Past Projects

Orange County Department on Aging’s Handy Helpers Program

The Community Practice Lab (CPL) supported the development, implementation, and evaluation of Orange County Department on Aging’s Handy Helpers Program program. Hander Helpers is a volunteer-based minor home repair program to help Orange County residents, particularly older adults, maintain their homes and quality of life.

In 2020, UNC student Morgan Cooper interned with CPL lead Dr. Ryan Lavalley to support the Handy Helpers program. As a Master of Public Health and Master of City and Regional Planning dual degree student, Morgan was able to bring her expertise in public health among older adults to the coordination of the program.

Under Dr. Ryan Lavalley’s supervision, Morgan also conducted the first-ever evaluation of the Handy Helpers program to understand the program’s effectiveness in public health and community impact. Using mapping tools and census data comparisons, and drawing on the CPL’s focus on occupation, safety, and quality of life, the evaluation confirmed Handy Helpers was reaching the populations it was designed for.