Strategic Planning and Management for a Non-Profit Organization
The St. LukeÆs Girls Home in Newark, New Jersey is a non-profit organization providing room and board as well as counseling for troubled African-American girls aged 13-18. Newark is a small urban community with a population that is approximately 54% African-American. These are girls whose parents are unable to handle them, either because of the girlsÆ behavior or because of a dysfunctional family dynamic. A total of 30-50 girls is accepted each year, and the girls come to the home after being referred by the social welfare agency. The homeÆs annual budget is $250,000, and combined funding comes from the State of New Jersey and fundraising activities. The home does not provide schooling; education is provided within the public schools.
A series of interviews was conducted with employees, including Mrs. Marsden, St. LukeÆs Director; Miss Wagner, one of the counselors; and Mr. Sandberg, the accountant. Based on these interviews, the following SWOT chart was composed to illustrate the organizationÆs primary strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as revealed in the discussions.
St. LukeÆs is the only home for African-American girls in Newark, New Jersey or for at least 100 miles around that city.
Many of the girls placed at the home do very well and overcome the problems they exhibited when living with their families.
Unlike similar homes within a four-state area, St. LukeÆs has never had a problem with suicides or murders.
The results of the homeÆs counseling program have been very positive. Many of the girls report feeling happier, safer, and more confident than when they arrived.
Girls who stay at the home all through their school years go on to get jobs or continue their schooling; only a tiny minority become involved in crime or violence.
As the home does not offer schooling, there is some disconnect between the counselin...