Community-Engaged Participatory Action Research Designed Evaluation of HEAT: Describing an Evaluability Assessment, Design, and Preliminary Evaluation Findings

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Abstract

The evaluability assessment of the Boston Human Exploitation Advocacy Team (HEAT) aimed to identify and pilot test reliable data sources to develop a process and impact evaluation plan. We found that program records were not adequate to conduct a process evaluation. However, the women that HEAT supports were open to sharing their stories and experiences to conduct an impact evaluation. Utilizing a community-based participatory research design approach, the evaluation and HEAT teams co-created a post-contact tracking form, inventory of supplies, and an interview protocol. Preliminary results from the inventory reveal that clothing, bags, and some toiletries are depleted and restocked most often, suggesting the population has a high need for these items. As data collection through the post-contact form and interview begin in spring and summer 2025, the proposed presentation will also include preliminary findings on the number, location, and types of contacts HEAT has with women as well as which service providers women work with and why. The evaluation has implications for how academic researchers work with community organizations to develop evaluations that meet their data needs and methodological values.

Authors

• Katherine P. Hazen, Northeastern University

• Jada Y. Vaughan, Northeastern University

• Abigail M. Judge, Boston Human Exploitation Advocacy Team (HEAT), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

• Sandra Andrade, Boston Human Exploitation Advocacy Team (HEAT)