case study

Challenge

After more than four decades of collaboration among advocates, service providers, and community leaders, the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence (ECCAFV) sought renewed direction to meet rising needs, strained systems, and shifting public awareness. The coalition needed a plan that could align partners, strengthen infrastructure, and remain flexible in a constantly changing environment.

Approach

The Parker Circle partnered with ECCAFV to design an inclusive planning process grounded in data, equity, and shared leadership. A cornerstone of this effort was a robust community survey—completed by service providers and individuals with lived experience—that explored eight key areas: housing, medical care, transportation, financial assistance, legal services, law enforcement, workforce, and prevention, partnerships, and awareness. Additional focus groups elevated rural voices and underrepresented perspectives to ensure the plan reflected the realities of all communities served.

The resulting strategic plan centers on four core priorities: Core Identity and Alignment, Member Engagement and Value, Capacity and Internal Systems, and Advocacy and Other Initiatives.

Implementation unfolds in three phases—Start, Build, and Deepen—to balance momentum with reflection and continual learning. A new coordinator role, member dashboards, and annual reviews embed accountability and adaptability at every stage.

Impact

ECCAFV emerged from the process with renewed clarity, stronger systems for collaboration, and a practical framework to track progress and sustain engagement. The coalition is now better positioned to strengthen partnerships, amplify its voice, and respond to evolving community needs.

This project was facilitated by The Parker Circle, in collaboration with August Moon Consulting, reflecting our shared belief that flexible, data-informed planning is key to lasting impact.