Knott, Rota – AHS8200 - Week 6 Journal

Monday, February 19, 2018 (12:30-2:30 p.m.)

Today was a holiday and most government offices were closed, so it presented an
opportunity for me to concentrate on my capstone project. While perusing the website for
the Community Foundation of Frederick County, Maryland, I discovered it has a fairly
comprehensive college access program in place. The organization’s programs include an
expansive scholarship program, FAFSA completion events working in conjunction with a
community coalition, and general education-focused grantmaking.

I was intrigued by the idea of building a community coalition around college and
career access. Unfortunately, in Somerset County everyone is already involved in
everything. Therefore, it would be tough to try to engage them in yet another coalition. I’ll
be on the lookout though for community partners who are passionate about education.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 (5-7 p.m.)

Tonight was the first of two community meetings in Somerset County to discuss the
opioid crisis, answer questions from residents, and promote awareness of treatment
resources. The event was held in Crisfield and was sparsely attended. I was disappointed to
see so few people on hand for such an important conversation. Unfortunately, this is not
atypical.

We have a very hard time engaging with residents in Somerset County, especially
those who could most benefit from available services. It’s frustrating when those who we are
trying to help essentially rebuff our efforts. It is challenging not to reactive negatively in
those instances. However, as our textbook points out, trying to talk clients out of their
resistance usually just creates an even more polarized relationship.

Friday, February 23, 2018 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

An expert from Rutgers University in the area of programming for children, youths,
and families impacted by parental incarceration led a strategic planning session for the
SCLMB, our vendors, and community partners. After the meeting, I met one-on-one with
our consultant one of the topics we discussed was the mindset of some parents who do not
want their children to do better than them in life. She said in some communities, like
Northern England, it is considered disrespectful for children to be more successful than their
parents.

Through the SCLMB we provide a lot of services for families with younger children
through middle school, but not for older youths. In fact, there is very little in services for
teenagers in general in Somerset County. I believe one way to focus our efforts in trying to
keep youths affected by parental incarceration out of trouble is by providing positive social
activities for them that are geared toward connections to college and career readiness.
 I am bothered by the nonchalant attitude of some of our partners who arrive and
leave whenever they want when they are invited to a meeting or event. It occurred again
today. People arrived late and left early. I feels that its disrespectful to both me and the
presenter. It also seems like what the SCLMB is doing is never the priority for some of our
board members, partners, or even the vendors to whom we are providing funding.