New Data Dashboard will help plan and coordinate resources in Taney and Stone County

On Thursday, February 26, Christian Action Ministries hosted a Lunch & Learn session to introduce the Taney and Stone County Data Dashboard. Following an introduction and brief explanation of the new tool by Michele Dean of CAM, the session featured an interactive online tutorial and opportunity for Q & A with Jordan Rhodes of the Missouri University Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES). 

CARES, established in 1992, helps collect and organize data related to population health, the environment, safety, education and economics, to help support better-informed decision-making by community partners looking to meet needs in their communities. Thanks to funding from a Community Development Grant and from the Skaggs Foundation, Christian Action Ministries was able to work with CARES for the development of a data dashboard for Taney and Stone counties. Other area nonprofits and agencies can also become partners and share their usage data, within HIPAA and FERPA guidelines, to help make the free Dashboard a reliable way to identify strengths and needs in various communities, and a great tool for planning future projects or writing grants. 

The data are updated regularly as new demographic and resource usage details are received from sources such as area nonprofits, census data and other government agencies, etc. While there is the possibility of some variation in the data, depending on how individuals identify themselves in some data collection processes, Rhodes pointed out that regular data from multiple local agencies makes for overall good reliability.

During the learning session, participants took notes or followed along on their own laptops as Rhodes explained the features of the Data Dashboard. Users can choose indicators for their particular question or project and then view a report, map, or both. Just a few examples of the many indicators include household incomes, numbers of households with someone employed, number of individuals with disabilities, numbers of households without internet services, etc.; the maps can be accessed by Senate/House district, school district and other qualifiers. 

Responding to a question by an attendee, Rhodes walked participants through a possible scenario of wanting to identify communities with high concentrations of veterans, including those with disabilities. In another question/example, she demonstrated possible indicators to identify locations for consideration of a hub for a scooter rental/purchase program. In the case of Christian Action Ministries, looking at income and food insecurity data helped them analyze their mobile distribution programs. The dashboard allows for multiple layers of data as planning progresses. 

As the session wrapped up, representatives in attendance from various area nonprofits were already discussing plans for participation and ways the data would be helpful in accomplishing their mission of serving those who need the resources they provide. 

There is no charge to use this valuable tool; check it out via the link at www.ChristianActionMinistries.org, or go directly to the site at www.stcdd.org, and browse the data indicators and mapping capabilities. There is also a page for accessing various resources such as affordable healthcare, food and clothing, crisis intervention, mental health, shelter and for agencies to sign up to participate, making this a great timesaver when helping a client in need of multiple services. 

A big thanks to MU CARES and to Christian Action Ministries for their leadership in bringing this valuable informational resource to Taney and Stone County, making it easier and more efficient for all of us to work together to help our neighbors in need of services and resources.