforts). Once this is in place, we can create a strategy for gathering data and tracking important information. I can provide support and guidance with developing data collection tools, collecting and analyzing data, and sharing your impact with stakeholders.”
Jessica, who learned about JRP through another volunteer, Mitch Boretz, is especially excited about the opportunity to work with a nonprofit that supports the capacity building of other organizations. And with 15+ years of experience supporting program evaluation and research efforts, Jessica is well equipped to collaborate with nonprofits eager to begin or enhance their own data capabilities.
“”I am very passionate about helping nonprofits to identify, collect, and examine data that will help show their impact. In a time where funding is limited, organizations can really stand out by not only saying we served this many people, but here’s what they learned and how they grew” says Jessica, who brings over 15 years of experience supporting program evaluation and research efforts. When organizations can move beyond tracking outputs (numbers), says Jessica, they can speak to their outcomes, and how participants gained new knowledge and skills, changed behaviors, and in turn changed the conditions of a community.”
Most importantly, Jessica wants nonprofits to see data as an asset rather than a burden.
Meanwhile, Jessica continues to learn more about nonprofit needs in the greater Pasadena area that want to strengthen their programs, better understand their impact, and use data to support their goals.
“I would love to see an organization feel empowered through work we do together,” Jessica says. “Seeing an organization develop a plan for collecting data and actually carrying it out so they can understand their impact will be very meaningful. ”I am looking forward to seeing how I can help support these organizations to meet their goals.”
Check back for updates on Jessica’s new journey.
Learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena’s skilled volunteer opportunities and discover how your professional experience can help local nonprofits thrive.
Thanks to our volunteer, Lee Houck, for writing the JRP Volunteer Spotlights!