As Casey Family Programs and other organizations increase their focus on community-based family supports, it is important to examine current and past initiatives, so that new strategies can be designed and evaluated properly. This research brief focuses on the need for community-based initiatives, lessons learned regarding design and implementation, and promising evaluation strategies. Mixed-method evaluation strategies that maximize the use of local trend data from multiple sources including public health, education, business, housing, employment and child welfare show promise. This brief also includes recommendations and cautions around governance, collaboration, decision-making, sustainability and community engagement.