Editing Local community (section)

== Community sustainability==
[[Sustainability]] in community programs is the capacity of programs (services designed to meet the needs of community members) to continuously respond to community issues.

A sustained program maintains a focus consonant with its original goals and objectives, including the [[individuals]], [[families]], and communities it was originally intended to serve. Programs change regarding the breadth and depth of their programming. Some become aligned with other organizations and established institutions, whereas others maintain their independence.
Understanding the community context in which programs serving the community function has an important influence on program sustainability and success.<ref name="lafond">LaFond, A. K. (1995). Improving the quality of investment in health: Issues on sustainability. Health Policy and Planning (Suppl. 10), 63-76.</ref><ref name="mancini-marek">Sustaining Community-Based Programs for Families: Conceptualization and Measurement
Jay A. Mancini, Lydia I. Marek. Family Relations, Vol. 53, No. 4 (July, 2004), pp. 339-419.</ref>
See table:

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wiki-table"
|+
|-
! '''Sustainability elements'''→
! '''Middle-range program results'''→
! '''Ultimate result'''
|-
| [[Leadership]] competence. Effective [[collaboration]]. Understanding the community. Demonstrating program results. Strategic [[funding]]. [[Employment|Staff]] involvement and integration. Program responsivity.
| Participant needs met. [[Confidence]] in program survival. Effective sustainability [[planning]].
| Sustainability.<ref name="lafond" /><ref name="mancini-marek" />
|}