A new measure of community well-being is developed based on the notion that community residents perceive the quality-of-life (QOL) impact of community services and conditions in various life domains (e.g., family, social, leisure, health, financial, cultural, consumer, work, spiritual, and environmental domains). These perceptions influence…

Various needs assessment methods and delivery systems for community services are described. It is recommended that the characteristics and attitudes of both consumers and suppliers be considered in planning community service programs. (NHM)

This report highlights problem areas and suggests methodological guidelines to be considered in the assessment of community day care needs. The report is organized around three definitive areas of assessment: the number of potential users, consumer demand, and community needs. Each of the three sections is concluded with generalized content…

Every 2 or 3 years, the City of Gering, Nebraska surveys the local community to get citizens' reactions regarding utility rates, public services, professional services, local amenities, housing, business climate, and community improvements. In November 1992, questionnaires were mailed to 3,065 residents, asking them to rate elements of the city on…

In an effort to gather citizens' opinions on utility rates, public service, local amenities, housing, the business climate, and community improvements, the City of Scottsbluff, Nebraska conducted a survey in December 1993. Questionnaires were mailed to 6,313 community residents, asking them to rate elements of the City on a scale of 1…

Resulting from the involvement of LaGuardia Community College (LCC) in an Urban Demonstration Project, this report discusses a community needs assessment conducted by LCC, provides a profile of the community of Western Queens, and relates needs assessment findings to a separate study by a consulting firm which focused on the community's…

Discusses semantic complexities rampant in attempts to define rurality. Examines environmental and economic aspects of rurality and impacts on education. Proposes a definition of rurality based on five human considerations: approximate geographic divisions, level of access to community services, industry type, population makeup, and the…

The results of a survey conducted in the black community of Cincinnati, Ohio, are presented in this report. The survey sought to determine the perceptions, views, and attitudes of the city's black citizens regarding key social and economic issues. The report presents findings in the following areas: (1) education, including issues of…

A telephone survey was conducted by Diablo Valley College (DVC) in 1979 to determine the characteristics of community residents and their opinions concerning DVC's programs and services. In addition to demographic data (i.e., length of residence in Central Contra Costa County, age, size of household, head of household's employment and marital…

Community vitality is no longer tied to economic diversity. Community viability analysis provides a broader perspective by considering community self-image and social activities. Horizontal linkages, social solidarity, threshold values, and community catchment areas are explained and applied to an analysis that shows small towns such as Olsburg…

Spurred by sagging retail trade and the need for future planning, the Fort Madison (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce initiated a community survey to determine attitudes of residents towards various community characteristics. A 7-section questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 411 area households, of which 268 or 72.2% responded. Over 75% of…

Discusses two situations dealing with juvenile delinquency: (1) prejudicial attitudes stemming from racism and how they are reflected in the service delivery infrastructure, service accessibility and utilization, and the development of more appropriate intervention strategies; and (2) the elements of small groups and families in a community…

A needs assessment survey was conducted in the Meadowfair neighborhood of the southern part of Eastside San Jose (California) during January and February 1975. Its purpose was to poll community feelings and experiences in regard to careers--whether people understood that word to mean present employment, a future goal, or any purposeful life…

The populations of Mexican Americans and other Latinos in Berwyn and Cicero, Illinois--two of Chicago's oldest suburbs--have increased dramatically in the last decade. This needs assessment interviewed 172 people individually and in 19 focus groups. Findings indicate that education, children, and youth were the top priorities for Latinos and…

A rural township in one of the fastest growing counties in northern Michigan was selected as a prototype for changes in small rural communities experiencing rapid population growth due to inmigration. In 1973, 180 permanent residents and 58 seasonal homeowners in Hayes Township completed questionnaires covering household composition; family…