Collaboration between university researchers and community agencies offers the opportunity to pilot innovative, evidence-informed interventions. Partnerships of this nature also present unique ethical dilemmas to community agencies, particularly regarding research and agency policies, navigating privacy protections, adequate and consistent training, and balancing research and clinical priorities. The University of Michigan and Starfish Family Services have partnered since 2012 to pilot infant mental health group models in high-risk communities. University and agency teams have relied on frequent and open communication to navigate operating procedures, training needs, and sustainability issues while maintaining a focus on high-quality programming for vulnerable children and families. This 7-year relationship supports the premise that ethical and procedural challenges associated with community-based research are surmountable and the outcomes are valuable.