Hope
Community Resources, Inc. (Hope) facilitates a practicum program
offered during the summer months for students who attend the
State University of New York, Plattsburgh (SUNY). Eligible
students have completed at least two years of undergraduate
study and demonstrate an ability and desire to explore practical
ways of applying the ideas and principles of cultural anthropology¬
or applications of social work as it relates to developmental disabilities.
In 2005
Hope Community Resources, Inc. played host to 13 students from both Anthropology
and Social Work. The 6 Anthropology students were able to experience life in the
regional offices of Hope, including Dillingham and Kodiak. The Social Work students
remained in Anchorage where they participated in providing direct support services.
2004 SUNY Students.
The Purpose
of the Practicum
People
have, throughout time, joined together to form communities,
relationships and other affiliations. Cultures abound with strategies
for the continual affirmations of identity, belonging and acceptance.
Perhaps the challenge of this millennium will be the formulation
of strategies for the specific supports which will build both
local and world communities that include all people, regardless
of race, national origin, gender, creed or abilities.
Unfortunately,
people who experience developmental disabilities have often
been forced to lead lives of seclusion, isolation and loneliness.
Many have spent the majority of their lives being excluded from
typical childhood and adult opportunities. Segregation in school,
work and social/recreational activities has been the norm.
Hope
has been striving for over 30 years to change these lifetime
patterns of segregation, loneliness and isolation into ones
of inclusion, togetherness and participation. Hope also believes
that students of anthropology can use the principles of the
discipline to help continue the process of building community
for the people choosing Hope's supports.
The
Structure of the Practicum
During the practicum, students will work with Hope's management,
supervisory and direct contact staff to explore the challenge
of assisting people who experience a developmental disability
in becoming reunited with their community and neighborhood of
choice. Students will provide up to 40 hours per week of "hands
on" support to a supervised caseload of individuals.
Students
will also participate in a weekly teleconference with the Department
of Anthropology at SUNY, Plattsburgh and staff from Hope. Students
may be required to complete a variety of assignments.
Practicum
Requirements
All
program applicants must complete a pre-practicum course on campus
at SUNY Plattsburgh and meet the following requirements:
-
Be at least 21 years of age and have a personal endorsement from their college professor
when starting the practicum
-
Participate in Hope's practicum screening process
-
Be able to obtain a criminal history background check from
home state prior to starting the practicum
-
Have a valid driver's license, preferred
-
Be CPR and First Aid certified prior to travel to Alaska
-
Have active medical coverage for the duration of the practicum
-
Be able to obtain tuberculin clearance upon the beginning
of the practicum (offered at Hope)
-
Be able to communicate effectively, both orally and through
writing, in English;
-
Be able to perform basic mathematical functions
-
Be able to perform the duties and requirements as outlined
in the practicum.
- While
no prior work experience with people who experience a disability
is required, it is preferred
Application
Process
If
you are interested in participating in this program, please contact our Deputy Executive Director, Roy Scheller, at 1-907-564-7431
or rscheller@hopealaska.org
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