NCJ Number
161004
Journal
Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 57-77
Date Published
1995
Length
21 pages
Annotation
A case study of substance prevention asset (resiliency) assessment of a Puerto Rican community in Holyoke, Massachusetts, demonstrated the importance of this approach to developing collaborative services between natural support systems and formal human service organizations.
Abstract
Ten Puerto Rican youths between 13 and 15 years of age conducted the interviews, supervised by two program facilitators. The study focused on a 40-block area with a very high concentration of Puerto Ricans. Study goals included the following: (1) provide a detailed description of Puerto Rican natural support systems, with a specific focus on houses of workshop and merchant/social clubs; (2) provide youth with a resiliency perspective on the community; (3) raise the consciousness of human service organizations concerning positive aspects of the Puerto Rican community; and (4) serve as the basis for a resource directory specifically focused on community assets. The Holyoke study represented a significant research effort in the field of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention. A sense of community was observed when people felt they belonged to and were part of the community change process. This sense of belonging included an awareness that others cared and that the individual had a responsibility and ability to care for other community members. Further, a sense of community engendered meaning and connectedness, and inclusion in the community enabled members to create a shared history and common destiny. The study highlighted the importance of and possibility for greater cooperation and coordination between substance abuse-related human service organizations and natural support systems. 49 references and 2 tables