Anawim Community Dispersion and Needs Assessment Study
(2004)
Anawim Center (currently known as the Kateri Center), a Native American spiritual and cultural center under the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Archdiocese of Chicago formed a research collaboration with the Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) at Loyola University Chicago and the Office of Research and Planning of the Archdiocese of Chicago for a needs assessment study to determine the whereabouts, needs, and interests of the Native American community in Metropolitan Chicago.
The research team of Anawim, the Office of Research and Planning, and CURL identified three key goals for this study. First, the research identifies the geographic locations and general demographic information of Native Americans connected to Cook and Lake Counties through work or housing. Second, the research provides a profile of the current needs and interests of Native Americans in Cook and Lake Counties, which Anawim Center could consider in its cultural, educational, and spiritual programs. Third, the research examines issues specific to Anawim Center and makes particular recommendations.
The Office of Research and Planning of the Archdiocese of Chicago analyzed the dispersion and concentration of Native Americans in Cook and Lake Counties, as well as other pertinent information, using 2000 Census data. The Office of Research and Planning likewise participated in the development of the interview and focus group instruments, and identified potential contacts among high schools with Native American students and parishes with Native Americans.
The Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) at Loyola University Chicago coordinated the development of a research plan, developed instruments, conducted interviews and focus groups, and provided an analysis of the research findings. CURL developed two products for Anawim Center and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. An internal report for Anawim Center with extensive methodology sufficient for replication in other venues and a general report, in the form of a Power Point presentation, for broader Native American social service communities.
The research team utilized primary sources, namely interviews and focus groups with different stakeholders in the Native American community in Chicago. Secondary data, taken from the 2000 Census, was also used to answer its research questions.
Research Team:
C. George, CURL
L. Delgado, CURL
D. Veloso, Graduate Fellow
Community Partners: