Dr. Sills and Dr. Ryding have been involved in numerous large-scale evaluations and assessments across an extensive geographical area consisting of many diverse communities, from dense urban centers to smaller cities, suburbs, small towns, and sparsely populated rural areas. Below are a few of our recent projects.

The Prosperity Agenda

Innovative Research Insights (IRI) has entered into an agreement with The Prosperity Agenda (TPA) to provide research design and evaluation services as an independent contractor. This collaboration focuses on enhancing TPA’s participatory practices, which aim to advance the prosperity of families receiving human services by promoting participant-centered approaches. The services encompass designing both quantitative and qualitative research evaluations to generate actionable insights, refining research goals, co-designing survey instruments, and ensuring the integrity of research protocols. IRI’s responsibilities extend to analyzing data, drawing inferences, co-creating reports for academic dissemination, and supporting the development of new research proposals. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering family-centered funding and innovation, leveraging IRI’s expertise to strengthen TPA’s mission of building prosperity through inclusive and effective human services practices.

Peacehaven Community Farm

Innovative Research Insights is providing consulting services to Peacehaven Community Farm, aiming to enhance and expand its initiatives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This project focuses on extensive research into existing funding models for inclusive communities in rural or farm settings. The goal is to identify potential sources of funding and develop materials for grant and award applications. Through stakeholder interviews, needs analysis, identification of funding opportunities, and facilitation of key introductions, Innovative Research Insights aims to equip Peacehaven Community Farm with the insights and resources needed to build additional homes and a community center, promoting inclusive growth and learning. This comprehensive approach seeks to address significant barriers faced by individuals with IDD, including affordable housing, access to support services, and integration into the community, with a focus on sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

High Point Racial Equity Scorecard

Dr. Sills worked with YWCA High Point to create a “State of Race” scorecard to accurately share data and facilitate conversations about race in the High Point community. Community advocates and stakeholders chose topics, including income and wealth, education, public safety, health, civic engagement, digital equity, transportation, and food access, to explore historical policies that systematically devalued Black communities. Report available here.

Housing Needs Assessment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved major investments in the community through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These investments included an appropriation for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) to “study best practices in the development of a community assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that will include housing and wraparound services.” This report, prepared by Dr. Stephen Sills, provides a comprehensive assessment of housing needs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Forsyth County. Utilizing stakeholder interviews, surveys, and socio-demographic data, it identifies challenges in independent living, accessibility, and support services. The study evaluates key initiatives like the Transitions to Community Living Initiative and Medicaid Waivers. It aims to inform the Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s strategies for improving housing and support for the IDD community, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance their quality of life. Report available here

Strengthening Equity & Community Growth Assessment

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council partnered with Dr. Stephen Sills to conduct a Regional Equity Assessment study of all 12 counties within the Piedmont Triad to measure diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and identity trends. The Strengthening Equity and Community Growth Through Engagement and Assessment Report contains qualitative and quantitative research findings and recommendations that address current social, economic, and structural conditions across our communities. This Assessment Report structures the current narrative of how equity looks and measures all across the Piedmont Triad region. The key findings and recommendations within this report will act as a catalyst for future initiatives and projects as equitable innovation and inclusion continue to be a regional focus.  Report available here and website here.

HealthySteps Needs Assessment

The “HealthySteps Needs Assessment” report evaluates the HealthySteps program in High Point, NC. Conducted by Dr. Stephen Sills, this assessment utilizes meta-analysis, secondary data, interviews, focus groups, and surveys with over 200 parents. This assessment was initiated to understand the parent education and support needs in High Point and was conducted in response to a Request for Proposals from the Children’s Home Society. Key findings highlight challenges faced by High Point families, including employment, transportation, housing, and food insecurity. The report emphasizes the program’s role in pediatric offices, aiding families by addressing these issues and improving healthcare. Recommendations focus on enhancing parent education and integrating developmental specialists into pediatric practices, aiming to better tackle the social determinants of health in the community. Report available here.

Assessment of Social Drivers of Health in High Point

The Foundation for a Healthy High Point, in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Sills has released a study highlighting health and economic disparities in the Greater High Point area. The report delves into socioeconomic conditions affecting community health outcomes, like chronic diseases and mental health issues. It includes insights from community surveys, focus groups, and interviews, revealing barriers to accessing healthcare, transportation, and food. The study emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort among local organizations, funders, and residents to address these social determinants of health and improve community well-being. The findings will guide the Foundation’s future community investments, offering a roadmap for targeted efforts to ensure a thriving community for all. Report available here, executive summary and website here.

One High Point Commission Reparations Report

Dr. Sills, while serving as Senior Vice President of the Research Policy and Impact Center at the National Institute for Minority Economic Development, was a consultant to the One High Point Commission. He shared with the Commission the findings of nearly a decade of relevant research conducted by our Center on health, education, housing and economic opportunity in the city and county. Based on this work, the One High Point Commission has given much emphasis to housing issues, and the legacy of redlining that is seen today in our most vulnerable neighborhoods with the largest Black populations. Executive Summary Available Here.

East Baton Rouge Parish Market Segmentation Study

Responding to the housing needs in East Baton Rouge Parish, as identified by Build Baton Rouge and other local organizations, this study conducted by Dr. Sills examines the area’s significant housing challenges. The project involved extensive data compilation, analysis, and mapping, focusing on residential housing, local mortgage markets, and public housing issues. A detailed market segmentation model was created. Conducted over 12 months, the team engaged with local stakeholders and authorities, despite COVID-19 restrictions. The study culminated in a parcel-level housing inventory of selected neighborhoods, utilizing remote assessment methods and ArcGIS for data integration and analysis, targeting neighborhoods to assess structural conditions and address housing inadequacies. Report available here

NC Statewide Legal Needs Assessment

Dr. Stephen J. Sills and his team at UNC Greensboro conducted a statewide legal needs assessment, the first in twenty years in North Carolina, under the sponsorship of the NC Equal Access to Justice Commission and the Equal Justice Alliance.  The legal needs assessment is being used to determine gaps between the civil legal needs of low-income communities and the legal resources available across the state to fulfill those needs. Report available here and presentation website here.

Resilience High Point Needs Assessment

This study was commissioned to provide a baseline as Resilience High Point began its process of community revitalization, addressing issues of trauma among High Point residents, and enhancing service coordination between agencies service families in the community. The study, conducted by Dr. Stephen J. Sills, included a review of the most recent socio-demographic and economic data, interviews of key informants, and surveys of residents, and focus groups to seek community input. The final report, executive summary, infographics, and community presentation included five specific recommendations as well as an outline of “next steps” for proceeding toward implementation. The report was subsequently made public and presented at City Council. Executive Summary available here.

Hinton Rural Quality of Life Study

Over the course of 9 months the Hinton Center, the Center for Housing and Community Studies (led by Dr. Sills), and community partners examined the quality of life in Clay, Cherokee, and Towns counties. Eleven focus groups, 573 surveys, and 26 interviews were conducted to assess satisfaction in community members’ lives regarding physical health, family, education, employment, finances, environment, and more. Contributions were submitted by clients, service providers, community leaders, and citizens to the Community Asset Map in order to identify resources currently available for enhancing the quality of life and to expose gaps in service systems. The project helped to establish an inter-agency collaborative and Community Action Plan (CAP) for the three counties. Report available here.