Evaluating for Impact: Tools for Measuring Success
Outcome vs. output. Qualitative vs. quantitative. Do these terms make your head spin? You’re not alone—and this hands-on session is designed with you in mind.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your care farm’s programming, this practical webinar with Q&A will walk you through the basics of program and outcomes evaluation in a care farming context. Learn how to assess whether your goals are being met and your participants are truly benefiting. We’ll break down key evaluation terms, explore simple tools and surveys you can start using right away, and show you how to use data to tell a powerful story about your work. Understanding how to evaluate for effectiveness not only deepens your insight into your farm’s impact, it also strengthens your case for funding and stakeholder support.
Presenters will break down key evaluation concepts, introduce simple tools and surveys, and demonstrate how to use both qualitative and quantitative data to tell your story. You’ll leave with accessible strategies to apply right away…no research background required!
Bring your questions and challenges. With input from two experienced researchers, the session will conclude with an interactive Q&A offering real-world insights and actionable advice.
You don’t need to be a data expert, just ready to measure what matters.
Special Note: This session is an encore presentation originally offered at the Care Farming Network’s 2025 National Conference. Please note that this month’s member gathering will take place earlier than usual, beginning at 11:00 AM ET.
Meet the Presenters
Jackie Farrell (she/her) is an occupational therapist and emerging researcher interested in uplifting alternative and integrative ways of providing care to individuals with physical disabilities and mental health challenges. For the past 6 years, Jackie has worked as an occupational therapist in community-based mental health care. She has seen how traditional mental health services are often not able to fully address people’s needs and sees care farming as a hopeful pathway towards better care. She is also Adjunct faculty in the Boston University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. Located in Massachusetts, Jackie enjoys tending to her own home garden and creating homemade herbal body products.
Toni Watt is a Professor and Chair of Sociology at Texas State University. Dr. Watt received her PhD in Sociology with an emphasis in Demography from the University of Texas at Austin. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in research methodology, drugs and society, and mental health. Her research is both academic and applied and focuses on improving outcomes for children and youth who have experienced trauma and/or the foster care system. Her recent work examines the potential mental health benefits of nature-based interventions, care farming, and peer support.