Newton Thrive: Year 1 Evaluation Report
July 2024
From the report's Introduction:
In February 2023, Mayor Fuller announced the selection of Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) to implement the City’s Economic Mobility Initiative. EMPath was awarded $1,583,568 to implement Newton Thrive, a program designed by EMPath in partnership with the City of Newton to support low-income residents of Newton who were impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EMPath contract covers the period April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026. This timeline includes a four-month start-up period and two full years of service for all participants enrolled by March 31, 2024.
Newton Thrive had three program implementation goals to achieve in its first contract year.
- The first goal focused on establishing both an organizational and programmatic presence in the City of Newton.
- The second goal focused on working collaboratively with City contacts to develop eligibility criteria and processes to recruit and screen applicants that were consistent with the City’s vision for the initiative.
- The final goal was to enroll 50 participants, match them with a trained mentor, and begin coaching participants.
In reviewing this report, it is important to note that the first five months of the program were focused on program development. During this time, no services were provided. Therefore, while this report covers a full year, it does not represent a full year of service delivery.
