Human Services Informational Interview Community Change Clas

Human Services Informational Interview Community Changeclass Members

Human Services Informational Interview (Community Change) Class members will conduct an informational interview with a professional or volunteer in the Human Service field. Class members are expected to submit a detailed summary of their interview by April 20th. This assignment will be scored according to the following rubric: Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Below Expectations Develops high-quality interview questions related to course topics Submits interviewee details within the specified timeframe Conducts in-person (or Skype, etc.) interview within the specified timeframe Links interview process to theories and concepts of community change and intervention strategies Interview summary is clear, detailed, and substantial Interview summary references changes and/or confirmation of personal attitude about the Human Service profession 60 points Develops useful interview questions and format Submits interviewee details within the specified timeframe Conducts in-person interview within the specified timeframe Submits interview summary Includes some points of personal reflection in the interview summary 30-59 points Does not submit interviewee details within the specified timeframe Does not conduct in-person interview within the specified timeframe Does not submit interview summary / or summary is clearly lacking in detail and organization 0-29 points

Fiya Inc. Youth Services is a non-profit organization which offers assistance to its youths and low-income areas as well as ensuring empowerment and giving them the correct tools to be successful later on. Shakina Milledge is a Cosmetologist who has chosen to spend her career devoting her time to the youth of her community. Shakina is the founder and a board member of Fiya Inc. Youth Services since 2017, and through that period, she has been able to engage with different youths and handle various situations, which she is willing to discuss at length. Her contacts are listed.

Paper For Above instruction

In conducting an informational interview with Shakina Milledge, the founder and board member of Fiya Inc. Youth Services, I gained valuable insights into the role of community-based youth programs and the broader implications of community change initiatives. This interview illuminated the vital role that dedicated individuals play in fostering resilience and empowerment among youth, especially within underserved communities, aligning closely with theories of community intervention and social change.

The interview commenced with an inquiry into Milledge’s responsibilities at Fiya Inc. Youth Services. She explained her role as both a director and someone deeply involved in program development and community engagement. Her responsibilities include coordinating activities that empower youth, facilitating mentorship opportunities, and liaising with local authorities to enhance service delivery. This practical experience resonates with community intervention theories such as empowerment theory, which emphasizes strengthening community members' capacity to effect change (Zimmerman, 2000).

Milledge also addressed whether she encounters hostility from youth and her approaches to handling such situations. She acknowledged that some youths display hostility due to underlying issues such as family instability or socioeconomic challenges. Her strategy involves active listening, providing a safe space for expression, and connecting youths with additional support services. This approach aligns with trauma-informed care practices and needs assessment strategies that aim to address root causes of behavioral issues (SAMHSA, 2014).

A significant part of the interview centered around her motivation for dedicating her life to community youth service. Milledge emphasized her belief in community empowerment and her personal commitment to making a tangible difference. She recounted a pivotal moment when she recognized the potential of youth despite their circumstances and decided to channel her skills into service. This personal motivation echoes principles of service learning and social responsibility inherent in human services education.

Regarding government systems, Milledge highlighted various programs and policies that facilitate her organization’s work, including funding opportunities, youth development grants, and community partnership initiatives. She stressed the importance of advocacy and the need for continuous policy support to sustain and expand youth services. These insights correspond with systems change theories advocating for policy advocacy and structural adjustments to promote community well-being (Fawcett & Francisco, 2000).

When asked about areas for improvement within her organization, Milledge mentioned the need for increased funding and broader outreach to vulnerable populations. She pointed out that while her organization has had successes, limited resources constrain the scope of her programs. This challenge aligns with community development frameworks that emphasize resource mobilization and capacity building (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993).

Milledge also underscored the importance of involving families and the broader community in program planning and decision-making. She shared her experience of integrating family values into her programs, recognizing that community-centric approaches foster greater acceptance and sustainability. This approach reflects community participatory models that advocate for inclusive planning and local ownership of initiatives (Israel et al., 1998).

Additionally, she shared a memorable or challenging situation that left a lasting impression—working with a youth facing severe family issues, where patience, compassion, and community resources eventually helped the youth find a positive path forward. Such stories underscore the critical role of compassionate intervention strategies and resilience building in human services.

Finally, Milledge offered advice to colleagues in the human services profession, emphasizing continuous learning, cultural humility, and advocating fiercely for community needs. She encouraged new entrants to remain dedicated despite challenges and to develop genuine relationships within the community. Her remarks reaffirm core frameworks of ethical practice and community engagement in social work and human services.

In conclusion, the interview with Shakina Milledge provided a valuable perspective on community-based youth programs, the importance of comprehensive support systems, and the challenges faced by human service professionals. Her insights exemplify the application of community change theories such as empowerment, systems advocacy, and participatory planning. Engaging directly with practitioners like Milledge enhances our understanding of effective practices and reinforces the importance of committed individuals in fostering lasting community change.

References

• Fawcett, S. B., & Francisco, V. T. (2000). Community Capacity Building: Participants’ Perspectives. American Journal of Community Psychology, 28(3), 367–391.
• Israel, B. A., Schulz, A. J., Parker, E. A., & Becker, A. B. (1998). Review of community-based research: Assessing partnership approaches to improve public health. Annual Review of Public Health, 19(1), 173–202.
• Kretzmann, J. P., & McKnight, J. L. (1993). Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing Community Assets. Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research.
• SAMHSA. (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Zimmerman, M. A. (2000). Empowerment Theory: Psychological, Organizational, and Community Levels of Change. In J. Rappaport & E. Seidman (Eds.), Handbook of Community Psychology (pp. 43–63). Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.