The Social Safety Net

The problem being addressed throughout this research is that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States has continued to rise over the last decade.  Because of that, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness with a pet has also risen. An estimated 6-25% of individuals experiencing homelessness own a dog, cat, or another pet (Ramirez, 2022). This project will help to identify the need for pet inclusivity within social service agencies for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  The data obtained for this research will come from qualitative and quantitative date kept by the Found House Pet Support Program in 2023.

The SafeCare program aims to teach childcare skills to parents with children under 6 years of age. Parents who have been investigated for child neglect are the primary targets of the program, which teaches Home Safety, Health, and Parent-Child Interaction. My project seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cincinnati branch of the program and document the experiences that participants have with SafeCare as a whole. The data is collected through a survey distributed to those who have completed at least one of the program's modules, and the findings from the project can be used to help inform the practice of SafeCare providers.

Social Work Research II class was to develop a research study from our experience in field placement. My field placement is at Bethany House Services in the Emergency Shelter Unit working as an Intern Case Manager. Over time, I have been shadowing case managers, completing assessments and intakes for clients, and attending trainings for further education of our resources. My research consisted of interviewing homeless women; it was a topic to discuss the stories of what women go through in homelessness. In my caseload, I have clients who are single moms, their determination and perseverance are what need to be recognized. The outcome of this research study is that women as much as men, have a lot to overcome and provide for their families. Their stories are what could help end homelessness and strive for more resources to become available to those in poverty. The belief in these women to keep fighting is what social workers and anyone else is to fight for them. There are too many boundaries with not enough support in the world.

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue among University of Cincinnati students, especially international students. Along with coursework, this can be a major stressor in a young person's life. At the BCP and Resource Center, we wanted to see the relationship between food insecurity levels, stress, and GPA in our students.

Non-English speakers in the United States encounter significant obstacles in navigating the complex healthcare system, impeding their access to quality healthcare-a fundamental human right. Language barriers disrupt effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, leading to adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the specific challenges faced by non-English speakers in accessing and utilizing healthcare services in the American context.

Drawing on the nation's linguistic diversity, the research highlights the prevalence of non-English languages spoken in the U.S. and the dominance of English in healthcare operations. Despite the presence of interpreters, miscommunication persists, exacerbating health inequities. Studies indicate that language barriers correlate with delayed medical assistance and reduced preventative care among non-English speakers.

Moreover, the research underscores the importance of considering socio-cultural factors in healthcare delivery, as cultural beliefs and social norms significantly influence health-seeking behaviors. Recognizing these complexities, the study proposes a community-based approach to address language-related challenges comprehensively.\

By collaborating with community organizations, cultural leaders, and language experts, the research aims to develop culturally sensitive interventions beyond linguistic translation. Through community engagement, the study seeks to identify and implement sustainable solutions, including tailored educational materials and support networks, to empower non-English speakers to navigate the healthcare system effectively.

Ultimately, this research aims to inform effective strategies for mitigating language barriers in healthcare and improving health outcomes for diverse populations. By integrating community perspectives, the study endeavors to promote equitable access to healthcare, irrespective of linguistic background.