Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association

Case Study: Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association – Strategic Positioning for Statewide Impact

Background

The Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association (NJJA) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving outcomes for youth within the juvenile justice system. Despite its established role, NJJA faced challenges in determining how best to position itself for greater statewide impact and influence.

The Challenge

NJJA needed a clear strategy to enhance its leadership role in Nebraska’s juvenile justice landscape. Key concerns included defining the appropriate board structure, increasing board members’ confidence and expertise, and positioning the organization as a trusted leader in juvenile justice reform.

The SNS Solution

Strawhecker Nonprofit Services (SNS) was hired by the Executive Director to lead NJJA through a comprehensive strategic planning process. The SNS team employed the Technology of Participation (TOP) planning method, which is known for its collaborative approach and ability to produce actionable outcomes. This process involved:

• Facilitating discussions with the board and staff to clarify NJJA’s goals and priorities.

• Strengthening the board structure and improving governance practices.

• Developing a strategic framework to foster statewide partnerships and collaborations.

The Outcome

Through SNS’s facilitation and use of the TOP planning process, NJJA gained a clear strategic direction and a more effective board structure. The process also helped build the board’s confidence and capacity to lead the organization forward.

The Impact

With its new strategic plan in place, NJJA successfully positioned itself as a key leader in Nebraska’s juvenile justice reform efforts. The organization’s long-term goal of fostering statewide collaboration through diverse partnerships is now achievable, thanks to the clarity and momentum gained through SNS’s expert guidance. This case underscores SNS’s ability to deliver tailored strategic planning solutions that drive organizational growth and leadership development.