Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sally Schwer Canning
Aim: To foster the health and flourishing of children, adults, and families living in poor, urban communities as well as the professionals and volunteers who serve there.
Motivation
- To respond to the heart of God for those who are poor;
- To respond to our own poverty and need to be in just community across difference;
- To witness to truth & beauty, make culture (A. Crouch) & join in God’s renewal of His beloved creation.
Values
- Collaboration
- Continuity
- Competence
- Humility
- Hospitality
Currently, there are two active streams of research, affectionately known as: Sisters’ Keepers & Going the Distance. The first seeks to understand & support the health of patients at the Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago. Current projects target depression & domestic violence in women & low birth-weight in their babies. Another examines language & perceptions of Spanish-speaking on-line discussion group participants describing pregnancy & postpartum and mood experiences. Future projects could involve other patient groups & concerns within behavioral health.
The second line of research is aimed at understanding & encouraging healthy practices, wellbeing & faithfulness in individuals & faith-based community organizations serving in high-stress, poor contexts.
Anticipated Activities
- CAPS Conference presentations
- CFHA Conference poster
- LCHC Data collection & analysis
- CCDA Data collection & analysis
- Collaborative dissertation research from project planning to completion
- Laughter. Celebration. Some groaning & a few tears
Recent scholarly contributions of urban community health research lab.