Case Study
Strategic Planning
Challenge
Crisis Services of Erie County has been a trusted first responder agency for more than five decades. As the organization prepared to develop its 2024–2026 strategic plan, its leadership wanted a process that honored its legacy while charting a clear, adaptable course for the future. The goal was to strengthen alignment across departments, engage staff meaningfully, and create a living roadmap that could evolve with the organization’s needs.
Approach
The Parker Circle partnered with August Moon Consulting to design an inclusive and interactive process. Rather than relying solely on electronic surveys, the team spent several days onsite conducting face-to-face conversations with staff across programs and shifts. These discussions provided richer insights than written responses ever could—and demonstrated that every voice mattered. Additional opportunities for participation were offered through virtual sessions to ensure broad engagement.
Once priorities emerged, we facilitated collaborative workshops to translate ideas into measurable actions. Drawing on agile principles, we built flexibility directly into the plan, with feedback loops scheduled at six and twelve months to revisit goals, celebrate progress, and adjust strategies as new information came to light.
Impact
The resulting strategic plan includes accessible dashboards, defined metrics, and practical steps for continuous improvement. Early implementation check-ins are already underway, helping Crisis Services maintain alignment across leadership, staff, and community partners.
For The Parker Circle, this project exemplifies what strategic planning should achieve—clarity, connection, and a culture that embraces change as a sign of progress, not disruption.
A Message from Jessica Pirro, President & CEO
A Message from Andrenee Smith, Agency Board Chair and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
A Message from Andrenee Smith, Agency Board Chair and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Our consultants, Parker Harrington and Althea Luehrsen, brought structure, empathy, and deep expertise to every step of our strategic planning process. Their decades of experience in nonprofit governance, fundraising, and organizational development offered invaluable perspectives that enriched our work. We’re grateful for their guidance a
Our consultants, Parker Harrington and Althea Luehrsen, brought structure, empathy, and deep expertise to every step of our strategic planning process. Their decades of experience in nonprofit governance, fundraising, and organizational development offered invaluable perspectives that enriched our work. We’re grateful for their guidance and proud to have a clear, actionable plan that truly reflects our team’s voice and strengthens our mission for years to come.
A Message from Andrenee Smith, Agency Board Chair and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
A Message from Andrenee Smith, Agency Board Chair and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
A Message from Andrenee Smith, Agency Board Chair and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
An exceptional team! I truly appreciated the inclusive approach that Althea Luehrsen and Parker Harrington brought to developing our strategic plan. As Strategic Planning Committee Chair, I valued how they created space for every voice and kept us focused on our mission. Their leadership and insight were key to shaping a plan we’re proud to carry forward.