For a bit of summer reading this year, I perused some of the most recent Wilder Research reports and took time to reflect on them. The past couple of months contain just a sampling of the more than 200 reports that we produce each year - all of them intended to enhance people's lives by sharing relevant, actionable information that can improve our communities.
While research isn't beach reading for everyone, I encourage you to think about this as a back-to-school reading list, spanning a variety of topics and issues. Below you will see some of the things that you can learn from our recent reports. I encourage you to explore the links and see what else these reports contain.
From our Big Picture Project, one report which reflects our research on the Central Corridor, intended to document how the construction of a new light rail line affects the urban neighborhoods through which it passes: "The Green Line has been up and running for one year, and change is evident for all parts of the corridor." The number of new housing units has increased, as have advertised rents. Unique relative to national counterparts, the Central Corridor initiative has focused efforts to increasing park space along the rail line; no other city has yet to develop goals or metrics for the amount of parkland in a transit corridor.
From our Central Corridor Tracker, another report on the effects of the new Green Line: Along the Central Corridor, single family housing values are rising.
Risk and Reach Forum: How Well Are We Serving Our Youngest Children? Wednesday, September 9, 8:00-10:30 a.m., Wilder Center Hear findings from Early Childhood Risk and Reach, a new report that examines potential risks to the well-being of children age 0-5 and the coverage of publicly funded services serving at-risk children. Learn how other states are working to improve reach and discuss what strategies might be implemented in Minnesota.
Learn more and register.
Save the Date: Mental Health Among Youth with Incarcerated Parents Thursday, December 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Wilder Center
Learn about mental health among youth affected by incarceration in Minnesota and discuss ways to support these students. Hosted by the Minnesota Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration Collaborative.
Read more about the collaborative and past forums.
A relatively small group of people use a disproportionate amount of hospital emergency department and inpatient resources. So how do we best serve these highest need patients? Research scientist Kristin Dillon talks about a program seeing early success. Read the post.
Are you interested in learning more about working at Wilder Research? During our quarterly information sessions you'll learn about our work, our research positions and background requirements for each, and have time for Q & A with a senior research manager. The next information session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m. To register, call 651-280-2700 or email [email protected].
Volunteer for the 2015 Homeless Study
Wilder Research is seeking volunteers for the 2015 statewide survey of people who are homeless. On Thursday, October 22, volunteers will help conduct interviews at more than 300 shelters and temporary housing locations throughout Minnesota. Most interviewing assignments last about four hours and training will be provided.
Additional information about the study, the volunteer commitment, and next steps:
http://mnhomeless.org.
Recently Published
Living Well: Replication Manual Wilder Research created a replication manual for Living Well, a program that offers person-centered services to enrich and enhance the lives of people with early dementia, and their care partners.
Rental Assistance Program Evaluation Results from the first year of a Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood program focused on stabilizing the housing of families and improving the attendance of children in the this area.
