Strategies to Empower At-Risk Males in Orange County Florida: A Community-Based Resource

In Orange County, Florida, community-based programs provide resources for at-risk males who are impacted by social determinant challenges. This study focused on the client intake assessment process of Agency OCF to identify gaps that would benefit from enhanced assessment processes and early intervention efforts creating greater opportunity for program placement of at-risk males in this distressed community. Community-based participatory research served as the interpretive lens and generic qualitative inquiry provided the methodological approach to assess the client intake processes. Yielding no participant responses during recruitment efforts, the study pivoted to focus on an in-depth review of publicly released assessments and web-based reports from federal, state, county agencies to evaluate inequities of SDOH for at-risk populations. Furthermore, various community best practice reports were utilized to facilitate a redesign of the current Agency OCF’s intake assessment tool. Findings from comparative community assessment data included: (a) education challenges, (b) lack of adequate employment, (c) lack of access to quality healthcare to address health concerns, and (d) access to affordable housing and these best practice areas were incorporated into a revised client intake assessment form. Positive social change could emerge for Orange County, Florida communities that may benefit from an improved Agency OCF client intake process, increased placement opportunities encompassing the needs of at-risk males, and enhanced community partnerships through better aligned nonprofit service offerings.