What is Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a process used by nonprofit agencies, businesses, and organizations, which empowers agencies to review and evaluate programs while planning for the future. The process provides an opportunity to reassess services and ensure that an agency is doing their best to fulfill their mission.
Every four years, the St. Louis Arc dedicates time and resources to strategic planning. We look at what planning can be done to align our mission, vision, and values to the support we provide. The results of strategic planning are goals outlined over a four-year period. A strategic plan should be fluid and active so that it is utilized and results can be measured and tracked.
The Process
The Arc began the strategic planning process in the fall of 2021 with a satisfaction survey and needs assessment sent to all families and participants. The agency partnered with Sarah Buek from the non-profit consulting group Illumilab for their expertise in project management. Illumilab held focus groups with Arc family members, program participants of all age groups, and staff from all areas and levels of the organization. Additionally, they held individual interviews with key stakeholders and received results from a core capacity assessment from Arc directors.
The Illumilab team reviewed the information gathered from focus groups, interviews, and assessments and compiled it into themes. They presented their findings to the Program Strategy Committee, which included members of the Arc Board of Directors and directors of Arc programs identified as areas of need. The committee was then able to craft strategic goals, desired results, and high-level strategies for the agency moving forward.
The St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2026
The Arc has aligned the Strategic Plan with the four capabilities believed to be needed in order to accomplish the agency’s mission – people, programs, community engagement, and resource management. During this planning process, there were five primary focus areas identified: children’s services, transition age young adults, residential services for moderate support needs, successful behavior tools and strategies across the agency, and family support and navigation.
Currently the agency is working on detailed plans and tracking methods. We encourage you to learn more about the St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2026. With this plan, the agency will become closer to accomplishing our vision, achieving our mission, and best representing our values.
State of the Arc
Participants, families, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming virtual discussion about the State of the St. Louis Arc with Mark A. Keeley, President and CEO.
State of the Arc with Mark A. Keeley
President and CEO of the St. Louis Arc
Tuesday, September 13, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m
Description
Mark will reflect on how the St. Louis Arc handled the pandemic. Additionally, he will share our exciting new strategic plan and outline our goals for the next four years. He will also answer questions people may have.