For over four decades, Hope Women’s Center has served as a resource for at-risk women and teenage girls across Arizona. Despite its longstanding presence, the organization faces challenges in reaching those who need help and in making its services known to individuals dealing with poverty, domestic violence, and addiction.
Two students from Arizona State University (ASU), Alexi Vogel and Sophia Ruger, have taken steps to address this issue by analyzing five years of client data from Hope Women’s Center. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Connor Sheehan from the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Vogel and Ruger conducted what they describe as “location analysis” to determine where service demand is highest and where gaps exist.
“The big questions that came to us were, ‘Where is the best location for us to open a new center?’ and ‘Where is a spot that’s under-addressed or over-addressed’?” said Vogel, who is pursuing graduate studies in geographic information science at ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.
By examining intake data—specifically ZIP codes of clients—and usage patterns at each site, the students identified areas with high demand for services as well as regions that are underserved. Their findings included maps showing client distribution and recommendations for future expansion.
According to their report covering 2020–2025, more than 5,700 clients were served through five permanent locations: Apache Junction, Coolidge, Phoenix, west Phoenix, Maricopa; along with mobile pop-up events called Hope on the Road targeting less populated areas. The centers in Phoenix, Apache Junction, and Coolidge accounted for 71% of all services provided by Hope Women’s Center during this period. The Phoenix location alone served over 2,600 clients.
Based on their analysis, the students recommended increased outreach efforts in West Valley communities; reassessment of resources in northern Arizona; expanded services in the Coolidge-Maricopa area; and further investment in mobile service units due to their lower operational costs compared to fixed sites.
Ruger noted her motivation behind participating: “I very much want to see women succeed,” she said. “Especially women who are victims of abuse like domestic violence. I would like to see them get back on their feet and be able to give their kids a good future.” She also highlighted social sustainability as an important aspect of her work: “A huge aspect of sustainability is social sustainability — how do we uplift the people around us instead of just focusing on environmental or economical aspects?”
Vogel reflected on her experience: “It has been a really insightful experience,” she said. “Working in the nonprofit world after I graduate was something I had never even considered until now. It’s really great to feel like I’m making a positive impact in the world especially with the work I do.”
Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center expressed appreciation for ASU’s involvement: “It’s just been a fantastic exchange,” she said. “We have been able to use the students’ ideas and innovations. It has just added value to the work that we do and added value to the students in their different fields of study.” Abernethy added: “The data was exactly what I needed. It helps me talk to my board and leadership team. It helps me talk to donors. I can say this is a need that we have identified, and this is the data to support that need.”
Abernethy maintains strong ties with ASU as an alumna whose family members also attended or worked at ASU; she currently serves on President Michael Crow’s Community Council alongside other nonprofit leaders.
Christina Ngo, executive director of social embeddedness at ASU stated: “The ASU Charter emphasizes taking responsibility for the communities it serves,” Ngo said. “(It ensures) that our university’s research and teaching aren’t hidden behind locked gates but are actively improving the lives of Arizonans.”
This recent project continues ongoing collaborations between ASU students or staff/faculty groups—including consulting clubs from W.P Carey School of Business MBA Pro Bono Consulting Club; volunteers from Next Generation Service Corps/College Health Solutions; as well as Barrett Honors College students securing grant funding—to support Hope Women’s Center programs.
Associate Professor Sheehan commented on these efforts: “This project shows what (higher education) can be at its best — a place where students gain real skills and use them to make a tangible difference in the community,” he said.
Arizona State University has received national recognition for innovation initiatives by being named number one for innovation eight consecutive years by U.S News & World Report rankings among colleges nationwide (https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR).
In related news about partnerships involving technology developed through university research initiatives within Phoenix—such as smart traffic cameras created by Argos Vision—these projects reflect broader trends towards community engagement between academic institutions like ASU and local organizations (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420).
