Community Engagement: Evaluation of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation - IUPUI Near Eastside Legacy Initiative

Abstract

In early 2011, the IUPUI Solution Center received a $75,000, two-year grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation to facilitate faculty and student involvement in the Near Eastside of Indianapolis to promote community health and wellness. The project emerged from the community’s stated need to increase efforts that improve the overall health and fitness and provide affordable access to fitness, wellness, educational opportunities and health-related resources to residents of the Near Eastside. A comprehensive assessment to measure the program efficacy, cost-effectiveness and impact yielded that the JPMorgan Chase Foundation – IUPUI Near Eastside Legacy Initiative (CHASE/NELI) increased awareness of and activity in the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center and promoted health and wellness, through targeted communication and public health awareness strategies.