Promising Practices
The Promising Practices database informs professionals and community members about documented approaches to improving community health and quality of life.
The ultimate goal is to support the systematic adoption, implementation, and evaluation of successful programs, practices, and policy changes. The database provides carefully reviewed, documented, and ranked practices that range from good ideas to evidence-based practices.
Learn more about the ranking methodology.
Filed under Effective Practice, Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants, Urban
Goal: The goal of this program is to redistribute food waste to food banks, farmers, and compost.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Student Performance K-12, Children, Teens, Adults
Goal: The goal of the program is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, primarily through professionally guided one-to-one relationships with caring adults, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential, as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Children
Goal: School Food FOCUS is a national collaborative that leverages the knowledge and procurement power of large school districts to make school meals nationwide more healthful, regionally sourced, and sustainably produced.
Impact: School Food FOCUS helps partners procure healthy and sustainable school foods, works towards policies that advance healthy school foods, and facilitates knowledge sharing around school food issues.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / School Environment, Children, Teens, Urban
Goal: The goal of this program is to reduce violent tendencies among youth through civic education.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Governance, Children, Teens, Urban
Goal: The mission of the New York City Department of Education wellness policy is to reduce sedentary lifestyle and to promote nutritious eating among children.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Literacy, Children
Goal: Schools of Hope aims to increase third-grade reading proficiency to 75% by 2015 and 90% by 2020.
Impact: Students tutored through Schools of Hope have an increased reading proficiency compared to other students.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Public Safety, Teens
Goal: The goal of the seat belt feedback signs is to increase seat belt use among front seat occupants on a college campus.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Children's Health, Children, Urban
Goal: The mission of SSDP is to understand and promote healthy behaviors and positive social development among children, adolescents, and young adults.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Older Adults
Goal: The goal of the Senior Companion program is to pair low-income adult volunteers with homebound older adults in order to provide senior services to the elderly, as well as provide benefits to the Senior Companions.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Civic Engagement, Older Adults
Goal: The goal of this program is to match seniors with volunteer opportunities.