In partnership with Montana State University, Fractal Co-Lab is leading a community-informed evaluation strategy for the Holistic Emotional First Aid (HEFA) program. Together, we’re embedding reflective, responsive learning practices into the heart of Be Well Big Sky’s work. Our responsibilities include:

Evaluation Design & Strategy

• Co-developing a comprehensive evaluation plan grounded in participatory and trauma-informed principles.

• Ensuring alignment between community values, HEFA goals, and evaluation outcomes.

Impact Measurement

• Assessing the perceived and real impact of HEFA on trainers, participants, and the broader community.

• Integrating evaluation tools that are accessible, culturally responsive, and community-centered.

Adaptive Learning & Program Development

• Translating findings into actionable insights to guide program improvements and innovation.

• Packaging key learnings for replication and adaptation in other rural and mountain communities.

Collaborative Knowledge Sharing

• Working with MSU to co-publish findings and share the HEFA model as a scalable approach to community care.

• Elevating community voice in research, ensuring the data reflects lived experience.