Developing Logic Models and Evaluation Tools to Increase Understanding of the Impact of a New York City Legal Services Nonprofit Organization

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A (Brooklyn A) contracted with the Capstone team to research and design logic models and an impact evaluation tool for two practice areas that provide legal counsel and representation to community­based organizations and low­income tenants in North and East Brooklyn: Community and Economic Development Unit (CEDU) and Group Representation Unit (GRU). Through interviews with a variety of stakeholders, the team explored the role and impact of Brooklyn A as an intermediary within the larger context of health and housing initiatives in lowincome communities. The Capstone team produced several deliverables for Brooklyn A: four logic models (two each for CEDU and GRU) that explicate the program theory and primary and secondary outcomes of Brooklyn A's work; a report compiling research and recommendations regarding logic model design and use; and a survey tool enabling Brooklyn A to improve performance measurement and tracking, assess program outcomes, and communicate the contribution of legal services to outcomes of partner organizations and the community at large.