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Our Work > Research
Our work is backed by facts. We gather & analyze data to better support our womxn and measure our impact.
Our team works hard to gather relevant data to inform programs and policies that benefit our community. Through our data collection, we utilize the principles of equity, confidentiality and transparency. Below you can see our research, data methods and annual reports.
Needs-Based Assessment
In 2019, as part of the foundation for community-based programming, Laal conducted a needs-based assessment to gather qualitative and quantitative data that properly identified the needs of the Bengali community in Norwood. Reaching over 200 womxn in the local community, the assessment determined key findings of several gaps that presently exist, including access to healthcare, mental health resources, and a lack of economic empowerment.
These are not new phenomena, but rather problems that Bengali womxn have grappled with for years, many of which have remained unaddressed by local, municipal or state resources. Laal’s programs are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and fill the gaps identified with this data.
97%
of womxn wanted a conversational ESL class
51%
of womxn wanted to start a sewing co-op
86%
of womxn wanted an exercise class in a space only for Bengali womxn
39%
of womxn wanted support in finding employment
83%
of womxn would like to save money each month
Census Initiative & Demographic Survey
Although the United States Census is conducted every 10 years, and despite the fact that Bengalis in New York City being one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations, there exists no data about the robust Bengali population that resides in Norwood. Laal’s 2020 Demographic Survey was born as a result of a lack of data that presently exists about this community, and was conducted alongside Laal’s efforts to count the Bangladeshi population in the 2020 Census. Prior to this phone banking initiative, hundreds of families in the district remained unrepresented and unaccounted for when it came to federal and state funding.
COVID-19 Impact
In response to the burgeoning crisis, Laal acted quickly and partnered with Local Zakat, Laal initiated a fundraising campaign, COVID-19 Relief Fund. To distribute the assistance equitably, Laal created a formula to calculate assistance amounts by measuring household size, immigration status, SNAP benefits recipients, and health impact due to COVID-19. Using this formula, Laal distributed cash aid amounts ranging from $400-$1000. Through the Relief Fund, Laal distributed groceries and cash aid to over 54 families. Further, Laal received a $10,000 NYC Impact Grant to support an additional 30 families with assistance. Laal has directed all cash aid in the womxn's name, ensuring that households were aware of which family member was responsible for bringing in the income.
78.4%
had difficulty paying for groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic
32.7%
did not receive any EBT (food stamps or pandemic-related aid)
79.3%
of womxn wanted support in finding employment
40.3%
of womxn would like to save money each month