"Capacity Building with Faith Communities: Meeting the Challenges of Poverty"

This course will introduce students to the issue of poverty, capacity building as an approach to working with the poor, and the role of the faith community in working on behalf of the poor.  The stage will be set to consider the role of social work and faith communities through review of poverty in the U.S, the incumbent challenges the poor experience, and the role that different faith traditions have based on their belief in social justice as a lived mission. Specific methods for capacity building will include asset-based community development, use of a strengths perspective, empowerment practice, and understanding social work traditions of community development, advocacy and community-based clinical practice. Students will be introduced to model faith based programs in New York City such as: housing collaboratives, congregational organizing, alternatives to incarceration, mentoring programs for the formerly homeless, and emergency food services.



Beck Institute MSW Internship Opportunities

As our work with diverse faith communities in New York City grows, we are discovering new opportunities and requests for Fordham MSW student interns. MSW Students at the Fordham Graduate School of Social Service interested in faith-based social service are encouraged to discuss their interest with Dr. Dale Lindquist, Associate Director of the Institute. Over the next year he will be working with the Field Work Office to develop internships that offer experience in providing social service in the faith community.  For more information please contact Dr. Dale Lindquist. at 212-636-6738

 

Beck Institute MSW Interns Available

Faith-based organizations interested in a Fordham University MSW student intern, please contact Dr. Dale Lindquist at 212-636-6738 



Student Volunteers

Student volunteers are welcome at the Beck Institute. Please contact us at 212-636-6738 or email us at beckinst@fordham.edu