Description
A multiculturally oriented human services professional must be aware of local cultural
opportunities and supports to enhance and increase the empathetic and practical support given to
clients. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to explore the area where you live to
locate local resources and associated services and supports, as well as the particular needs of
local clients, which will vary by student location. This assignment will help students identify
strengths and areas for growth. Understanding local, relevant cultural needs and resources can
help to identify and become aware of potential bias and limitations. When we are prepared to
help clients from various cultural backgrounds, this increases self-confidence, and confidence
clients have in us as informed, multiculturally oriented professionals.
INSTRUCTIONS
Write a 3-5 page paper (not counting the title page and reference page) describing 3 local
resources based on the cultural topics from the provided list below, that would meet or
specifically relate to these cultural needs. The local resources must be agencies with physical
buildings, not solely online sources. You do not need to write an abstract. Follow current APA
professional style standards. You may use Scripture as well (see the Writing Style Guide tab for
how to cite and reference Bible versions that you quote).
Begin with a brief paper introduction before going to your first section/heading (do not use a
heading for the introduction). In this opening paragraph, describe the town/city/area you live in,
including statistics on the cultural makeup (cite and reference the source used for this
information).
Use a heading for each of the 3 local resources. Do not use any additional subheadings; use
paragraphs to separate main ideas. As you describe each local resource and the cultural need it
best meets, give the address, explain the referral or application process, costs (use a sliding pay
scale, take insurance, for example), and details of the services provided. Cite and reference the
websites or documents used in describing the services of 3 local cultural resources.
Use a heading for the Conclusion. In the conclusion section of your paper, reflect on your
analysis of the multicultural orientation of the area you live in (what needs did you identify, how
good of a job do you think your hometown/city is doing, what areas do you see yourself needing
to learn more about and grow in). Because you are writing about your personal response in the
Conclusion, it is appropriate to use first person pronouns (I, me, my, for example) in this final
section.
Research local agencies that meet counseling or related social services needs from this list:
Deaf/sign language
African American, Latin American, Native American, or Arab American
Christian
Older Adults
Disabilities (physical or intellectual)
Immigrants
