CONCLUSION

For the past thirteen years, three very big, very different institutions have worked together to provide a one-stop service delivery system that has helped parents earn their GED diplomas, improve their job skills, move on to college or trade school, or get a job, while at the same time ensuring that their children are immunized and developing the skills necessary to succeed in school.

However, even programs with dedicated staff and committed leaders, like Decker's, are buffeted by external forces and must be resourceful and creative. "You have to realize that whatever your initial plan is, it's going to change," says Management Team member Carole Newman. "You have to be flexible to grow opportunities." The partners are well aware that working in concert with other community resources enhances their ability to help families reach their goals. Decker's director sums it up succinctly, "We do it because it works for kids and families."

The work development assessment form developed by this partnership can be found in the PDF version of this profile.