Telescope Health | Social Innovation Think Tank

Community Partners

The Arc Jacksonville

Overview: 

The Arc Jacksonville supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, planning and community-based services. Families often face important decisions throughout a child’s journey, from understanding available resources and services to planning for transitions and future needs. Building relationships with families earlier can provide more opportunities for parents and caregivers to access information, prepare for the future and connect with meaningful support before an urgent need arises.

Challenge:

The Arc Jacksonville would like to better understand why parents and caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities may not engage with the organization earlier in their child’s journey. Student teams will explore the experiences, needs and barriers that shape family engagement, including when and where families seek information, what prevents them from connecting with available services and which communication and outreach methods are most relevant and trustworthy. The challenge is to identify practical ways The Arc can increase awareness, build trust and become a long-term resource for families rather than primarily connecting with them during moments of urgent need.

Outcome: 

The goal is to provide The Arc Jacksonville with a research-informed and practical strategy for engaging families earlier in their child’s journey. Student recommendations will focus on increasing awareness of available services, strengthening connections with parents and caregivers and creating opportunities for meaningful, long-term family engagement. The final strategy will include actionable recommendations and measurable outcomes that The Arc can use to strengthen its outreach and support families before moments of crisis.

About the Nonprofit: 

The Arc Jacksonville serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, helping them pursue greater independence, inclusion and opportunity within the community. Through education, advocacy, employment, residential and community-based services, The Arc provides resources and support for individuals and families across different stages of life. The organization works to empower individuals with disabilities while helping families navigate services, plan for the future and build meaningful connections to the resources they need.

Dreams Come True

Overview:

Dreams Come True has built meaningful relationships with thousands of Dreamers and their families over the years. However, as Dreamers grow into adulthood, there is an opportunity to create a more intentional way for them to stay connected to the organization and to one another. Developing an alumni network would allow Dreams Come True to reconnect with former Dreamers, strengthen lifelong relationships, and create new opportunities for alumni to mentor, volunteer, share their stories and support current Dreamers. Establishing a sustainable approach to alumni engagement can help ensure that the connection to Dreams Come True continues long after a dream is fulfilled.

Challenge:

As Dreamers grow into adulthood, there is an opportunity to strengthen those relationships and create new ways for former Dreamers to remain connected to the organization and one another. The challenge is to determine how Dreams Come True can reconnect with former Dreamers and establish an active alumni network that creates lifelong connections, supports current Dreamers and families, and advances the organization’s mission.

Outcome: 

The goal is to provide Dreams Come True with the tools and strategy needed to launch and sustain an active alumni network. The final project will include an organized alumni contact system, an alumni registration process, outreach and communication materials, an ongoing engagement plan, and a detailed proposal for an inaugural alumni event or reunion. Students will also provide practical recommendations for maintaining relationships with former Dreamers, welcoming new alumni and continuing to grow the network beyond the initial launch.

About the Nonprofit:

Dreams Come True is a locally based nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope, joy and memorable experiences to children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. Through personalized dream experiences and ongoing programs, Dreams Come True provides children and families with meaningful moments beyond the challenges of medical treatment. Since 1984, the organization has built lasting relationships with Dreamers and their families while bringing together volunteers, donors and community partners to support its mission.

Museum of Science & History (MOSH)

Overview:

As the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) prepares to open its new museum, there is an opportunity to make accessibility and inclusion a foundational part of the visitor experience from the beginning. Museum environments can present physical, sensory, cognitive, auditory and visual barriers that make it difficult for some individuals to fully participate in exhibits and programming. By considering accessibility throughout exhibit design, programming, communications, staff practices and community engagement, MOSH can move beyond individual accommodations and work toward creating an inclusive environment that provides more people with meaningful opportunities to experience science and history.

Challenge:

MOSH recognizes that every exhibit may not be fully accessible to every visitor at all times. The challenge is to determine how the new museum can create a broader culture of accessibility while also extending inclusive experiences to individuals who may encounter barriers to traditional museum participation. Student teams will explore how permanent design practices, adaptable exhibits, sensory-inclusive experiences, accessible content, mobile programming and community outreach can work together to expand access and participation.

Outcome: 

The goal is to provide MOSH with an executive-level accessibility framework or practical guidebook that can inform the new museum and its ongoing accessibility efforts. The final product may include guiding principles, priority recommendations, promising practices, community-informed insights and phased actions that MOSH can incorporate before opening and continue to strengthen over time.

About the Nonprofit:

Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is a Jacksonville museum dedicated to inspiring the joy of lifelong learning by bringing science, history and innovation to life through exhibits, programs and educational experiences. MOSH serves children, families, students and community members through opportunities to explore and better understand the natural world, science and the history of Northeast Florida.

Wounded Warrior Project 

Overview:

Wounded Warrior Project recognizes that veterans experiencing housing instability may face challenges well before they enter the homelessness response system. Across Northeast Florida, veterans interact with healthcare providers, community organizations, the VA, the justice system and other resources that may provide opportunities to recognize warning signs and connect them with support earlier. Better understanding these early indicators, existing community touchpoints and potential gaps could help identify opportunities to intervene sooner and strengthen efforts to prevent veteran homelessness.

Challenge:

The challenge is to determine how Northeast Florida communities can identify and intervene earlier with veterans who are at risk of homelessness before they enter the homelessness response system. Student teams will examine how veterans are currently identified, referred and connected with housing and support services, including how they enter and move through the Coordinated Entry process. Students will also explore Wounded Warrior Project’s current role in supporting veterans experiencing housing instability and homelessness to identify opportunities where the organization could contribute to prevention efforts without duplicating existing services.

Outcome:

The goal is to provide Wounded Warrior Project with a research-informed understanding of the veteran homelessness prevention ecosystem in Northeast Florida and identify opportunities for earlier intervention. Final recommendations may include an ecosystem map of organizations involved in prevention, an analysis of key identification points and early warning indicators, a veteran journey map through Coordinated Entry and support services, a Northeast Florida gap analysis, and promising practices from other communities. Students will also recommend potential pilot opportunities Wounded Warrior Project may wish to explore as part of future prevention efforts.

About the Nonprofit:

Wounded Warriors Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering wounded warriors and supporting their families. Through programs focused on mental and brain health, physical health and wellness, financial wellness, career counseling, connection and advocacy, Wounded Warrior Project helps post-9/11 veterans and their families navigate challenges and build toward greater independence and quality of life.