Abstract
Centers for Independent Living (CILs), like many community-based service organizations, face challenges with rural outreach and documenting the outcomes of outreach efforts. To capture the effects of these efforts, we used Ripple Effects Mapping (REM) to evaluate the Rural Community Living Development (RCLD) Peer Mentoring Program - which included training materials and peer support with experienced CIL staff members - a program developed to support CIL rural outreach goals. The aim of this Community-Based Participatory Research study was to assess the effectiveness of the RCLD mentoring program by deductively applying the Community Capitals Framework to identify the impacts of participating. We found that most participants initially developed human and social capital through training and mentoring. These initial capitals then rippled into new capital benefits for participants, their organizations, and most importantly, rural community residents with disabilities. This program, implemented with rural-serving CILs across the United States, fulfilled a unique need for professional development opportunities that focus on rural outreach knowledge, skills, and activities. This study demonstrates how this peer support program enhanced participants' abilities to identify and address rural consumers' needs.