HSE-310_7-2_Final Project

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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310

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Sociology

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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1 Final Project Southern New Hampshire University HSE-310: Family & Community Systems Professor Robin Harrington 25 February 2024 1
2 Case Study - The Riverez Family The clients in this scenario are the Riverez family, Julio (father) and Quianna (mother), and their five children (1, 3, 4, 7, and 15). The family resides in the Englewood area of Chicago, the area as a whole struggles with violence, poverty, and a lack of employment opportunities. The Riverez family is directly facing financial hardship, trauma from experiencing violence firsthand and witnessing violence, mental and physical fatigue, language and education barriers, and a lack of support. Despite Julio working two jobs, the family struggles to meet its basic needs, such as utility disconnections and the inability to afford food and public transportation. Both parents are experiencing mental and physical fatigue as a result of the violence they deal with, which impacts their ability to cope with and navigate their challenges. Both parents have a low level of education, which limits their ability to secure better-paying jobs. Julio also struggles with English, which creates a barrier to employment within his family as a husband and a father. Julio and Quianna are estranged from their parents, resulting in a lack of extended family or potential financial support. Despite the challenges faced by the Riverez family, strengths are apparent in the family and the community that could be leveraged to address these issues. There is a clear display of resilience with Julio and Quianna, individually and as a couple. Additionally, both parents are committed to raising their family. Within the community, several residents have organized to address the issues faced by the community and its residents; there is a desire and commitment to improve the community. Regarding small groups that may facilitate change, community organizations like Teamwork Englewood, which is partnered with community organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to improve the quality of life for Englewood residents 2
3 (Teamwork Englewood, n.d.). Additionally, the Englewood Portal provides access to resources such as social and community service programs, employment opportunities, and health services such as counseling (Englewood Portal, n.d.). Teamwork Englewood and the Englewood portal offer access to vital resources that the Riverez family could use to address several of their challenges. Systemic Analysis of the Family The culturagram was used to analyze the Riverez family. The culturagram addresses the cultural background of individuals or families (focusing on ten aspects of culture: time in the community, legal status, reasons for relocating, languages spoken at home and in the community, health benefits, holidays and special events, the impact of crisis events, values about education, work, and family, and cultural and religious institutions) (Missouri Dept. of Social Services, 2013).  In the case of the Riverez family scenario, key aspects are revealed, including their cultural identity (Julio is Cuban, and Quianna is African African), traditions (family and church- related events), values (family and communication), and interactions with the extended family (estrangement by both Julio and Quianna with each of their parents). Additionally, its noted both parents dropped out of high school when Quianna became pregnant with their oldest son, Rico (15). The culturagram also revealed communication barriers due to the family predominately speaking English except for Julio; this has created additional stressors for the couple and the family. Despite Julio working multiple jobs, the family faces financial struggles. Additionally, the family faces mental and emotional health issues as a result of personally experienced and witnessed violence within the neighborhood. Rico is experiencing his own behavioral and educational struggles, adding to the family's challenges.  3
4 Addressing communication barriers is crucial, as they impact multiple aspects of the family's challenges. Connecting Julio with free adult education classes at City Colleges of Chicago for English as a second language (ESL) and General Education Diploma (GED) will help Julio improve his relationship at home and potentially open doors for improved employment opportunities. Additionally, attending counseling through the emotional wellness and behavioral health programs offered at Metropolitan Family Services (n.d.) can aid Julio and Quianna in addressing trauma and improving communication. At-risk youth counseling and school-based interventions could also benefit Rico in navigating his challenges. Connecting the family to government aid programs such as SNAP and WIC (Metropolitan Family Services, n.d.), along with local non-profits that provide bill pay assistance and food pantries (Englewood Portal, n.d.), can provide stability for the family's essential needs. This approach aims to provide resources for improved communication and emotional well-being for the family and improve employment opportunities. The ESL and GED classes for Julio will reduce barriers at home and enhance employment opportunities. Additionally, counseling will improve family coping and communication skills and foster healthier relationships while continuing to strengthen the family's resilience. Using resources such as SNAP, WIC, and local non-profits, Julio and Quianna can provide necessities for their family. These interventions offer a holistic approach to addressing the Riverez family's needs. Systemic Analysis of the Community The Eco Map was used to analyze the Englewood community. The eco map helps human services professionals understand various systems and resources influencing or impacting an individual client or family (Missouri Department of Social Services, 2013). In the case of the Englewood community, the ecomap included elements that contribute to the overall community 4
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