Community Field Visit - Essay Example

Community Field Visit: A Brief Report In a given community, certain characteristics set it apart from the neighboring areas. During the excursion trip to a school (Lakeside School) in Orange, New Jersey, several things were observed on the community. For one, the community setting was unlike nearby towns, where arrays of classy arranged-houses can be glimpsed. In Orange City, the area had the look of a lower class urban district—most houses were substandard. The neighborhood lacked the bustles which accompany progressive regions—with few establishments (restaurants and grocery stores) and some primary and secondary schools (“Orange City,” 2004).

One distinct assessment relates with the area’s population—majority of citizens were decidedly African-Americans and Hispanic in origin. The implication that there is a relation of poor economic conditions and domination of darker-skinned residents can somehow hold a ground basis. Further explorations throughout the day revealed several outcomes. Similar with other cities, students and workers alike go on with their routine activities—going to their respected destination and coming home by the end of the day.

As night time falls, however, depicts a different scenario. Groups of mixed young adult races, mainly African-American and Hispanics, prowled the streets of Orange City, each pursuing various habits—smoking and drinking, etc. In an article on Orange City (2004), statistics demonstrated that only a small percentage attained a college degree, while majority graduated in high school. Moreover, the crime index in the area by 2006 reached almost 13,000. The low academic attainment of residents may seem to contribute to its poor economic state, while high criminal rates had possibly scared off potential business investors—resulting in shortage of job opportunities and lack of income source.

In a book by Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2009), one of the organizational models emphasized was the need to identify targets for change in community settings. Targeting for change, as emphasized by Sheafor and Horejsi (2006), “provides direction for the leader and followers” (as cited in Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 83). In this case, a specific group (African-American young adults), are likely to be the identified targets in need of change. Clearly, the presence of economic deprivation, where there is “inadequate or unjust access to financial resources…such as job discrimination, unemployment, insufficient work benefits” can be applied basing from the situation presented (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009).

Attempt in improving the economic and social status of the particular groups requires intensive planning and government efforts. All in all, the presence of the African-Americans and Hispanic culture had meandering effects on the community at large. The behaviors exhibited by some younger generation residents reflect the discontentment of their current situations. A higher crime rate is a resultant effect of poor economic status and lack of legal job opportunities. Hence, there is an indirect relation between the dominating population and economic condition of the area.

Outside factors, such as the age-old issue on discrimination, may have played a hand in aggravating the poor social and economic condition. The targeted group may or may not be aware of the negative effects they brought to the neighborhood, but in this case, a need for change and improvement is the necessary solution. ReferencesKirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, J. (2009). Generalist practice with organizations and communities (4th ed.). Belmont, Canada: Cengage Learning, Inc.Orange City. (2004). Retrieved from: http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for- sale/FL/Orange-City/House-431_O4942969.htm