In addition to facilitating a broad, collective community perspective, having a diverse and inclusive PPB also means better access to resources, including financial and in-kind resources, as well as information about existing services and additional funding sources.
"Having a diverse board means things are covered that might not be covered otherwise such as being able to access space for meetings and activities and other in-kind like transportation and surveys in schools. They also help to disseminate information about Communities that Care throughout the community. They get the word out. The more people who know about it, the better"
— Beth Belter, PPB Member,
Novi, Michigan
Often excluded from community prevention planning, members of the business sector have proven to be an invaluable resource to the PPB donating everything from "dollars and sense" advice on the financial aspect of community issues, to equipment, furniture and other goods to support program activities, to money for otherwise unattainable extras such as airfare to send program staff to training. Having high-profile business executives on the board also helps to "get things done." In Klamath County, Oregon, for example, a bank president and PPB member was able to use his local real estate connections to help develop and support two new group homes and 50 ‘host' homes for homeless and runaway youth.
Having PPB members who are connected to the people in the community also has its benefits. In Mansfield, Ohio, when the PPB decided to conduct a community survey as part of its risk and resource assessment, the Community Police Officers on the board offered to distribute the survey door-to-door. Already friendly with those living in the targeted community, the officers encouraged their participation and input. The response rate was overwhelming. In fact, PPB members felt they would never have received this type of response from a mail survey.
In many communities, the PPB serves as a kind of "information center" where members educate other members about the types of resources available in the community. Members learn about the array of services available in their community and who provides what service for what population. Through this education process, board members are better informed and so become more comfortable referring parents, youth, and other family members for service. It also helps to reduce duplication in services. In addition to the educational component, the PPB provides an informal forum in which community members can network. In doing so, the PPB offers an opportunity for new agencies and community groups to ask for help, when necessary. The PPB can also be an excellent resource for finding out about and securing other funding sources. When funding opportunities become available, the board is likely to have someone at the table with expertise in the funding area to help guide the application process.
"The diversity of the board keeps us from going down the wrong path. If a represented agency has an idea for services that others don't think will work, they let the agency know. The board members alert each other about potential programming pitfalls such duplication of services. The group...provides honest feedback to each other"
— Sandra Jackson, Past PPB Chairperson,
Kodiak, Alaska
Based on their experience with the Community Prevention Grants Program, PPB members across the country are convinced that a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to community planning and resource sharing helps to broaden the community's perspective and put everyone involved "on the same page." As a result, communities are better positioned to utilize existing resources, discover and obtain additional local and outside resources, and work together to develop the health and well-being of local children, youth, and families. As evidenced by the examples provided here, the PPB is doing more for communities than just bringing people together: the PPB is creating community change.