Urban Community Center Research Articles

Defeating cancer through education, prevention, and youth athletics.

e22548 Background: Barriers to effective scientific learning exists for elementary students, particularly in socially and financially disadvantaged settings. Maintaining interest, concentration and focus can be difficult for children, particularly when confronted with complex material and multiple distractions. Methods: We implemented a scientific educational program for children attending an urban community center after-school program entailing tutoring stations conducted during a basketball practice. Five tutoring stations included human physiology, astronomy, geography, geology and cancer. Five children spend 3 minutes with tutors who are medical students or residents while five other children are on the basketball court going through drills with a coach. After 3 minutes the kids on the court and the kids being tutored switch places. The sequence is repeated until each child has rotated through each of the 5 tutoring stations and through each of the 5 basketball drills. After this, each child rotates through each tutoring station for one minute where they are quizzed on what they were taught and the end of practice scrimmage begins with a score based upon each team of fives’ performance on the quiz. Results: The method proved to be highly effective in the children’s ability to understand and retain scientific concepts. Within weeks nearly every child could list the planets of the solar system in order, calculate their pulse and explain its importance, list the most common symptoms of the most prevalent cancers, correctly identify continents, oceans, countries and states on maps and explain the origin of volcanos, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis. Conclusions: This novel teaching method proved highly effective with children being able to maintain interest, focus and concentration in a setting where physical exertion is rapidly alternated with educational instruction. Parents and teachers commented that the kids learned more in 45 minutes with this method than in 2 weeks of conventional classroom teaching. The approach is widely applicable to students from diverse backgrounds.

Effect of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Behavior Change Strategies on Physical Activity Among Older Adults

Despite guidelines that recommend physical activity (PA), little is known about which types of behavior change strategies (BCSs) effectively promote sustained increases in PA in older adults who are insufficiently active. To determine whether intrapersonal BCSs (eg, goal setting) or interpersonal BCSs (eg, peer-to-peer sharing or learning) combined with the Otago Exercise Program (17 strength and balance exercises and a walking program that are learned and individually tailored, with instruction to perform 3 times per week at home or location of choice) and a wearable PA monitor help older adults sustain increases in their PA. This 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial (Community-Based Intervention Effects on Older Adults' Physical Activity) of community-dwelling older adults 70 years or older with PA levels below minimum national PA guidelines was conducted in urban community centers. Dates of enrollment were from November 17, 2017, to June 15, 2021, with final follow-up assessments completed on September 2, 2022. Participants were randomized to intrapersonal (eg, goal setting) BCSs, interpersonal (eg, problem-solving with peer-to-peer sharing and learning) BCSs, intrapersonal and interpersonal BCSs, or an attention control group. All interventions included a PA monitor and 8 weekly small-group meetings with discussion, practice, and instructions to implement the exercise program and relevant BCSs independently between meetings and after the intervention. The primary outcome was daily minutes of objectively measured total PA (light, moderate, or vigorous intensities) averaged over 7 to 10 days, measured at baseline and after the intervention at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months. Among 309 participants (mean [SD] age, 77.4 [5.0] years; 240 women [77.7%]), 305 (98.7%) completed the intervention, and 302 (97.7%) had complete data. Participants receiving PA interventions with interpersonal BCS components exhibited greater increases in total PA than did those who did not at 1 week (204 vs 177 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 27.1 [95% CI, 17.2-37.0]; P < .001), 6 months (195 vs 175 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 20.8 [95% CI, 10.0-31.6]; P < .001), and 12 months (195 vs 168 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 27.5 [95% CI, 16.2-38.8]; P < .001) after the intervention. Compared with participants who did not receive interventions with intrapersonal BCS components, participants who received intrapersonal BCSs exhibited no significant changes in total PA at 1 week (192 vs 190 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 1.8 [95% CI, -8.6 to 12.2]; P = .73), 6 months (183 vs 187 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, -3.9 [95% CI, -15.0 to 7.1]; P = .49), or 12 months (177 vs 186 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, -8.8 [95% CI, -20.5 to 2.9]; P = .14) after the intervention. Interactions between intrapersonal and interpersonal BCSs were not significant. In this randomized clinical trial, older adults with low levels of PA who received interpersonal BCSs, the exercise program, and a PA monitor exhibited significant increases in their PA for up to 12 months after the intervention. Intrapersonal BCSs elicited no significant PA changes and did not interact with interpersonal BCSs. Our findings suggest that because effects of a PA intervention on sustained increases in older adults' PA were augmented with interpersonal but not intrapersonal BCSs, approaches to disseminating and implementing the intervention should be considered. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03326141.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies Adopted in TATA Longitudinal Study of Aging Study: A prospective Cohort Study on Aging in Urban India

AbstractBackgroundRecruitment and retention of participants is a crucial step in any longitudinal study. The TATA Longitudinal Study for Aging (TLSA) is an urban cohort study to gather long term data to identify risk and protective factors for dementia in India.MethodWe have recruited more than 1000 individuals with age ≥ 45 years for the study. Our recruitment strategies centered around existing urban community centers in Bangalore, India, where we have conducted more than 50 awareness programs to inform the participants about the healthy aging and our study. We maintain the periodic contact with participants through telephone, in person visits and mental health awareness programs. Though we do not offer any treatment the clinical team provides brief feedback on participants blood test reports, ECG and MRI and makes appropriate referrals to the health system if necessary. To emphasize participant convenience and reduce burden, our study team has a mobile unit that conducts clinical and cognitive sessions at the participant’s location. Transportation is also offered for each participant to attend the sessions at the study center. During the COVID 19 pandemic period, all participants were given special attention in terms of enquiring about their well‐being and using standard methods to assess their anxiety and depression. To keep the participants engaged during COVID 19 pandemic, we had shared the links for virtual museums, materials to read and offered psychosocial support.ResultWe have approached 2225 individuals out of which 52% consented and able to complete the baseline assessment for them. It is been observed that good support and willingness to contribute to the study with the notion of potentially helping their future generations. Currently up to 50% of the participants completed first follow‐up sessions.ConclusionThe recruitment and retention of participants in the longitudinal clinical studies is a challenging task. However, TLSA study provides the unique insights on recruitment approaches that can be tailored and adopted for increasing the study enrolment and retaining in the urban cohorts of developing countries like India.

Classification of health needs: a cluster analysis of older adults in urban areas

BackgroundIn this study, a cross-sectional survey was used to understand and analyze the health status and health needs of the elderly in the community. The cluster analysis method was used to explore the relationship between health needs items and investigate the commonness among health demand items, to provide a reference for the development of health management of the elderly with chronic diseases.MethodsWe used convenience sampling to recruit the participants (aged 60 and above) from four urban community centers in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China, in this study. This study uses the Medical Outcomes Study(MOS)36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The self-designed questionnaire includes sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, physical examination conditions, illness in the past two weeks, and a health needs questionnaire. SPSS 18.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistical analysis, t-test, one-way analysis, cluster analysis, and linear multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe rate of health needs among the elderly in the community for various health services is 1.3–69.7%, of which the top three are: regular physical examination (69.7%), day Care Center (67.7%), the establishment of a Medical Alert Systems (66.1%). The health needs of the elderly in the community are divided into three categories: basic needs (24 items), health education (13 items), and first aid (2 items). The regression analysis found that the influencing factors of health status were age, revenue and expenditure, medical expenses, health education, basic needs, and first aid.ConclusionsThe community should strengthen the management of chronic diseases of the elderly and the publicity and education of related knowledge, and provide complementary health care services according to the health needs of the elderly, improve the health of the elderly, and improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Factors Contributing To Clinic No-Show at a Safety Net Hospital

Appointment no-show refers to patient nonattendance to previously scheduled clinic or surgical appointments without canceling the appointment in advance. No-shows have been an ongoing issue nationally and incur significant strains on the healthcare system, while negatively impacting health outcomes. Furthermore, when no-shows occur in an academic institution, they can lead to fewer educational opportunities for healthcare trainees such as medical students and residents. Prior studies have demonstrated variable no-show rates depending on the location and the type of healthcare setting, with rates range between 15% and 30% in general medicine clinics and urban community centers. In academic otolaryngology clinics, the no-show rate has been estimated to be around 8.3% [5].

Patterns of E-Cigarette Use Among Primary Care Patients at an Urban Community Center.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the US. The number of tobacco products has grown over the past decade. E-cigarette use has increased rapidly in recent years, but patterns and correlates of use have not been thoroughly assessed. We examined relationships among demographic factors, e-cigarette and conventional cigarette use in a large sample (N = 12,409) of adult patients at a community health center in the Northeastern US. Overall, 13% (N = 1675) of the sample reported ever using e-cigarettes. In logistic regression models, ever having used e-cigarettes was associated with younger age (ages 18-25; OR = 3.5, p < 0.001). Being transgender (OR = 1.8, p < 0.001), bisexual (OR = 1.5, p < 0.001), un-partnered (OR = 1.5, p < 0.001), having a lower income (OR = 1.6, p < 0.001) or a high BMI (OR = 1.4, p = 0.009) were associated with increased odds of use, whereas being a woman (OR = 0.7, p < 0.001) or Black/African American (OR = 0.7, p = 0.007) were associated with lower odds of use. Of the participants who reported e-cigarette use, a majority also endorsed current or former use of conventional cigarettes. Individuals who formerly used conventional cigarettes were nearly three times more likely to report daily e-cigarette use than current users. Among primary care patients at a community health center, e-cigarette use was reported by a sizeable portion of the sample. Overall, odds of use were higher in certain patient populations, and individuals who formally used cigarettes were more likely to report e-cigarette use than individuals who currently smoke, suggesting that e-cigarettes may be functioning as a cessation aid or a strategy to reduce conventional cigarette use.

Preparing Preservice Teachers to Implement Art-Viewing Experiences for Young Children

Several preservice teachers are scattered on the floor, looking anxiously at parents and their babies as they come into the room. This is their first day at an urban community center in Ohio, where...

Health Disparities in Access to Nonpharmacologic Therapies in an Urban Community

The overuse of prescription opioids for chronic pain is recognized as a public health crisis. Yet, poor access to nonpharmacologic treatments is the norm in low-income, racially and ethnically diverse patients with chronic pain. The main objective of this study was to understand how chronic pain impacts low-income individuals with chronic pain and their communities from multiple perspectives. This was a qualitative study using a Science Café methodology. The Science Café event was held at an urban community center in Boston, MA. Inclusion criteria included the following: having the ability to attend the event, being at least 18 years of age or older, and participating in English. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires and audio or video recordings of two focus groups. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed with SAS 9.3 and NVivo 10. Thirty participants attended the Science Café event. The average age was 45 years, 77% reported as female, 42% identified as black, and 19% as Hispanic. Participants identified themselves as either patients (46%) or providers (54%) to the chronic pain community. Our forum revealed three major themes: (1) nonpharmacologic options for chronic pain management are warranted, (2) larger sociodemographic and contextual factors influence management of chronic pain, and (3) both patients and providers value the patient-provider relationship and acknowledge the need for better communication for patients with chronic pain. Future research should consider identifying and addressing disparities in access to nonpharmacologic treatments for chronic pain in relation to underlying social determinants of health, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse patients.

Needs Assessment Survey for the Management of Kidney Cancer

IntroductionIn this study we determined self-perceived knowledge gaps and continuing medical education preferences among Canadian urologists and medical oncologists related to the treatment of patients with kidney cancer. MethodsA needs assessment survey was created by the Quality Initiative group of the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada using an iterative feedback process. The survey determined knowledge gaps and continuing medical education preferences pertaining to 23 previously validated quality indicators of kidney cancer care. Topics included screening, diagnosis, prognosis, surgical management, systemic therapies and followup care. The survey was distributed via e-mail to Canadian urologists and medical oncologists. ResultsAmong the 164 respondents 121 (74%) were urologists and 43 (26%) were medical oncologists. The majority of respondents practice in academic (72, 57%) or large urban community centers (40, 32%). Of the 23 quality indicators examined 14 were designated as priority continuing medical education topics based on perceived inadequate knowledge or high interest in the topic. Priority topics were similar for urologists and medical oncologists, and covered the spectrum of kidney cancer care with an emphasis on hereditary kidney cancer and management of advanced disease. Most respondents preferred that continuing medical education be delivered through in person, case based group discussions. ConclusionsCanadian urologists and medical oncologists report similar knowledge gaps and continuing medical education preferences regarding kidney cancer care. Priority topics include screening for hereditary kidney cancer and management of advanced disease.

History of postpartum depression and the odds of maternal corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment is closely related to physical abuse of children and is associated with several negative characteristics and experiences in children and youths. This study examined the relative unique contribution of 6 variables (social support, socioeconomic status, depression, self-efficacy, knowledge of child development, and history of postpartum depression) to maternal corporal punishment of children. A sample of 76 mothers was dichotomized into those who never spanked or hit with an object and those who have spanked or hit with an object. The mothers were recruited from a community mental health agency, an urban community center, and a court of common pleas. The measures in the present study were administered prior to mothers' participation in a parent training program. Mothers referred by the court of common pleas were mandated to participate in the parent training program, and the mothers from the community mental health agency and the urban community center volunteered to participate in the parent training program. However, all participants voluntarily completed the research measures. Binary logistic regression identified postpartum depression as the only variable to significantly increase the odds of corporal punishment (odds ratio = 6.307, 95% confidence interval = 1.098-36.214, p = .039). The findings demonstrate increased odds of corporal punishment among a high-risk sample of women with postpartum depression. The generalizability of these findings may be limited to low socioeconomic class and White and African American mothers enrolled in parent-training programs. (PsycINFO Database Record

Beginning a partnership with PhotoVoice to explore environmental health and health inequities in minority communities.

Research informs action, but the challenge is its translation into practice. The 2012–2017 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Strategic Plan emphasizes partnership with community stakeholders to capture critical missing information about the effects of environment on health and to improve translation of study results, a daunting task for many traditionally-trained researchers. To better understand economic and neighborhood context consistent with these goals as well as existing inequities, we needed access to a highly affected community to inform and participate in our research. Our team therefore undertook a PhotoVoice project as a first step in establishing a participatory partnership and to appreciate the lived experiences of and build trust with youth visiting an urban community center in a high-risk, low-income, African American neighborhood located along a busy, polluted interstate. Ten 8–13 years-olds represented their community’s perspectives through photographs over 14-weeks using structured questioning. Five themes emerged: poor eating habits/inadequate nutrition; safety/violence; family/friends/community support; future hopes/dreams; and garbage/environment. Public viewings of the photos/captions facilitated engagement of other community agencies and multidisciplinary academic faculties to work together to build a sustainable “community collaboratory” that will promote health at the center by providing families knowledge/skills to prevent/minimize environmental exposures via diet/lifestyle changes using community-engaged, citizen scientist and systems thinking approaches.

Hearing screening in community centers for the elderly: Efficacy of distortion product otoacoustic emissions

Hearing loss occurs most frequently within the elderly population, and having a hearing loss can adversely impact the quality of life of an individual. There is a need for detection of hearing loss at an early stage, and therefore elderly hearing screening programs are important. The efficacy of using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) as a stand-alone objective hearing screening tool in comparison to conventional, behavioral pure-tone screening in community centers for the elderly in Hong Kong was investigated. Background noise was measured at each center, and the range of overall noise levels was from 42 to 53 dBA. DPOAE results were analyzed using six different pass/refer criteria, having stimuli concentration in the low, mid, or high frequencies, and based upon both absolute distortion product amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR; stricter criterion) or SNR alone (looser criterion). Kappa statistics of weighted agreement and observed agreement were calculated to compare DPOAE measures with pure-tone screening for 223 elderly participants. The highest observed agreement between pure-tone screening and DPOAE was found for a protocol with a focus on mid-frequency stimuli using a looser criterion. However, the highest agreement obtained was only fair, with agreement occurring at only 14% more than chance. Background noise in community centers for the elderly adversely affected the DPOAE measurements and DPOAE screening could not be considered as an effective stand-alone hearing screening tool for an elderly population attending urban community centers.

Perceived risk for cancer in an urban sexual minority

Lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals are a sexual minority experiencing elevated cancer risk factors and health disaparites, e.g., elevated tobacco use, disproportionate rates of infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Little attention has been paid to cancer prevention, education, and control in sexual minorities. This study describes cancer risk perceptions and their correlates so as to generate testable hypotheses and provide a foundation for targeting cancer prevention and risk reduction efforts in this high risk population. A cross-sectional survey of affiliates of a large urban community center serving sexual minority persons yielded a study sample of 247 anonymous persons. The survey assessed demographics, absolute perceived cancer risk, cancer risk behaviors, desired lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk, and psychosocial variables including stress, depression, and stigma. Univariate and multivariate nonparametric statistics were used for analyses. The sample was primarily white non-Hispanic, middle-aged, and > 80% had at least a high school education. Mean values for absolute perceived cancer risk (range 0-100% risk), were 43.0 (SD = 25.4) for females, and for males, 49.3 (SD = 24.3). For females, although the multivariate regression model for absolute perceived cancer risk was statistically significant (P < .05), no single model variable was significant. For men, the multivariate regression model was significant (P < .001), with endorsement of "don't smoke/quit smoking" to reduce personal cancer risk (P < .001), and greater number of sexual partners (P = .054), positively associated with absolute perceived risk for cancer. This study provides novel data on cancer risk perceptions in sexual minorities, identifying correlates of absolute perceived cancer risk for each gender and several potential foci for cancer prevention interventions with this at-risk group.

Predictors of ADL Disability in Culturally Diverse Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to utilize the disablement pathway model to examine the contribution of physical function, dyspnea, and pain to disability in activities-of-daily-living (ADL) in culturally diverse older adults. Participants were 51 older adults (age = 69.0 years ± 9.7; 76.5% African-American, 51.0% &lt; high school education, 52.9% &lt; $20,000 annual income) from an urban community center and an independent living housing facility for seniors. Participants completed the Functional Status Index (FSI), which provides ratings of need for assistance (FSIA) and pain (FSIP) with ADL, the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10-item Test (CS-PFP10), and an analog dyspnea scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that facility, physical function, pain, and dyspnea accounted for 50.5% of the variance in disability and that pain (β = .43, p &lt; .01) and physical function (β = -.39, p &lt; .01) were the only significant predictors. In the second model, facility, dyspnea, and pain explained 27.6% of the variance in physical function, and facility (β = .39, p &lt; .01) and dyspnea (β = -.26, p = .05) were the only significant predictors. Based on the disablement pathway model, physical functional improvement and pain prevention and management should be targeted when designing culturally appropriate strategies for delaying disability and maintaining independent life.

Academic Success Strategy Use Among Community-Active Urban Hispanic Adolescents

Although much has been written about the “risky” behaviors in which some Hispanic adolescents participate, the predictors of academic success are less understood. Toward this end, predictors of academic self-regulation were investigated in Hispanic adolescents. Specifically, a predictive model incorporating self-efficacy, instrumentality, salience of becoming a college student, and structured programming was examined in a sample of 66 Hispanic teens drawn from an urban community center. A model including self-efficacy, instrumentality, and salience of becoming a college student explained 53% of the variance in academic self-regulation, and further regression tests suggested that self-efficacy acted as a mediator of the other two predictors. However, structured leadership programming was not related to self-regulation. Case illustrations are presented. Future research involving the study of community-active Hispanic teens and their academic success is discussed.

Predictors of ADL Disability in Culturally Diverse Older Adults

Almost 42% of adults over 65 years of age live with at least one disability. Further, people of lower socioeconomic status and Blacks have greater risks for disability than individuals of higher socioeconomic status and Whites. The consequences of disability include loss of independence and institutionalization, among others. PURPOSE: To utilize the disablement process framework to examine the contribution of physical function, dyspnea, and pain to disability in activities-of-daily-living (ADL) in culturally diverse older adults. METHODS: Participants were 51 older adults (M age = 69.0 years, SD = 9.7) from an urban community center and an independent living housing facility for seniors with fixed incomes. Participants completed the Functional Status Index (FSI), the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10-item Test (CS-PFP10), and an analog dyspnea scale. RESULTS: The first hierarchical regression revealed that facility (β = −.37, p < .01) explained 13.4% of the variance in disability (FSIA). The addition of physical function (CS-PFP10 total score) explained another 19.5% of the variance in disability and it was the only significant predictor (β = −.49, p < .001). Finally, the addition of pain (FSIP) and dyspnea accounted for another 50.5% of the explained variance and pain (β = .43, p < .001) and physical function (β = −.39, p < .01) were the only significant predictors of disability. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the disablement process model provides a valuable conceptual framework to the progression of disability in a sample of high-risk population. Based on these results, dyspnea is important for understanding physical function, and physical function and pain are crucial stages in the progression of disability.

“Being Ghetto”: Identifying the Labeling Origins of Urban Community Centers

“Being Ghetto”: Identifying the Labeling Origins of Urban Community Centers

Controversy and Conflict in the Henry Street Settlement Music School, 1927-1935

Controversy and Conflict in the Henry Street Settlement Music School, 1927–1935 Shannon L. Green (bio) In 1971 Helen Hall (1892-1982), the president of the National Federation of Settlements, published Unfinished Business in Neighborhood and Nation, memoirs of her tenure as Henry Street Settlement's second di-rector.1 The book relates many of the activities that took place at the settlement house, including those of its music school. Hall also describes with fondness many of Henry Street's staff members, including Grace Spofford, the second director of the settlement's music school. Curiously, Hall's book fails to make any mention of Hedi Katz, the music school's founder and first director, even though their terms at Henry Street overlapped by at least six months and Katz had led the school for its first eight years. Katz's peculiar absence is symptomatic of divisive opinions regarding the purpose of musical training within the social settlements during the years of the Great Depression. Beginning in the late 1880s and continuing well into the first half of the twentieth century, middle-class Progressivists founded settlement houses to alleviate the difficult living and working conditions of tenement neighborhoods.2 As urban community centers, social settlement houses in the large industrial cities of the United States were emblematic of the Progressive era in which they originated; many settlements, especially Hull-House in Chicago, were centers of the era's reform activities. Settlement leaders [End Page 73] were essential in the passage and implementation of laws involving child labor, the eight-hour workday, and improved safety in factories.3 Settlement workers, many of whom were "residents" living within the settlement houses, were for the most part middle-class white Protestant men and women. Many subscribed to Progressive philosophy, devoting their professional and personal lives to helping those deemed less fortunate in immediate and concrete ways. They brought educational opportunities to the tenements, offering an affordable means for the inhabitants to better their circumstances. In addition, settlements offered arts programs such as private music lessons, participation in choirs and other ensembles, and regular low-cost concerts to help tenement workers forget, if only temporarily, their deplorable living and working situations. After many years of offering various musical activities to the surrounding neighborhood, the directors at Henry Street Settlement, located on Henry Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan Island in New York City, organized a formal music school in 1928.4 The school quickly gained the committed support of such renowned musicians as Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Jascha Heifetz, all of whom were members of the school's advisory committee. The school also received aid from members of well-known business families such as the Marshall Field family. Director Lillian Wald chose Hedi Katz as the first director of the music school. A European-born violinist with impressive credentials, Katz had studied at the Royal Academy in Vienna and had been a pupil of Arnold Rosee, Emile Sauret, and Carl Flesch. For four years she served as a first violinist in the symphony orchestra in The Hague, Holland.5 Wald first made Katz's acquaintance, shortly after immigrating to the United States, through a mutual friend who had asked Wald to assist Katz with an "unfortunate" financial situation.6 Before making her final decision regarding who would lead the music school, Wald contacted Katz and asked her to write a plan for the school. Wald then asked three friends and experts to review Katz's plan: Janet Schenck, director of the Neighborhood Music School (later the Manhattan School of Music) in New York and a leader of the Music Division of the National Federation of Settlements, the conductor and composer Walter Damrosch, and Melzar Chaffee, associated with the Third Street Music School Settlement.7 After receiving their full approval of Katz and her plan, Wald hired her for the position. The school's first season began in the fall of 1928. As director, Katz was paid thirty-five hundred dollars for operating the school during eight months of the school year and for any necessary summer preparations. As for other settlement music school directors, her position was considered part-time, and Katz...

A Year's Experiences with a Postpartum Depression Group

The author defines postpartum mood and adjustment disorders, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and resources. The purpose, goals, themes, and co-leadership issues of a postpartum depression psychoeducational group, offered year-round in an urban community center, are discussed. A vignette from the group is presented to sample its process and content.

Leadership for Social Justice: Authentic Participation in the Case of a Community Center in Caracas, Venezuela

This is a case study of a leader who fosters authentic participation for advancing social justice in an urban community center in Caracas, Venezuela, located in the midst of poverty, marginality, and social and economic alienation. This educational space enables the local community to control the destiny of their own institution. Learning from this case, we argue that urban educational transformation might succeed in terms of practicing social justice, if leadership facilitates and creates urban sanctuaries by working with the communities and not on the communities; fosters an organizational structure that is flexible and democratic; and creates a safe (trusting) environment where the local community is engaged in authentic participation.