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Degree Name

MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)

Program

Liberal Studies

Date of Award

5-2006

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Scott H. Beck

Committee Members

Leslie A. McCallister, Ardis L. Nelson

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the influences on the degree of involvement in organizations, agencies, and churches by Latino immigrants in Eastern Tennessee. An interview study was conducted to identify the most/least effective service delivery methods, whether language remains a barrier to obtaining services, and reveal any unmet needs relative to the Latino population. Also, Latino participants provided personal perspectives of the service delivery system.

From analysis of the interviews, the following themes emerged: limited access to transportation, fair treatment when seeking assistance, need for bilingual staff available to more effectively determine needs, and Latino reactions to law enforcement and government agencies.

With the results of this study, service providers will learn more effective methods of delivering services to the Latino population in Hamblen, Grainger, Jefferson, and Cocke Counties of East Tennessee. Conversely, appropriate and well-delivered services will assist Latino immigrants in achieving a better quality of life.

Document Type

Thesis - restricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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