Since 1974, NAFI/NFI has gained national prominence for its expertise in developing "Normative" communities in more than 90 programs from Maine to Florida.

The overarching philosophy of creating Normative communities centers on building mission-driven environments that empower individuals to thrive and reach their goals. To build these cultures, NAFI/NFI has devised a systematic approach whereby norms are established and regularly evaluated by all community members to determine how well they support the mission. When done consistently, benefits are tangible. In residential and non-residential programs, communities develop a strong sense of trust, communication becomes more open, and feedback is encouraged. Clients have an opportunity to find their voices while taking charge of their own growth and healing.

In the mid-1990s, NAFI/NFI formed a Training and Consulting Group that has been on the cutting edge of providing consulting to public and private organizations in the field of human services, law enforcement, health care and education. The Training and Consulting Group, headed by NAFI/NFI's Founder and President, Dr. Yitzhak Bakal, offers trainings to organizations committed to creating positive norms that support their missions. Numerous studies have revealed that, in organizations that adopt a Normative approach to management, morale rises, absenteeism lowers, turnover is reduced, and goals become shared.

For more information about Building Normative Communities, click on the links below:
Building Normative Communities: An Overview
Changing the Culture of Homeless Shelters