Philosophical Approach and Operational Goals in Horizon Care Foundation - Case Study Example

Group Proposal 1.0 Introduction Horizon Care Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with families from marginalised communities living in extreme poverty conditions within the outer fringe of Sydney. The organisation provides a wide range of services and interventions geared towards promoting better physical and mental health, social and economic development and alleviating poverty. It also mobilizes resources from different individuals, groups, corporations and charity organisations to aid families living in poverty to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and education. Moreover, Horizon Care focuses on empowering marginalised families by implementing education and skill development programs. The organisation‘s vision is to empower families to reach their full potential by addressing the causes of poverty and social injustice. Its philosophical approach is entrenched in creating lasting social change through partnership with other stakeholders and implementing sustainable programs and interventions. This proposal is directed to the members of the management committee at Horizon Care Foundation. It provides a detailed description for a prospective empowerment-oriented group program that will involve individuals from marginalised families living in extreme poverty conditions within the outer fringe of Sydney. In tandem with the organization’s vision, philosophical approach and operational goals, this empowerment-oriented group program will seek to complement some of the existing family programs and interventions that the organisation provides. 2.0 Proposal 2.1 Name and Type of Group The proposed group will be referred to as Horizon Family Empowerment Group (HFEG). The group will be community-based empowerment group with a closed membership. It will only be open to families from marginalised communities living in extreme poverty conditions within the outer fringe of Sydney. 2.2 Purpose of the Group Australia is generally considered as a progressive and developed nation characterised by social and political equality. Nevertheless, to a certain extent the notion of Australia being politically, socially and even economically equal is only a fallacy of egalitarianism. Australia’s history is marked by deeply entrenched patterns of marginalisation of some communities and groups. For example, for years Indigenous Australians were denied citizenship, the right to vote, right to own land and right to education. The ramifications of these historical patterns of marginalization have been witnessed over the years and are still being felt today. Generally, due to marginalisation, some communities in Australia especially the Indigenous community were for years deprived of resources, important social links, employment opportunities, social participation, quality heathcare, education and other support dimensions(Maslen, 2008; Jupp, Nieuwenhuysen & Dawson 2007). As a result of this, people from these communities continue to experience poor social and economic outcomes and live in extreme poverty conditions even today (Biddle, 2010). Although the Australian government and other organizations in Australia have for many years exerted significant efforts towards promoting social inclusion and alleviating poverty amongst marginalised groups, there are still a substantial number of families from marginalised communities living in abject poverty (O’Halloran, 2004). Often times, the interventions implemented by the government and other non-governmental organisation due not effectively address the specific needs or the felt needs of these communities. In order to effectively address the underlying issues that contribute to poverty and alleviate poverty within these communities there is need to implement sustainable interventions that empower individuals in marginalised communities to explore their challenges and come up with solutions to their own problem (Briskman 2007). It is for these reasons that an empowerment-oriented group program is needed to help families from marginalised communities living in extreme poverty conditions to explore the underlying causes of their problems and subsequently come up with their own solutions. Coulshed and Orme (2012) observe community members are experts on their own situations therefore they can find solutions for themselves. The Horizon Family Empowerment Group will focus on the following; Engagement: Engaging families in discussions that will enable them to identify and explore the specific challenges or issues that affect their lives (Coulshed & Orme, 2012) Capacity Building: Developing strengths and capacities that will enables these families to improve the social and economic functioning and improve their communities through self-directed collective actions (Hefferman & Shuttlesworth, 2008). Empowerment: Using information, resources, various skills and strategies to encourage families to take up personal initiatives towards addressing issues that affect their lives (Coulshed & Orme, 2012). Building social capital/ Social Enterprise: Employing entrepreneurial strategies and business acumen to address social issues, generate income and empower marginalised community to have sustainable livelihoods and become independent economically. This function stems from conflict theories which acknowledge that in every society there exists inequalities, there are the “haves and have nots”, due to unequal distribution of resources. These theories suggest that marginalised communities should unite and work towards building social capital (Macionis, 2011; Ritzer & Smart, 2001). Group work has been chosen as the preferred method of practice mainly it provides a suitable modality for mutual aid and social support. In reference to the Mutual Aid Model of group work practice, group work provides a platform where there is an exchange of help. In this case, group members become both providers and recipients of help. As group members become more involved with each other they develop mutual helping relationships with each other such that they are able to understand, help and support each other (Gitterman, 2004). Similarly, Coulshed & Orme, (2012) note that, group work provides the capacity for members to “ help as well as be helped.” Moreover, Philips (2001) observes that, group work has become an accepted strategy in human services for improving people’s quality of life in a wide range of situations. In most cases, the use of groups increases the relevance and quality of help. This is mainly because group members help themselves and others by sharing feelings and information, comparing experiences and attitudes and developing beneficial relationships with each other. Phillips (2001) further argues that as compared to other strategies, group work has more capacity to bring about positive change. Groups encourage participants to disclose aspects of their lives and behaviours and to provide constructive feedback that can be used to facilitate positive change (Gladding, 2003). Additionally, group work has been chosen as the preferred modality mainly because it encourages social support. Given that Horizon Family Empowerment Group primarily focuses on helping families from marginalised communities. It is crucial to incorporate an intervention that offers social support so that these families do not feel isolated. When these families work in groups they are likely to feel a sense of belonging and that they are part of a supportive social network that offers companionship, nurturance, supportive resources and advice (Henry, East, & Schmitz, 2002). 2.3 Goals and Expected Outcomes Some of the key operational goals that this empowerment-oriented group seeks to achieve within the first six months of operation include; Create awareness amongst its members about the underlying issues that contribute to poor socio-economic outcomes. Ensure group members set feasible individual and group goals aimed at improving their socio-economic outcomes Ensure group members come up with viable projects that will help them generate income or improve the socio-economic outcomes of their communities. After one year marked with a series of organised group meeting and activities, some of the expected outcomes of this group include; Each group member is economically empowered such that they are able to create sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families. Each group member is equipped with relevant knowledge and skills that enables them to address challenges facing their families and become change agents within the communities that they live in. Group members have developed social support networks within their communities for empowerment and social support purposes. 2.4 Practical Considerations and Requirements In the course of forming and developing this empowerment-oriented group, the following requirements and practical considerations will be taken into account; Recruitment of group members will occur annually. Each year, new members from marginalised families living in extreme poverty conditions within the outer fringe of Sydney will be recruited. Members will be recruited on a voluntary basis. Only willing members will be incorporated in the group. Group announcements and advertising will be conveyed through email, postal mail, posters in community amenities such as social halls and social media networks such as; Facebook and Twitter. Following the announcement about the group, recruitment of group members will be facilitated through personal interviews. Those who show interest in joining the group will be interviewed to determine their suitability. Each year, the group will incorporate a maximum of 15 members. A small group size will help to create a more secure and conducive environment where members can create a strong rapport with each other, interact freely and open up about intimate issues affecting their lives. Group sessions will run throughout the year. There will be two sessions in every month, these sessions will occur in the first and last weekend on the month. Each session will last for an average of two hours with short breaks in between. Group sessions will occur at a central location within the outcasts of Sydney where every group member can conveniently access. The sessions will be based in either a social hall or other community facilities opened for public access. Each group session will be facilitated by a professional social worker or counselor. During some sessions there will be a co-facilitator to aid the main facilitator. For each group session minutes will be taken so as to record the activities resolutions and of the group. After every quarter (4 months), a follow-up and evaluation exercise will be carried out so as to assess the progress that group members have made towards the achievement of their individual as well as group goals. 2. 5 Group Content and Process The key issues that will be explored during group sessions include; underlying causes of poverty, experiences of marginalization, economic empowerment, developing social capital and project management skills. The group sessions will also incorporate discussions on how members can alleviate poverty, develop social capital and create sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families. During each session an experienced professional or specialist in the issues highlighted by group members will be invited to provide some insight on how group members can address the various issues discussed (Briskman 2007). Moreover, the group sessions will incorporate goal setting activities. In this case, members will be asked to describe their aspirations and then come with specific goals that they would wish to achieve in order to realise their dreams. Group members will also be required to set goals aimed at improving their community. Subsequently, the various goals set by group members will be recorded for regular follow-up. The efficacy of this empowerment group will be highly dependent on leadership effectiveness. In order to ensure that this group helps families from marginalised communities living in extreme poverty conditions to realise positive outcomes, it will be crucial to ensure that suitable leadership styles and approaches are used. Although there are different leadership styles that may be suitable in different contexst, in this group context a democratic leadership styles will be most suitable. Basically, this leadership style will encourage maximum involvement and participation of group members in every aspect of group activities (Zastrow 2009). In this case, the group facilitator being the leader will execute task and maintenance roles by; Developing plans and giving directions on how to proceed with various groups discussions and activities Offering relevant information, ideas and suggestions to aid group discussions. The facilitator will also stimulate discussions by encouraging the participation of group members During the group sessions, there are certain issues or challenges that are likely to occur. Firstly, there is likelihood that during the first phase of group development, group members might experience feeling of distrust or suspicion towards each other, this may cause them not to interact freely or open up about issues affecting their lives. In order to address issues pertaining to distrust among team members during the first phase, team building activities will be implemented so as to create a rapport amongst group members (Brandler & Roman, 2012). Secondly, during the group sessions, there is likelihood that there might be some disruptive behavior among some group members. For instance, some group members may have the tendency of exaggerating issues, controlling others, refusing to open-up, digressing from the subject, complaining unnecessarily, belittling the concerns of others, talking too much or withholding relevant information. In order to address such disruptive behaviour, the facilitator will assertively and in a non-blaming way confront members about their disruptive behaviour privately (Zastrow, 2009). Furthermore in the course of group sessions, issues revolving around social structures such as race, gender, culture, sexuality and ability are likely emerge. If not handled effectively, differences in race, gender and culture is likely to breed biases, stereotypes, power imbalance and even discrimination. This may in turn create an atmosphere of fear, mistrust and one that discourages individual expression and personal growth. In order address issues that are likely to arise due to social structures, it will be crucial to set ground rules on how group members ought to interact and provide equal opportunities for participation (Brandler & Roman, 2012; Zastrow, 2009). 2.6 Budget The cost estimations for each session Hiring venue $ 250 Refreshments $ 150 Stationeries $ 50 Facilitator Fess $ 200 Miscellaneous $ 50 Total $ 700 Monthly Total ($700 x 2) $ 1400 Yearly total ($600x 12) $ 16, 800 2. 7 Follow-up and Evaluation After every quarter, an evaluation process will be carried out to determine the progress that each group member has made towards the realization of the previously set individual and group goals. In this case, the facilitator will interview each group member individually and assess their progress. Moreover after the group sessions, the group members will be encouraged to maintain continuous correspondence with each other and the facilitator. References Briskman, L. (2007). Social Work in Indigenous Communities. Sydney: Federation Press. Biddle, N. (2010). A Human Capital Approach to the Educational Marginalisation of Indigenous Australians. The Australian National University, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research Working Paper No 67/2010. Brandler, S. & Roman, C.P. (2012). Group Work: Skills and Strategies for Effective Interventions. 2nd Ed. New York: Routledge. Coulshed, V. & Orme, J. (2012).Social Work Practice. 5th Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Gitterman, A. (2004). The mutual aid model. In C. Garvin, L. Guitierrez & M. Galinsky eds., Handbook of social work with groups. New York: Guilford. Gladding, S. T. (2003). Group work: A counselling specialty (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, Merrill: Prentice Hall. Henry, S., East, J., & Schmitz, C. (Eds.). (2002). Social Work with Groups: Mining the Gold. New York: Harworth Press Macionis, J. J. (2011). Society.7th ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Maslen, S. (2008). Marginalised and Isolated Women in the Australian Capital Territory: Risk, Prevalence and Service Provision. ACT: Women’s Centre for Health Matters. Jupp, J., Nieuwenhuysen, J. & Dawson, E. (2007). Social Cohesion in Australia. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. O’Halloran, K. (2004).“Social Inclusion and the Indigenous People of Australia: Achieving a Better Fit Between Social Need and the Charity Framework”. The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law 6 (2), 437-441. Philips, J. (2001). Group Work in Social Care: Planning and Setting Up Groups, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Ritzer,G. & Smart, B. (2001). Handbook of Social Theory. London: SAGE. Zastrow, C. H. (2009). Social work with groups: A comprehensive workbook. (7th ed). New York: Thompson Wadsworth. Read More