The Hidden Helpers Coalition Evaluation: Output Survey Findings

Abstract Information: In April 2021, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project launched the Hidden Helpers Coalition to create supportive programming for and bring awareness to caretaking children of wounded, ill, or injured service members or veterans. The coalition brings together nearly 100 diverse organizations who are working together to ensure these young caretakers, Hidden Helpers, are recognized, valued, and have access to support and resources to optimize their well-being. This paper will share the findings from an output survey that was designed to build an understanding of the contributions and tangible results of coalition member organizations. The findings document the contributions of coalition members and show how the work of the many diverse organizations aligns.

Relevance Statement: Approximately 2.3 million children under age 18 live with a veteran who is disabled. The return of service members who sustained or developed an illness or injury because of their military service can be disruptive for families as they learn to support them and establish new norms for operating as a family. During this disruption, families are often left wanting help, and children can get lost in their family’s response to the needs of the care recipient. Addressing their needs requires active collaboration and partnership among federal agencies, community and nonprofit organizations, policymakers, researchers, and philanthropic organizations. Evaluating the success of these efforts is complex. This paper will provide an example of how to initiate an output survey across diverse organizations working to support this population of youth. The relevance of the paper to the conference is in highlighting how to engage data collection with a national coalition of diverse organizations. Evaluators will benefit from an example of how to collect output data as a first step in monitoring progress toward achieving outcomes.