At North Hartford Ascend, we believe data should do more than report numbers. It should tell a story, reflect the voices of our community, and drive meaningful change. That’s why we partnered with residents and service providers to co-design how we share information from our Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) indicators. Led by the University of Hartford’s Center for Social Research and the Childhood Prosperity Lab at Connecticut Children’s, this effort focused on student mobility but quickly uncovered broader insights around housing, safety, and family needs. Community members shared thoughtful feedback on how to make data more relatable, including using clearer visuals, adding real stories, and highlighting available resources.
The result is a more people-centered approach to data storytelling that values lived experience alongside the numbers. Feedback from these sessions will guide how we present future data, helping us stay rooted in what matters most to our families and neighborhoods. We invite you to read the full spotlight report here and be part of this work as we continue building a stronger and more connected North Hartford.
