2010 Grant Project Summaries
Dosker Manor Assessment Project
Dr. Vicki Hines- Martin - $8,300
The Dosker Manor public housing complex in Louisville KY is home to 679 low-income residents that consists of a large population of individuals with chronic illness and those who are elders. The community is situated in a one block area downtown adjacent to the health sciences center. Although Dosker housing was originally designated for senior citizens exclusively, it currently has a greater percentage of residents (~75%) who are under the age of 60 years, most of whom experience mental health and substance abuse disabilities.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing (ULSON) has had a 3-year partnership with Dosker Manor residents through clinical and service projects. In addition, the Kent School of Social Work established a clinical practicum for graduate students one year ago through Elderserve which is situated in Dosker Manor and provides services to elders. Through these collaborative partnerships, clinical evidence indicated that there are significant health, resource and social factors that affect health status and quality of life of Dosker Manor residents. As a result of the findings from these clinical experiences, a collaboration between ULSON, Kent School of Social Work, ElderServe, the Louisville Metro housing Authority and the residents of Dosker Manor was established to better understand the needs and perceptions of residents, utilize partners to develop strategies to address health status and quality of life concerns within this community.
The proposed pilot research project will be a systematic assessment of individual, interpersonal, social and environmental factors of a representative subsample of Dosker Manor residents to better describe their perceived needs, and quality of life within this community. This assessment will serve as step one of a three step process aimed at 1) systematically identifying community members’ needs and perceptions, 2) using findings from the proposed study to formulate service and learning opportunities, and 3) ultimately developing community driven clinical services and participatory research within this unique community.
This project will be a collaborative effort originating from community members and focused on areas of concern that they perceive affect their health and quality of life. The community is entirely composed of low-income residents who are disproportionately affected with chronic illness and aging concerns. Findings from this study will serve as a foundation for future learning for students, service and research within this unique population. Externally funded research focused on vulnerable populations and those experiencing disparities is targeted for this community.
Formative Evaluation of an Educational Program on Child Sexual Abuse
Dr. Deborah Winders Davis - $8,300
The current proposal aims to conduct a pilot project to develop and evaluate an educational program to increase awareness of child sexual abuse (CSA) for non-abusing parents and adults through a community-based organization (Center for Women and Families) in a predominately low-income neighborhood in West Louisville. This project represents the first stage in the developmental process of designing the intervention and will provide acceptability and efficacy data. Future research can build on the knowledge gained from this study to further develop a CSA prevention program that can be adapted for use with parents, health care professionals, community agencies, and educators. This research project is unique in its use of art, in conjunction with more traditional methods, to promote social change related to CSA. The multidisciplinary team provides a sound base of expertise on the topic of CSA as well as research methods, community engagement, and child health and development. Community partners include the Center for Women and Families, Kentucky Foundation for Women, and Neighborhood Place-Ujima.
Providing a Safe and quality Environment for Residents for the Smoketown Community Through Reclaiming Green Space
Dr. Muriel Harris - $8,300
The Smoketown Community in Louisville was developed in the 1850's and is home to numerous institutions and partnerships that provide services and other supports to the community. Smoketown has become impoverished and crime-laden with many negative health indicators. The median household income is $44,585, lower than the county's median household income. Additionally, the high school drop-out rate is 19% higher than the county. This calls not only for research, but research that drives community action. The resident councils of Smoketown and nearby Shelby Park began a Quality of Life Action plan to improve the community. Through community visioning sessions, the Safety, Health and Wellness, and Green Spaces committees were formed. The primary aim of this continuing UofL/Smoketown partnership is to revitalize a section of Smoketown through a community garden and increase community capacity to sustain the program. Youth and young adults will be provided training and intergenerational mentoring. The initiative will foster jobs and the produce will be sold at a Farmer's Market and other local businesses. The youth will be trained to maintain and update a website to disseminate information.
