We recognize that the personal and professional values that guide one’s approach to research and evaluation play a critical role in which types of questions get asked, whose voices are heard, and how data are interpreted, conveyed, and disseminated. We strive to be intentional and self-reflective in our practices and how we engage with our clients.

Our process begins with getting to know who are clients are, including what they value, how they think, who they serve, and what their capacity, readiness, and vision for change looks like. We understand that trying to develop and implement new programs, policies, and practices is difficult and often overwhelming. We work with clients to focus their efforts and build on their existing strengths in order to develop goals that are meaningful, realistic, and sustainable. 

We are flexible in what we do, recognizing that sometimes approaches and strategies must shift in response to changing environments, competing demands, and unforeseen circumstances. We maintain open, honest, and continuous communication to ensure our clients feel heard, supported, and valued every step of the way.

We view ourselves not as “experts” but as facilitators, storytellers, and advocates whose roles are to listen to, learn from, and help elevate the voices, needs, and accomplishments of our clients and the populations they serve. We believe this type of approach is essential for deciding what, where, when and how to fairly distribute resources in Rhode Island’s communities and more broadly.