Inspiring Change Through Community Engagement and Support, with Virginia Dick, Next Step Evaluation

Host Arlia Hoffman reconnects with her longtime friend Virginia Dick, a public health evaluator specializing in nonprofit and community group support and founder of Next Step Evaluation.   They discussed Virginia's professional journey, her passion for tango, and her impactful work in community health across Georgia. Virginia shared stories of meaningful change, emphasizing the importance of listening deeply to communities, addressing complex issues like housing and mental wellness, and creating spaces for thriving.   They also emphasized personal resilience, the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, and concluded with Virginia reading her heartfelt poetry. Virginia Dick is a public health evaluator, poet, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting nonprofit and grassroots organizations across Georgia. As the founder of Next Step Evaluation, she provides technical assistance and evaluation consulting to help local organizations understand community needs, measure impact, and adapt systems to better serve individuals and families. With a PhD in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia, Virginia brings both rigor and heart to her work, blending data-driven insight with deep community listening. She currently supports more than 40 county-level collaboratives and works closely with initiatives like the Georgia Family Connection Partnership and Healthy Savannah, focusing on issues ranging from childhood obesity and mental wellness to housing access and food security. Her approach is grounded in care, equity, and the belief that thriving is unique to every individual and every community. Whether preparing healthy meals for families at a community walk, hiking with women in her group “Roots and Wings,” or crafting poetry that captures the soul of her work, Virginia walks with fierce compassion and a steadfast commitment to walking each other home. Facebook | LinkedIn About The Women's Sanctuary The Women's Sanctuary was founded in 2014 as a haven for women to be in community. The Women's Sanctuary offers connection through The Women's Sanctuary podcast, personal coaching for soul and body, and group events like temple practice. Rooted in the tradition of women's circles throughout history, The Women's Sanctuary is a place of sacred rest, sacred connection, healing, and belonging.  Website | Facebook | Instagram | PInterest About Arlia Hoffman Arlia Hoffman is founder of The Women's Sanctuary and The Women's Agency.  She is an ordained minister and shamanic mentor and holds a Masters in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is passionate about supporting women as they re-member themselves. In The Women's Sanctuary, she facilitates sacred sisterhood, mentors women, and hold sacred events. Connect with Arlia: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices