In the nonprofit sector, driving sustainable cultural change often requires a structured approach to address deep-rooted challenges. At Bridge Builder Communities, Augusta, Georgia’s first tiny home community, we focus on supporting young adults aging out of foster care, a critical yet often underserved population. Confronted with challenges such as community misconceptions, limited funding, staffing shortages, the absence of tiny home ordinances and competition for scarce land, we recognized the need for a structured approach.
To achieve meaningful, lasting impact, we adopted the Prosci ADKAR Model — a proven framework for managing change through its five phases: awareness, desire, knowledge, ability and reinforcement.
The ADKAR Model
Here’s a closer look at how Bridge Builder Communities implemented the ADKAR Model phase by phase to drive change for young adults in our community.

Bridge Builder Communities raised awareness of issues in the community by hosting a community stakeholder whiteboard session. | Credit: Bridge Builder Communities
Awareness: Building a Shared Vision
The journey begins by fostering awareness of the issue — in our case, those faced by young adults transitioning out of foster care. For us, this phase involved convening a community stakeholder whiteboard session, bringing together local politicians, business leaders, social service workers, real estate professionals, policy writers, funders and other individuals whose lives and work are impacted by the success — or failure — of these young adults.
During these sessions, we shared data and real-life stories to highlight the urgency of the situation. For instance, statistics show that, within two years of aging out, approximately 25% of youth become homeless, and only half gain stable employment. These numbers often strike a chord with stakeholders, emphasizing the need for immediate, collaborative action. By aligning diverse perspectives, the session serves as a launchpad for creating a unified vision for change.
Desire: Fostering Community Buy-In
Awareness alone is not enough. Building a collective desire to address these challenges is critical. This phase focuses on inspiring stakeholders to take ownership of the solution. During our sessions, we facilitated open discussions that allowed participants to voice their concerns, priorities and aspirations.
For example, local business leaders often express interest in creating internship opportunities, while real estate and home-building professionals explored partnerships to secure affordable housing options and funding. By identifying shared goals and highlighting the personal and professional stakes for each stakeholder group, we cultivated genuine enthusiasm for the initiative.
Knowledge: Equipping Stakeholders With Tools and Strategies
Once buy-in is secured, the next step is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge they need to contribute effectively. This involves workshops and training sessions tailored to each group. For instance, you can educate:
- Policy writers. They can learn to draft legislation that supports funding and services for this population.
- Real estate professionals. They can explore innovative housing models, such as tiny homes with shared living and community spaces.
- Social service workers. They can gain insights into trauma-informed care and mentorship programs.
By empowering stakeholders with actionable knowledge, we enable them to play an active role in implementing sustainable solutions.
Ability: Turning Knowledge Into Action
Knowledge must be paired with the ability to execute. In this phase, we provided hands-on support to stakeholders as they put plans into motion. For example, you can work with:
- Local businesses. Partner with workforce development programs to train and hire foster care alumni. We partnered with our local Chick-fil-A, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and hospitals to secure jobs for the youth.
- Nonprofits. Launch pilot programs to provide life skills training and emotional support.
- Funders. Align grant-making strategies to prioritize initiatives benefiting this demographic.
Regular check-ins and collaborative problem-solving ensure that stakeholders overcome obstacles and make tangible progress.
Reinforcement: Celebrating Success and Ensuring Sustainability
Sustainable change requires ongoing reinforcement. At Bridge Builder Communities, we prioritize celebrating milestones and maintaining momentum through social media.
To ensure long-term impact, we establish accountability structures, such as cross-sector advisory boards and performance metrics. By consistently measuring outcomes and sharing progress, we keep stakeholders engaged and motivated to sustain their efforts.
Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders
The Prosci ADKAR Model offers a practical framework for nonprofit leaders seeking to drive cultural change in their communities. Key takeaways include:
- Engage diverse stakeholders. Inclusive collaboration amplifies impact.
- Cultivate buy-in. Genuine desire is the foundation of sustainable change.
- Equip and empower. Knowledge and ability turn intentions into action.
- Celebrate and sustain. Reinforcement ensures long-term success.
By applying this structured approach, nonprofits can move beyond well-meaning intentions and achieve measurable, transformative and sustainable outcomes. For those serving vulnerable populations, such as young adults aging out of foster care, the stakes are too high to settle for anything less.
The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.
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Dr. Jackson Drumgoole is the founder of Bridge Builder Communities, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care. He is a thought leader in leadership and community development.