The 4community Partners, a coalition of prominent community organizations led by United Way of Howard County, commissioned the 2007 Community Needs Assessment to stimulate conversation and guide planning to create sustainable improvements in the quality of life for all of Howard County. The Partners selected DBonnet Associates through a competitive process to conduct the study on its behalf. Financial support came from the 4community grants program managed by the Indiana Association of United Ways and funded by Lilly Endowment. Planning grants of $35,000 were offered to Indiana communities exclusively for the purposes of forming local collaborations, assessing community needs, and identifying priorities. A $7,000 local match was required, which Howard County raised through $1,000 contributions from each participating partner.

The 4community Partners is a coalition of community organizations led by United Way of Howard County, including the City of Kokomo, Community Foundation of Howard County, Howard County Health Department, Howard Regional Hospital, Ivy Tech Community College, and St. Joseph Hospital and Health Center.

Data Sources

• A community leader survey was conducted online between February 21 and 26, 2007. Invitations were e-mailed to a list compiled by United Way comprised mostly of executives and board members of government agencies and nonprofit organizations - 350 people in all. The survey not only drew an amazing response rate of 50 percent (176 surveys); the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors were all well represented, and many thoughtful essays were submitted.
• An Internet search yielded a broad array of data about the Howard County population, employment, poverty, crime, and other topics. Most of the statistics cited in this report are from the data sources described in the final section, "Guide to Data Sources."
• A survey of vulnerable populations, conducted by Lisa Price, was completed in Fall 2006 by 131 clients of homeless shelters, mental health services, home care services, and other human service agencies.
• Records of calls to I&R/211 during 2006 were analyzed to spot gaps in community services.
• Seven focus groups with a total of 42 participants met on February 28 and March 1, 2007 to respond to initial findings and advise on issues facing their respective sectors: business, health, education, social services, government, arts and culture, and the faith community.
• Three meetings of the 4community Partners provided additional information and guidance.

4COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF HOWARD COUNTY		CONTACT INFORMATION
United Way of Howard County City of Kokomo Community Foundation of Howard County Howard County Health Department Howard Regional Hospital Ivy Tech Community College St. Joseph Hospital and Health Center		United Way of Howard County 210 West Walnut Street Kokomo, IN 46901 (765) 457-6691 Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30pm United Way Helpline 2-1-1