NYC Results
As noted under the NFP Model, the outcomes of NFP on the lives of mothers and children have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials in Denver, Elmira, Memphis, Orange County, CA over a 40-year period. While only the original researchers have had the funding to study a wide range of life status and financial measures in detail, there have been less extensive studies in several cities including New York.
Statistics
The statistics below were produced by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), which estimated NFP’s impact in New York City based on interpolation of previous controlled studies modified for a live implementation. PIRE looked at such outcomes as health behaviors, health status, education, criminal offending, and use of the public safety net.
PIRE estimated that for every 1,000 low-income families enrolled in NFP the following negative outcomes are prevented:
| Negative Consequences Avoided | |
|---|---|
| 53 preterm births | 7,249 property or public order crimes |
| 49 second births to young mothers | 569 youth arrests |
| 530 child maltreatment incidents | 176 person-yrs of youth substance abuse |
| 1.094 violent crimes | 3.6 infant deaths |
Contact PIRE for more information.
In addition, every NFP program in the country provides annual statistics to the National Service Office on such measures as rates of immunization, breastfeeding and its duration, number of months before a second pregnancy (goal: at least 18 months) and more. Each program also provides comparisons of these rates with available local statistics for non-NFP participants. NYC NFP’s actual results exceed the city averages on all measures.
Testimonials
Like the large majority of small nonprofits, Friends does not have the capacity to measure outcomes in statistical fashion. However, we keep careful records of all the grants we award and follow up with moms on near-term outcomes (Did they complete the schooling that we funded? Did they use the laptops that we bought for them? and more).
The testimonials that clients spontaneously send us in emails or note cards are an equally important measure. They tell us that without the assistance of our donors, they would never have been able to set foot on the ladder of opportunity or to launch their dream careers. They also tell us that the awards they have received have gone far beyond just a financial boost. Knowing that strangers care has increased their motivation to succeed. Over and over we hear, “I won’t let you down.”