At the end of May, members of our Star Cypress Partners team attended the Research and Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (RECS) 2024, hosted by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) in the Administration for Children and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This conference brings together participants such as researchers, state and local administrators, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the latest research on programs, policies, and services that support families on the path to economic self-sufficiency and well-being. 

“I wanted to participate in RECS to hear about current research in social programming and learn more about different individual’s and organization’s research methods. I loved learning about innovative studies. This will help me think about how I can use similar methods in my own work to support our clients," said Mae Griffith, Associate at Star Cypress Partners.

Star Cypress Partners staff attended this three-day conference as a professional development opportunity and to meet leaders who are committed to researching and using evidence in making lives better for children, youth, individuals, and families. 

"During the first plenary session of the RECS conference, Kenneth Braswell from Fathers Incorporated noted, 'Evidence Impacts practice and practice changes lives.' As a practitioner, it’s important for me to continually seek resources and learning opportunities that incorporate the latest research and strategies to improve my work and engagement with communities," said Lucy Williams, Senior Associate at Star Cypress Partners.

Jean Baptiste Tooley, Manager at Star Cypress Partners added: "At the RECS conference, I learned that understanding the impacts of social programs goes beyond the numbers. It is crucial to humanize evidence-based practices by focusing on applied research and understanding the deeper needs at play. This approach helps paint a comprehensive picture.”

As we reflect on the insights of RECS 2024, we are embracing a holistic understanding of social programming's impact. We aim to empower our clients by bridging innovative research methods with real-world applications.