Build a Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM)
This session of the course will run weekly on Wednesdays from October 8-29 from 10:00-11:00am PST. To join a different date, return to the Guided Sprints and Courses page and select the course with the date you would prefer.
About this course
Your clients make progress every day, but does your evaluation framework actually capture it? The Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM) is one of the most practical, underused tools for measuring stability and growth across multiple life domains. And now, you can build one tailored exactly to your program.
In this 4-week guided course you’ll work step by step to design a custom SSM for your organization. No jargon, no complicated frameworks—just a clear, practical tool that your staff can use, your participants can relate to, and your funders will understand.
By the end of the course, you’ll have:
A fully customized SSM designed for your program’s unique domains and outcomes
Clear scoring definitions that make consistency easy across staff and settings
A data collection template you can start using right away
A plain-language guide for staff to keep everyone on the same page
Confidence in how to use the SSM for both frontline practice and funder reporting
How it works
Over four weeks, we’ll cover:
Week 1 – Foundations: What an SSM is, how it works, and why it’s powerful
Week 2 – Domains & Scoring: Selecting domains that fit your program and defining what each score means
Week 3 – Building the Tool: Drafting your SSM, refining indicators, and making it user-friendly
Week 4 – Implementation: Training, data collection, and using results to show impact
Each week includes a live session, worksheets, and practical guidance you can apply right away.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for programs that work directly with clients over a sustained period of time (at least three months or more) where progress and change unfold gradually. If your team provides housing support, youth intervention, re-entry services, or other ongoing casework-related support, a Self-Sufficiency Matrix is an ideal tool for capturing that journey.
RETURN & REFUND POLICY
By enrolling in this course, participants agree to the following terms:
1. Attendance and Recordings
Live sessions are an important part of the learning experience. However, if a participant is unable to attend a session, it is their responsibility to review the session recording. Recordings will be made available within a reasonable time after each session.2. Access Period
Participants will have access to all course recordings and related materials for a period of 90 days from the conclusion of the course. After this period, access will expire and materials will no longer be available.3. Refunds
All sales are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including but not limited to missed sessions or non-participation.4. Participant Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each participant to manage their schedule and ensure they make use of the provided resources, including recordings and supplementary materials, within the access period.