The process for approval to conduct research at Neighborhood House incorporates a capacity-building component for the betterment of individuals conducting the research as well as our organization.

Neighborhood House considers the ethics of data collection and is also concerned with the following:

• Alignment with our research interest areas
• An appropriate and sound study design
• The impact on our staff, students, families and resources
• The quality of communication to participants, families and other stakeholders
• The feasibility of the study
• Data attainment procedures
• Data non-disclosure and confidentiality

Generally, Institutional Review Boards (IRB) at universities are mainly concerned with the ethics of research proposals, primarily around data collection. Meeting the institutions requirements does not always align with the Neighborhood House requirements; as we are separate and differing entities with sometimes separate and differing intents.

The process for seeking approval for research, including action research at Neighborhood House, for degree attainment, grants and personal research is outlined below. All applicants must complete the application and approval process.

All of the components listed on the application pertain to every study to some degree. The application is to serve as a communication and reflection tool with each component explained to the committee, in order to verify that you have intentionally thought about it and addressed it to the level necessary for your particular research.

The process for initial approval can take up to three to four weeks. The Promoting Evaluation Progress (PEP) Squad reviews each application. As part of the process, they seek feedback and input from program managers and staff when necessary.

Following approval, each applicant must meet with a committee member and sign a Confidentiality/Nondisclosure Agreement. The Agreement indicates the researcher will keep identifying information private and that results will be shared with Neighborhood House upon completion of the study.

We view the research process as a valuable tool. Building the capacity for Neighborhood House staff to continually consider and conduct sound research is important for us as we seek to improve our learning environment.

APPPLICATION to conduct research at Neighborhood House 

Areas we have interest in learning through research are:

• Food security
• Food shelf supply chain/delivery system
• Literacy for all ages and populations
• Adult education
• Early childhood education
• Parenting education and support for low income and refugee communities
• Healthy youth development and leadership for diverse committees and refugee committees
• Social determinants of health and the role of social service agencies
• Mental health interventions for diverse communities
• Access to healthcare for diverse communities
• Career pathways/jobs for people in poverty, immigrants and refugees
• Supports for refugee populations
• Financial literacy, financial management and wealth building in diverse communities
• Public policies and initiatives that the advance equity, inclusion and diversity
• Interventions that improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system
• Trauma informed practices
• Culturally responsive programming and evaluation
• Participatory and developmental evaluation