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 the strategic planning process. During this process we look at what planning can be done to align our mission, vision, and values to the supports 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
Over the past six months, a strategic planning committee has worked closely with Andy Kanefield and Mark Powers from Dialect, Inc. to develop the St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan. During this time we completed a market analysis to identify what similar agencies in our field are accomplishing. Arc participants, families, and guardians were asked to take part in a satisfaction survey to pinpoint strengths and needs of the agency. Dialect, Inc. coordinated nine focus groups that included families, self-advocates, board members, and various staff. The agency’s directors and vice-presidents engaged in visioning exercises to dream about the future of their areas. Findings were compiled and themes were identified by Dialect, Inc., which were then presented to the planning committee. This committee engaged in a two-day workshop and additional working groups to narrow the plan’s focus. The final Strategic Plan was presented to the agency’s Board of Directors for approval on June 26, 2018.
The St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan for 2019 – 2022
We have aligned our Strategic Plan with the four capabilities that we believe are needed in order to accomplish our mission – people, programs, community engagement, and resource management. During this planning process, there were three primary focus areas identified: Children’s Services, transition age young adults, and aging adults/seniors. Our plan emphases our commitment to a fully inclusive community.
We encourage you to learn more about the St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan for 2019 – 2022. With this plan, we believe our agency will become closer to accomplishing our vision, achieving our mission, and best representing our values.
Participants, families, and staff are encouraged to attend an upcoming discussion about the state of the St. Louis Arc with Mark A. Keeley, President and CEO. Mr. Keeley will highlight the accomplishments of the past year and present the strategic plan.
State of the Arc Dates
Tuesday, August 21 3 p.m. at Dautel Circle 1240 Dautel, St. Louis, MO 63146
Wednesday, August 22 10 a.m. St. Louis Arc Family Center, 1177 N. Warson, St. Louis, MO 63132
Wednesday, August 22 6:30 p.m. St. Louis Arc Family Center, 1177 N. Warson, St. Louis, MO 63132
Thursday, September 13 1:30 p.m. Childgarden Early Childhood Center, 4150 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
Please RSVP to Lisa Miller at 314-817-2235.