New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT) is an umbrella nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the social development of the city of New Brunswick, New Jersey, by providing resources to local member organizations. NBT approached the Initiative for Regional and Community Development (IRCT) with a multiphase project that consisted of gathering data and creating an up-to-date needs assessment of the current New Brunswick population. This project consists of an analysis of secondary data as well primary data collection. A portion of the primary data was collected in conjunction with the Bloustein Center for Survey Research (BCSR).
Project Details
The first phase of the project was to develop a comprehensive overview of the current demographic trends throughout New Brunswick. The demographic data were organized into the following topic areas: Education, The State of Children and Families, Health Issues and Health Care, Disabled Population, Immigration, Housing, Homelessness, Land Use and Economic Development, Employment, Transportation, and Crime. Shifting demographics in the city have increased the challenges of identifying resident needs and responding to their concerns.
The second phase of the project consisted of administering a survey to service providers so that the project team could better understand how they operate and the needs they are addressing. Contact was made via phone, email, and in-person to increase the response rate. The data were then analyzed and the findings were compiled into a comprehensive report. In addition to the report, the project team drafted a one-page summary of each of the 59 service providers in an effort to provide NBT with easy access to this important information. IRCT also provided NBT with over 20 case studies of similar organizations that had successfully addressed the needs of their communities.
BCSR surveyed a sample of New Brunswick residents to assess their perceived social service needs. BCSR used its expertise to ensure that the surveys were administered properly and the results were statistically valid. More than 800 individuals responded to the survey. The results were then shared with key stakeholders through public meetings to get input. NBT is currently using the data gathered from the initial phases of the project to construct a strategic plan for working with public and nonprofit agencies to improve the social and economic quality of life in the city.
IRCT is still assisting NBT with the formulation of a five-year plan to address areas of significant need identified in previous places of the project.
*Each year the IRCT conducts a credit driven studio project harnessing the talents and energy of Bloustein students in aid of New Jersey non-profits and local government
