reduction in social isolation scores within eight weeks of joining
We promise measurable reduction in social isolation — or we show you exactly why it didn't happen.
When Margaret's daughter enrolled her after three months of near-total silence, the Thursday session was the first time in weeks Margaret had spoken to someone outside her apartment. By week four she was teaching the younger volunteers a two-step she learned in 1971.
We administer the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) at intake and again at week eight. Scores are independently reviewed by a licensed social worker and posted to our public outcomes dashboard within 30 days of each cohort completion. Average sample: 24 participants per cohort, six cohorts measured to date.
"She calls me now just to tell me what song they played."
— DIANE R., DAUGHTER OF PARTICIPANT · COHORT 4
"His neurologist said she hadn't seen engagement like that in two years of treatment."
— CAROL H., OUTREACH COORDINATOR · FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Outcome reports for church partners
We produce quarterly outcome summaries in the format your board or congregation expects. Formatted for projection, bulletin, or annual report.
of participants showed documented cognitive engagement improvement at six months
We document cognitive engagement improvements — with methodology your board can scrutinize.
Rhythm requires the brain to anticipate, adapt, and remember. Walter, 81, arrived with moderate cognitive decline. After twelve sessions of djembe instruction, his occupational therapist noted improved sequencing and sustained attention — outcomes she attributed directly to the rhythmic engagement structure of Encore's curriculum.
Cognitive engagement is assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and supplemented by structured facilitator observation logs scored on a 12-point engagement rubric developed with occupational therapy faculty at Emory University. All assessments conducted by certified practitioners independent of Encore staff. Full methodology available in the downloadable Impact Report.
of every dollar publicly tracked — by category, by cohort, by quarter
We pledge full financial transparency — every dollar has a name and a purpose.
Foundation officers and church finance committees have told us the same thing: they've been burned before by programs that report outputs, not outcomes, and bury administrative costs in vague line items. We built our reporting structure around the questions they actually ask at board meetings.
Where your gift lands
Instruments, facilitators, space
Transport, accessibility needs
Independent assessments
Reporting, compliance, comms
Encore files IRS Form 990 annually and publishes full financial statements within 90 days of fiscal year close. Our program expense ratio is audited by an independent CPA firm. All expenditure data is available in machine-readable format for grant reporting. We are registered with GuideStar Platinum and Charity Navigator Four-Star rated.
You've seen the evidence.
Now give someone a Thursday.
Every gift goes directly to the work you've just read about. No mystery. No overhead surprise.
Why donors trust Encore
"The music doesn't wait for the perfect moment. Neither should the gift."
— ENCORE PROGRAM DIRECTOR