Oral Presentations - Session 2C: UC 330
Client-Staff Interactions at the Povorello Center
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Daisy Rooks, Greg Machek
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Sociology, Psychology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Interactions between people from different groups can shape relationships and create varying types of atmospheres. For people experiencing homelessness, interactions are especially consequential. Using 48 hours of participant observation at the Poverello Center in Missoula and ethnographic field notes that document that time, we seek to explore client- staff interactions. Our presentation will focus on two aspects of interactions: interactions between clients and staff of opposite genders, and interactions between clients and staff in the kitchen area. We will use examples from our observations to demonstrate how client- staff interactions are essential for both parties involved. The interactions with staff support and assist clients with getting back on their feet, providing mutual social support. In particular, we will demonstrate how these interactions inspire clients’ creativity and motivation.
Client-Staff Interactions at the Povorello Center
UC 330
Interactions between people from different groups can shape relationships and create varying types of atmospheres. For people experiencing homelessness, interactions are especially consequential. Using 48 hours of participant observation at the Poverello Center in Missoula and ethnographic field notes that document that time, we seek to explore client- staff interactions. Our presentation will focus on two aspects of interactions: interactions between clients and staff of opposite genders, and interactions between clients and staff in the kitchen area. We will use examples from our observations to demonstrate how client- staff interactions are essential for both parties involved. The interactions with staff support and assist clients with getting back on their feet, providing mutual social support. In particular, we will demonstrate how these interactions inspire clients’ creativity and motivation.