Matching Items (9)
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- All Subjects: Social Work
- All Subjects: Substance abuse
- Creators: Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin
- Creators: Klimek, Barbara
- Resource Type: Text
Description
This study aimed to fill the gap in research with regards to how individuals who define themselves as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) and devoutly religious (either currently or in the past) manage the interaction between these two conflicting identities. The researchers conducted 8 semi-structured qualitative interviews to examine how these individuals manage this conflict and what affects these individuals experience internally and externally. To analyze the interviews, researchers used an open coding method to determine the common themes amongst the participants. Results indicated that these participants traveled a similar path when attempting to manage the conflict between their religion and sexuality and similar internal and external affects were experienced amongst the participants.
ContributorsWheeler, Heather (Author) / Gerdes, Karen (Thesis advisor) / Klimek, Barbara (Committee member) / Segal, Elizabeth (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
This research examined the perceptions of refugees towards social entrepreneurship in Arizona through focus group discussions with 77 members of the refugee communities that have been organized under nine groups. Business experience, problem solving experience, conception of social entrepreneurship, examples, opportunities, support, and needs emerged as the themes of the study. Available opportunities as well as barriers for refugee social entrepreneurship based on the views of refugees in Arizona were explained. The difference between commercial entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship was highlighted and some examples of refugee social entrepreneurship described. Qualitative data analysis revealed that refugees in Arizona have entrepreneurial characteristics such as risk taking, hardworking, problem solving, and determination. They also have a good understanding of commercial entrepreneurship but very little understanding of social entrepreneurship. The findings underlined that social entrepreneurship can be used as a helpful strategy for self-sufficiency of refugees residing in Arizona. Given their life trajectories, refugees in Arizona have high potential to be social entrepreneurs with the right exposure and training. If supported adequately and planned appropriately, the refugee social entrepreneurship project can lead to self-sufficiency and faster integration of participating individuals to the mainstream society. The findings may spark interest among practitioners, policy makers, and scholars. It may redefine refugee social work practices as the passion of enterprising empowers refugees and helps them to discover self-confidence and rebrand their image. Policy makers may consider incorporating refugee social entrepreneurship in to the current self-sufficiency plan for refugee resettlement. Future research needs to investigate how refugee social entrepreneurs can be successful and focus on the measurement of their success.
ContributorsMerie, Kassaw (Author) / Androff, David (Thesis advisor) / Klimek, Barbara (Committee member) / Krysik, Judy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
The United States resettles more refugees each year than any country, yet little is known about the influence that the Refugee Resettlement Program has on our communities. Program evaluation in the United States is primarily concerned with outcomes and efficiency; while there has been an absence of collecting data to measure the impact that social programs have on communities. This study explores the impact of refugee resettlement on a metropolitan area by surveying professionals with experience working or volunteering with refugee populations. These professionals rate the extent to which they believe refugee resettlement influences social, economic, and environmental variables in the community, and explain the nature of the influence they believe the program has on the community. The data collected from these surveys will introduce the perceived impact of refugee resettlement from the perspective of those with professional experience in the area. By exploring the effects that the Refugee Resettlement Program has on Phoenix, this data can assist in the creation of community assessments for refugee resettlement and comparable social programs.
ContributorsMody, Elizabeth Hatch (Author) / Klimek, Barbara (Thesis advisor) / Morales, Joanne (Committee member) / Brown, Mary-Ellen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
The purpose of this research study was to examine the intersection of the relationship between homelessness and mental illness, including other factors such as substance abuse. A secondary purpose of this study was to gain an awareness of service delivery models and associated funding streams for providing services to homeless persons with mental illness. A thorough literature review was conducted by the author in order to aid in answering these questions. The author also conducted interviews with 27 homeless and formerly homeless clients living in Denver who were receiving services through the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. Finally, the author conducted 4 qualitative interviews with policy experts who worked extensively in homeless services and advocacy in the Metro-Denver area. All data was entered into an Excel workbook, and a series of graphs and tables were made to present the research results. The themes of mental illness and substance abuse were common amongst the sample population, but the most common theme was that of the lack of affordable housing available. The majority of respondents also cited involvement in the criminal justice system such as incarceration, as well as family issues as major factors in them becoming homeless. The policy experts all cited the Housing First as well as the Permanent Supportive Housing model as the most effective service delivery model for those who are both homeless and mentally-ill, and Denver is utilizing some very innovative funding streams for these service delivery models. In conclusion, the author found through both the literature review and quantitative research, that homelessness is not truly a mental illness or substance abuse issue alone, though this relationship does hold clinical importance. Homelessness is instead the result of an excessive shortage of permanent and affordable housing units across the United States.
ContributorsNelson, Hunter Lee (Author) / Shafer, Michael (Thesis director) / Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-12
Description
This study examined poverty, material hardship, financial capability, and quality of life among residents of a subsidized housing complex for seniors and adults with disabilities in Phoenix, Arizona. Respondents (N-25) completed a 42-item questionnaire in March of 2017. Data analysis revealed reports of incomes as low as 200% of the poverty level, difficulty paying for food, medications, recreation, and transportation. The study found a positive correlation between the presence of a disability and obtaining sufficient food. In addition, the results indicated lowered financial literacy, reduced ability to keep up with monthly expenses, and a positive correlation between lower income and inability to come up with $2000 in the event of an unexpected expense. Respondents reported minimal use of non-mainstream financial services; most had checking accounts, while fewer reported savings accounts. Scores on financial literacy questions were low and respondents indicated interest in a financial literacy course. The study also revealed low perceived quality of life among the majority of respondents and a positive relationship with material hardship and lower quality of life scores. Implications include the need for further research within the population.
ContributorsReily, Tama Dawn (Author) / Shafer, Michael (Thesis advisor) / Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin (Committee member) / Kruck, Amina Donna (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
Brave Bears was a Barrett creative project that operated under local non-profit organizations, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels and Arizona Women’s Recovery Center. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels provides support and education for children fighting cancer and their families. Arizona Women’s Recovery Center provides rehabilitation programs for women fighting substance abuse and housing for the women and their children. The Brave Bears Project was focused on helping children in these situations cope with the trauma they are experiencing. The children received a teddy bear, which is a transitional object. In addition, a clay pendant with the word, “brave” pressed into it was tied around the bear’s neck with a ribbon. A poem of explanation and encouragement was also included.<br/><br/>The teddy bear provided comfort to children experiencing emotionally distressing situations as they receive treatment for their illness or as their mom undergoes rehabilitation. This can be in the form of holding the teddy bear when they feel frightened, anxious, lonely or depressed. The “brave” pendant and poem seek to encourage them and acknowledge their trauma and ability to persevere.
ContributorsRichards, Emma Joy (Author) / Lopez, Kristina (Thesis director) / Safyer, Paige (Committee member) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description
The implementation of substance abuse treatment policy is ambiguous in the Russian Federation. Though policies are in place, financial responsibility and best practice procedures are largely overlooked by the Russian government. The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a policy analysis of the Russian Federation Federal Law, On Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, adopted December 10, 1997. Amendments and additions to this law are integrated. Utilizing Gilbert and Terrell’s (2005) elements of an analytic social policy, including allocation, provision, delivery, and finance, the extent of substance abuse treatment provision is analyzed in the Russian context. Result indicate limited Russian government provision of detoxification for drug and alcohol users, with a nearly absent continuum required for true rehabilitation. The Russian government must provide harm reduction measurements to protect the population from HIV/AIDS. Involving the Russian Orthodox Church in advocacy for the implementation of harm reduction measures is recommended.
ContributorsRegan, Holly Duffy (Author) / Androff, David (Thesis advisor) / Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin (Committee member) / Klimek, Barbara (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
The Arizona state child welfare system has recently experienced an increase in the number of children and youth living in out-of-home care. A lack of licensed foster homes has resulted in many of these children residing in congregate care. This study sought to determine what role, if any, personal and policy bias against five demographic groups (i.e., ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status for individuals and couples, and educational level) plays in this insufficiency of foster homes. In this pilot study a group of foster and adoption licensing agency executives and directors (n=5) were surveyed and qualitatively interviewed with the aim of discerning if bias is present at the personal and agency policy levels and to seek input for a future study with direct-service staff. Results indicate a discrepancy between personal and policy bias within agencies. Additionally, evidence suggests a policy bias which results in unmarried couples and single parents being perceived as inferior placement options. Implications for future research are discussed.
ContributorsPearson, Patience Hope (Author) / Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin (Thesis advisor) / Mendoza, Natasha (Committee member) / Krysik, Judy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
On a given night in 2018, over half a million people were experiencing homelessness in the United States, and of those, about 36,000 were youth under the age of 25. Music is an indispensable part of young people’s identities and cultures, and understanding the ways in which homeless youth define their own musical preferences and use of music can help music therapists intervene effectively in youth homelessness as part of an interdisciplinary care team. The purpose of this project was twofold: 1) to conduct a descriptive research project pertaining to homeless young adults’ use of music and 2) to develop recommendations for music therapists based on research findings from the descriptive project and extant literature. Thirty-one homeless young adults (ages 18-26) were recruited for interviews from two resource centers serving homeless youth in a large metropolitan city in a southwestern state. Template analysis was used to systematically analyze and code participants’ verbatim transcripts from the interviews into a codebook. Quotes from the interviews were used to illustrate themes. Findings included that homeless youth used music, especially metal and rap, for coping and mood regulation, and that youth are also engaged in creative music making, especially singing and songwriting for self-expression. For some youth, certain music can be identity-forming (for better or worse) and certain other music can be triggering. Results are integrated with a review of literature and recommendations for practicing clinicians are presented. Music therapy with this population would likely yield best outcomes by using short-term interventions and culturally competent application of clients’ preferred music.
ContributorsSample, Katherine Elizabeth (Author) / Belgrave, Melita (Thesis advisor) / Glidden-Tracey, Cynthia (Committee member) / Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019