Summer 2026

Maybe it's because Impact is based in the "Biggest Little City," but questions of size are a constant theme in our work.

Some of your agencies serve a huge geographic service area, but not as many people (looking at you NyECC). Some of you serve smaller geographic areas with higher population density (shout out PACT). You may have similar goals, but your approaches will be different based on these factors.

Impact's job is to tell your agency's story and synthesize the stories of the people in your service area. A person's experiences in Caliente will be somewhat different than a person in Wells. A person in Las Vegas will have different experiences and influences than a person in Winnemucca. This is why Impact emphasizes research-based performance standards and risk and protective factors. Those give us a solid framework from which we can begin to explore any differences and commonalities and accurately hone our approach.

These size differences also impact any statistical analysis. A small sample size can reduce statistical power by increasing the margin of error. It can also amplify the influence of any outliers. Both of these can skew results. The purpose of program evaluation is to learn what is working, what isn't working, and provide guidance for improvement. You might think about it like a road sign. A large sample size that appropriately represents your population is like this well-labeled, easy-to-read sign:

On the other hand, smaller data sets might give us directions more like this sign:

There are a few strategies we can use to get more robust statistical results. Sticking with the same approach and using the same data collection tools for multiple years is one way. No matter how large or small your agency or your service area, we are here to help you make the largest impact possible.

Speaking of size, you may have noticed that Impact has shifted from a sole proprietorship to an LLC. Impact has been strategic over the years in accepting only the amount and types of projects it could handle. There is SO MUCH ROOM TO GROW. If you know somebody nerdy enough to care about statistics who also cares deeply about healthy people and communities, please send them our way. Impact is dedicated to growing right along with you and your agency.

Finally, it's summer! You all provide such important, and often emotionally draining, service to your communities. We sincerely hope you have time to ride a bike, read a fun book, sway in a hammock, or go jump in a lake (like Margo does) to recharge and rejuvenate.

If you are interested in finding out how Impact can help your organization meet its goals, contact Margo at margo.impactevaluation@gmail.com or call (775)397-0785.

Margo Teague, Impact's Principal and Owner