Research And Analysis

The first phase needed for a comprehensive transformation program is a clear picture of your targeted community. This requires research and analysis of social, economic, spiritual, and physical conditions. Research and analysis gives interested parties (churches, non-profits, government agencies) a realistic picture and how effective organizations have been in their mission.  Strategic Justice Initiatives, Inc. can help your organization achieve greater impact in your community by assisting you in research and analysis of your target area. Your organization will receive a printed analysis that will inform you when, where, and how you should focus your resources to facilitate transformation.

This first phase centers on a detailed analysis of the communities suffering that will provide insight on historical suffering patterns, economic patterns and crime trends. It will also provide social and spiritual trends from the incorporation of those communities to present-day. These guides will provide practical steps for business leaders and ministries on how to better steward their resources to bring sustained transformation. For example, business leaders will discover where the most healthy locations are to sustain business growth, pastors will have information to target the unchurched by name and address, and community neighborhood associations will have a strategic plan to increase home ownership and reduce crime for a safer community.

Sample:  Transformation West Dallas Launched in 2005 by Strategic Justice Initiatives, Inc.

In 2005 Strategic Justice Initiatives Inc. (SJI) laid the foundation for Transformation West Dallas, a detailed block by block strategy to reclaim the high crime and poverty areas of West Dallas. The plan called for social, economic, and spiritual transformation. The five phases for Transformation West Dallas were based on a proven model developed by Randy H. Skinner in the 1990’s and used across the United States in various settings.
West Dallas was chosen by SJI after two years of research (2002-2004) revealed that this area was historically the site for decades of injustice and had tremendous potential due to the presence of healthy non-profits.
In West Dallas, communities such as Ledbetter Gardens, Westmoreland Heights and Victory Heights were targeted. Strategic Justice Initiatives, Inc. determined that five partner programs were needed to help assist in the transformation model. They were: 

1. A  Land Transfer Program is where slum properties would be targeted and seized by governmental authorities or bought out by investors. The properties would then be used to build affordable houses for first time homeowners. This was the first phase of an economic transformation initiative.
2. Weed & Seed Program – A federal grant program where local governmental agencies, key non-profits, and community leaders help coordinate an anti-crime effort in high crime neighborhoods. This was the first phase of a social transformation initiative.
3. House of Hope Project – This is where an analysis of local churches and non-profits is conducted to see where healthy churches and non-profits are missing. In these neighborhoods, a House of Hope home is built. This home is sponsored by a larger non-profit in the city and has strong relationship with a key church and/or non-profit in West Dallas (or your target area).  A couple (urban missionaries) live in the home and lead in outreach to touch the lives of local citizens (see spiritual transformation tab). This was the first phase of a spiritual transformation initiative.
4. Child Lures Prevention School Program – Due to the high rate of sex offenders in this target area, a respected national program was adopted for the local area.
5. Life Choices Prevention Program – Due to the high drop out rate among high school students, drugs addiction, and gang violence, a national program for youth was adopted.

In 2005, a team was put in place and partnerships built with key West Dallas organizations (Builders of Hope, Voice of Hope, West Dallas Community Church, Westmoreland Heights Neighborhood Association) to cast the vision for the five phase transformation process. Partnerships with government agencies were established (City of Dallas prosecutors, Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Probation, etc). That same year partnerships were made with major corporations such as JPI (Jefferson Properties), Beckett Publishing, and local churches in the Dallas area.  

Key information was gathered in 2005 in each of the three focus areas of Social, Economic, and Spiritual Transformation and published in reports. These reports were presented to organizations such as SMU (Faith and Philanthropy Annual Conference), Foundation for Community Empowerment, and corporate and private investors.

Outcomes in 2005

Grant of $500,000 to buy out slum lord properties to Builders of Hope CDC, Inc.
Database tracking system developed to track crime, slum properties, sex offenders, youth, etc.
Summit hosted by Strategic Justice Initiatives, Inc. with 30+ West Dallas partners at JPI headquarters in Los Colinas (SJI offices were located here as well).
Key strategic meetings with major non-profit leaders in West Dallas with JPI owners resulting in investments, technology, and construction projects.
Development of new neighborhood association in Westmoreland Heights by JPI.
Life Choices Presentation in West Dallas schools to target high risk students.
Slum property owners targeted for increased collaborative effort by government agencies to comply to codes, increased prosecution, and increased buy-outs.
Sex offenders tracked in relationship to children living in community.
Crime trend study completed in communities where Builders of Hope properties developed.

Outcomes in 2006

Assessment of local churches in target area identifies twelve healthy congregations.
Consultation with Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation continues in more official role.
SJI begins more involved role with Global Day of Prayer partnership by membership on Steering Committee for Global Day of Prayer Executive Committee and Steering Committee for 90 Days of Blessing. More than 200 million view event and increased participation in 90 Days of Blessing Builds begin to impact crime stats in South Dallas Turner Courts.
SJI begins major partnership with Highland Park Presbyterian Church as church agrees to utilize copyrighted materials and programs of SJI as joint partners. * Executive Director of SJI begins on staff at HPPC while church agrees to launch Transformation West Dallas as major church initiative.
Relationship begins with Morningstar Foundation and transformation model introduced to various non-profits as a result.
Relationship with Rees-Jones Foundation formed and personal lunches and meetings begin for casting vision and increased funding for West Dallas partners- Voice of Hope, Builders of Hope, Mercy Street, West Dallas Community Church and West Dallas Community School.
SJI Transformation model, 5 Steps of Transformation Phase 1 through Phase 3 is launched with partnership with the Presbyterian Women of HPPC with four bus tours into West Dallas.
SJI Transformation model is adapted by HPPC Urban team and funding begins for outreach.

Outcomes in 2007

Strategic Justice Initiatives Inc.  increases consulting role with Builders of Hope CDC.
Global Day of Prayer Steering Committee and 90 Days of Blessing Steering Committee.  Involve HPPC in major event and begins partnership with Prestonwood Baptist Church.  Habitat build partnership begins in South Dallas.
SJI participation with Global Day of Prayer assists in adapting West Dallas into major role with 90 Days of Blessing.
SJI Transformation West Dallas model, 5 steps of Transformation, is published by HPPC in magazine for distribution.
SJI Transformation 4 R’s of Transformation are adapted in film production for ten minute documentary.
SJI Transformation Roundtable is adopted and 2nd event is held with over 50 non profits at HPPC.
SJI Transformation model, 5 Steps of Transformation are adapted and Phase 1 is launched in relationship with the Williams Institute and University of Texas at Dallas.
SJI Transformation model, 5 Steps of Transformation Phase 2 continues with partnership with the Presbyterian Women of HPPC with bus tours into West Dallas.
SJI Transformation model, 5 Steps of Transformation, Phase 4 launched with BlessWest Festival with more than 50 local non profits in West Dallas participating.

Outcomes in 2008

Global Day of Prayer Steering Committee and 90 Days of Blessing Steering Committee which results in over 200 million viewer being exposed to transformation model.
SJI coordinates with CBN with 5 minute production seen by one million viewers about south Dallas and west Dallas transformation model.
Analysis released in publication in conjunction with Williams Institute for West Dallas
Documentary released with story about West Dallas Transformation.
SJI Director begins relationship with City of Dallas as Chairman of Ethics Commission.
SJI partners with Mayor of Dallas and Faith and Philanthropy, Inc. to sponsor urban summit for 2009. 
SJI/HPPC formal partnership concludes with more than ten million given to West Dallas non-profits directly as a result of transformation initiatives and more than five million given to central Dallas non profits. Over one million is given to east Dallas non-profits.  HPPC launches three year strategy of every church department being involved in urban outreach.
Builders of Hope CDC buys out major slum properties in West Dallas.

Outcomes in 2009

SJI Executive Director speaks at Congresswoman Eddie B. Johnson annual prayer breakfast to one hundred spiritual, corporate and government officials.
SJI explores partnership with local congressional office to launch bus tours and funding source for South and West Dallas.
Partnership with Sojourners of Washington D.C  and Foundation for Community Empowerment to launch three day Justice Revival and urban summit in November.
SJI becomes Mayor of Dallas representative for faith community and Justice Revival.
SJI partners with Heart of a Champion to be launched in targeted urban schools with failing test scores. Includes meeting with each Dallas City Council Member to assist in developing partnerships with local business and foundations to assist failing schools.