April 28, 2021 - 4:57pm

As a registered Public Benefit Corporation with the State of Minnesota, we report on our impact each year. Our recently filed 2020 report describes how we pursued our public benefit mission, the public benefit we saw from our clients, the factors that helped our work or got in our way, and our plans for the future.

Image of text that says "Questions on our mind about evaluation" and features several signs with questions about who does evaluation, why, when, how, and where.
February 26, 2021 - 12:38pm

I recently partook in an inspiring, thought-provoking Minnesota Evaluation Association panel called “What is evaluation?”

An image of The Improve Group's logos over the years represented on a 20-year timeline
January 5, 2021 - 10:20am
Looking back on 20 years of IG has truly been an exciting process. In reflecting on 20 years, we recognized that our work is defined by five eras. We put together a special video that defines each era and provides some context about who we were, where we've been, and what we have done during each of these eras. Take a nostalgic ride on the IG timeline!
A special graphic commemorating the Improve Group's 20th Anniversary, featuring the IG2020 logo and the words "Celebrating Connections"
January 5, 2021 - 9:08am
2020 has been a year unlike any other. While a global pandemic caused us to adapt and transform our 20th anniversary plans, we became even more committed to celebrating connections with you. Thanks to each and every one of you for helping to make this a truly special celebration...
Image of the full IG team in Zoom as the background and text in front that says "IG2020 Staff Reflections: Celebrating 20 years"
December 22, 2020 - 10:43am
By now so many of you have shared stories, memories, and celebrations for our 20th anniversary. We wanted to round out the year by hearing from the people who have always made IG what it is: our powerhouse staff. We asked our team members to reflect on IG's past, present, and future. We gathered responses through virtual video interviews and in writing.
An image of a quote from one a community liaison who partnered with The Improve Group on this project. The quote reads "“Our voices are not heard often, therefore having the opportunity to voice our concerns and ideas is amazing, and it should be valued,” the liaison said. “I think the best reward for the community after they are listened to is to see their recommendations implemented.”
October 30, 2020 - 2:53pm
Earlier this year, we engaged individuals and families experiencing poverty in Hennepin County about the strengths and needs of their communities—a project that would not have been possible without community liaisons who brought key community connections and knowledge. Centering community members as experts is an important part of The Improve Group’s Community Responsive Approach to projects like the 2020 Community Strengths and Needs Assessment we conducted with the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC). For this project, the liaisons were instrumental in achieving high workshop participation rates and engaging a diverse cross-section of the community: they helped tailor outreach  materials, design community engagement workshops, and facilitate workshops that created space for honest and open input.
The Improve Group will be closed for part of Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4.
October 13, 2020 - 9:39am

The Improve Group will be closed for part of Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4.

2020 has brought unexpected challenges and opportunities. As such, this year’s U.S. election process and outcome feel particularly weighty. To recognize the demand they are placing on each of us, The Improve Group will be closed from 2pm Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day) and reopening at 11am on November 4 (day after election day). Thank you for your patience with us!

Minnesota's Olmstead Quality of Life Survey, being implemented as part of Minnesota's Olmstead Plan by The Improve Group. This graphic depicts three different people with a range of disabilities who are working, living, learning, or doing the activities that they enjoy in the communities of their choice. The Quality of Life Survey measures changes or improvements in the lives of people with disabilities. And the goal of the survey is to answer the question, “Are you better off now than you were before?”
October 6, 2020 - 8:45am

We shared the first Olmstead Quality of Life Survey brief with you last month—these are short reports to prepare people to understand and use findings of the second follow-up study, which we’re currently implementing. This month, we’re excited to share the second brief, which explains the survey’s focus on decision-making.

Minnesota's Olmstead Quality of Life Survey, being implemented as part of Minnesota's Olmstead Plan by The Improve Group. This graphic depicts three different people with a range of disabilities who are working, living, learning, or doing the activities that they enjoy in the communities of their choice. The Quality of Life Survey measures changes or improvements in the lives of people with disabilities. And the goal of the survey is to answer the question, “Are you better off now than you were before?”
August 25, 2020 - 10:37am

Can you think of how many times you get out of the house, engage with your community, and see friends? This is an important indicator of quality of life and one that has changed for all of us amid COVID-19. This is also one of the topics we ask Minnesotans with disabilities about for the State of Minnesota’s Olmstead Quality of Life Survey. The survey measures progress toward the state’s Olmstead Plan goal of ensuring people with disabilities are living, learning, working, and enjoying life in the most integrated setting.

Image of text that says "Using surveys for rapid response to COVID-19; Exploring the approach and findings from a COVID-19 Impact Study conducted in partnership with African Economic Development Solutions."
July 31, 2020 - 12:50pm

Headshot of Moira GaidzanwaAs we began seeing COVID-19 have more and more of an impact locally, we also began hearing from clients about its impacts to their work. I want to share a story about a partnership with a local nonprofit to use data to inform their COVID-19 community response.

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