On September 26 & 27, 2002 a group of about 50 people from throughout the US gathered in Washington DC to work with the Annie E. Casey Foundation to develop ideas and concepts for the Centers for Working Families. 

Prior to the workshop potential prototype sites had been identified in Providence, Atlanta, and Indianapolis, and teams from these three sites worked with the other participants to understand the broader framework of possible design options, and to develop specific solutions for the three sites.

In wide-ranging discussions in pairs, trios, small teams, and as a large group, participants explored the needs of the working families living these communities, and the possible services model that would best meet their needs.  They developed ideas about the process of developing a new Center, about how Centers could partner with other private and public groups, about how to generate sustainable funding and revenue streams, about organization designs and staffing, and about architectural design, growth strategies, and governance.

By the end of the second day, the three site teams had developed a tremendous amount of detail about their projects.  In addition, Casey Foundation staff members had a much greater understanding of the broad frameworks and specific designs that make the most sense for any proposed Center, and all the participants had learned, created, designed, and collaborated on the creation of innovative approaches to important issues facing our society.

On behalf of the Casey Foundation and the site teams, enthusiastic thanks to all participants!