Community Resources- Covenant House Paper

 Community Resources- Covenant House Paper

Many community organizations are developed with the sole purpose of improving the health and safety of community members. They have local or international targets, and some are specific to the topic or continent. Different populations have different problems. Unique populations include pregnant mothers, teens, the mentally ill, the homeless, victims of domestic violence, refugees, immigrants, and the physically disabled. Community organizations have been developed to tackle these specific problems with varying success degrees. However, it is essential to ensure they promote populations’ health and safety without harming them. This essay evaluates Covenant House, a youth homeless shelter, and how it promotes public health and safety.

Covenant House’s mission and vision contribution to public health and safety

The selected community resource is a local organization, Covenant House. It is a homeless shelter for the youths. Its mission is “to empower, safeguard and serve youth experiencing homelessness, disconnection, and exploitation in the Greater Washington region” (Covenant House, n.d.). The organization’s mission is to save and empowers youths without discrimination. The mission helps the organization safeguard the future of the youths. Most homeless youths commit violent crimes to meet their daily needs, and the organization increases community safety by sheltering them. These youths enjoy the safety, social cohesion and love from the family they find away from the torments of street life. The organization also focuses on giving these youths education and needed connections for a better future.

The organization operates with a simple vision of helping youths and children from homelessness to hope. The vision ensures the institution’s efforts are directed toward saving the youths from the streets and providing them with a safe place. It receives youths from various institutions such as the police to provide a temporary stay, especially in ongoing domestic violence cases. The institution thus safeguards the interests of populations and keeps them safe. They protect youths from dangers such as violence, disasters, and harsh environmental conditions such as a cold that could negatively affect their life. Covenant House’s mission and vision help it remain focused as it endeavours to keep youths healthier and safe. The Healthy People 2030 initiative developed the housing instability objectives to meet the needs of homeless individuals and reduce their number. The objectives support the institution’s mission of achieving better housing facilities for homeless individuals and reducing the number of homeless individuals (Healthy People 2030.gov, n.d.). They protect them from health and other hazards they are exposed to in the streets. According to Rew et al. (2019), street life is bombarded by numerous problems, and street youths are the most vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse. Thus, Covenant House’s mission and vision help it contribute to public health and safety.

Covenant House in Promoting Equal Opportunity and quality of life in the community

Covenant House has been a ray of hope to many youths since it opened its gates to the community. The institution does not restrict its services and offers flexible services to youths to ensure it meets their needs. Besides providing them with a permanent shelter and family, it offers some youths short-term accommodation based on the circumstance and long-term transitional housing. The institution also performs outreaches to try and get more youths in the program to safeguard their future (Covenant House, n.d.). These outreaches enable the institution to reach over 50,000 youths each year.

The institution respects culture and understands that street youth are all exposed to similar danger despite their colour and race differences. Thus, they serve individuals from all races and ethnic groups. It understands the need to treat humanity with dignity. The institution faces problems with finances. Unlike government institutions, the institution runs on government and public donations. Despite operating a tight budget, the funds are not guaranteed. Lack of funds can have devastating effects on its operations. Lack of space or adequate facilities such as beds, lighting, food, and clothes for the youths can also affect a homeless shelter’s operation (Herner et al., 2018). In addition, gender issues can also be a problem if the institution’s safety and security issues are not reinforced. However, the institution has proven to be sustainable and under good leadership. The institution operates in about 30 cities in 6 countries. However, many individuals are not aware of the institution. Its awareness could help youths and donors find it to make the mission and vision of covenant house a success. Thus, Covenant House provide youths with an equal opportunity to do well in life as other youths and gives a better opportunity to live a better quality of life

Potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for individuals, families, and aggregates within the community.

Funding is an essential aspect of the homeless shelter, and policies such as restrictions on the amount given to charity could affect the institution’s performance. Other decisions such as demanding financial accountability from the institutions could help increase accountability and the institution’s success. Organizations often fail to mismanagement of funds. Unlike government institutions which the government can reinstate, private institutions could suffer closure with funds mismanagement.

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The Child Protection Act of 1999 requires certain professionals such as police officers, teachers, and healthcare providers to report child safety after reasonable suspicion that a child is neglected, abused or homeless (Schoenfield et al., 2019). The law requires Covenant House to report and initiate paperwork, which is tedious when handling youths from unknown or unclear backgrounds. However, the government has accredited the institution, making the legal process relatively simple.

HIPAA act focuses on client data safety. The organization must keep track of all its clients to protect their information from external attackers because youths are vulnerable to attack. HIPAA has created a technology that meets its standards to help homeless shelters to keep data on all their clients and secure it.

Covenant Houses Work’s impacts on the health and safety needs of a local community

Covenant House work promotes healthier and safer communities. Covenant House accommodates youths with physical and psychological damage after treating them and maintaining their psychological and physical health. These youths lead better quality lives that are disease free. Youths are exposed to many evils in the streets. Individuals are beaten, snared, mistreated and often suffer rape and assault (Salihu, 2019). Youths are also victims of forced labor and can be easily abducted and misused by adults. The perpetrators often go unpunished, and some repeat the crimes repeatedly. Taking youths off the streets meets the safety needs of these youths and the community at large. Thus, Covenant House is vital in promoting the safety of homeless youths in the community.

The institutions rid the streets of youths who are potentially dangerous to society. According to Rew et al. (2019), youths in the streets have a higher chance of indulging in drug abuse. Violence, theft, and murder are commonplace among these homeless individuals. Sometimes, individuals form street gangs who rob families and interfere with their security and safety. Insecurities scare investors and affect economic activities besides safety. By helping homeless youths, the organization ensures community safety. Thus, the organization’s activities positively impact community members’ health and safety.

Nurses’ Involvement in the Organization

Individuals in homeless shelters have needs, just like the rest of the population and probably more. Covenant House’s youth are often runaway, and most come with physical trauma requiring medical attention. Nurses can offer healthcare services such as stabilization and first aid before referring severe cases for further treatment. Nurses also play an essential role in the psychological rehabilitation of youths in homeless shelters (Noh, 2018). Noh (2018) also notes that most youths go through a lot, from losing parents and violent backgrounds to street harassment. Psychological rehabilitation is necessary to promote better mental health. Nurses also assess the environment for potential hazards and can help the institution bridge these gaps to ensure youth comfort and better health outcomes. Nurses can play a role in assessing the living conditions such as ventilation, water supply, and sanitation to help promote the comfort, health, and safety of the homeless youths (Moffa et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Homeless shelters such as Covenant House give hope to hopeless individuals, allowing them to experience a better life and shape their future. Covenant House gradually expanded its services across six countries, serving over 50,000 homeless and runaway youths each year. The institution offers services to all youths regardless of race or ethnic group. It understands the need to give them an equal opportunity in life and the importance of saving future generations from the physical, psychological, and emotional life torments. Nurses can play vital roles in homeless organizations such as Covenant House, treating ill youths, teaching them nutrition and hygiene, and assessing their environment for safety and comfort.

 References

Covenant House (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved 8^th Aug 2022, from https://www.covenanthouse.org/aboutus

Herner, M., Parker, C., McClellan, N., Muscato, L., & Guenther, E. (2018). Unmet needs of homeless at a shelter in an area undergoing urbanization. Journal of Rural and Community Development, 13(2).

Moffa, M., Cronk, R., Fejfar, D., Dancausse, S., Padilla, L. A., & Bartram, J. (2019). A systematic scoping review of environmental health conditions and hygiene behaviors in homeless shelters. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222(3), 335-346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.12.004

Noh, D. (2018). Psychological interventions for runaway and homeless youth. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(5), 465-472. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12402

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Housing Instability. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/housing-instability

Rew, L., Slesnick, N., Johnson, K., Aguilar, R., & Cengiz, A. (2019). Positive attributes and life satisfaction in homeless youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 100, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.02.021

Salihu, H. A. (2019). The growing phenomenon of street children in Tehran. UKH Journal of Social Sciences, 3(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjss.v3n1y2019.pp1-10

Schoenfeld, E. A., Bennett, K., Manganella, K., & Kemp, G. (2019). More than just a seat at the table: The power of youth voice in ending youth homelessness in the United States. Child Care in Practice, 25(1), 112-125. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2018.1521376

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2 Instructions: Community Resources
• PRINT
• Research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization or government agency to determine how it contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the community. Submit your findings in a 3-5 page report.
As you begin to prepare this assessment, it would be an excellent choice to complete the Nonprofit Organizations and Community Health activity. Complete this activity to gain insight into promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in a community. The information gained from completing this activity will help you succeed with the assessment.
Introduction
Many organizations work to better local and global communities’ quality of life and promote health and safety in times of crisis. As public health and safety advocates, nurses must be cognizant of how such organizations help certain populations. As change agents, nurses must be aware of factors that impact the organization and the services that it offers. Familiarity with these organizations enables the nurse to offer assistance as a volunteer and source of referral.
This assessment provides an opportunity for you gain insight into the mission, vision, and operations of a community services organization.
Preparation
You are interested in expanding your role as a nurse and are considering working in an area where you can help to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life within the local or global community. You are aware of several nonprofit organizations and government agencies whose work contributes to this effort in some way. You have particular interest in one of these organizations but would like to know more about its contributions to public health and safety improvements. You would like to report the results of your research in a scholarly paper that you could submit for publication.
Research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization or government agency from the list provided. Determine how the organization or agency contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the community. Submit your findings in a 3–5 page report.
As you begin to prepare this assessment, it would be an excellent choice to complete the Nonprofit Organizations and Community Health activity. Complete this activity to gain insight into promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in a community. The information gained from completing this activity will help you succeed with the assessment.
Choose the organization or agency you are most interested in researching:
• American Red Cross.
• Habitat for Humanity.
• United Way.
• Doctors Without Borders.
• The Salvation Army.
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• National Center for Transgender Equality.
• National Resource Center on LGBT Aging.
• Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders.
• Equal Justice Initiative.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness.
• Urban Triage.
• World Health Organization.
• The Arc: For People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Alliance for Retired Americans.
• Futures Without Violence.
• Blue Campaign: What Is Human Trafficking?
• Covenant House.
• Cultural Survival.
Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.
Instructions
Research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization or government agency from the list provided. Determine how the organization or agency contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the community. Submit your findings in a 3–5 page report.
As you begin to prepare this assessment, it would be an excellent choice to complete the Nonprofit Organizations and Community Health activity. Complete this activity to gain insight into promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in a community. The information gained from completing this activity will help you succeed with the assessment. After completing this activity, choose an organization or agency from the list that you are most interested in researching.
Document Format and Length
Format your paper using APA style.
• Refer to the APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] to help you in writing and formatting your paper. Be sure to include:
o A title page and references page. An abstract is not required.
o Appropriate section headings.
• Your paper should comprise 3–5 pages of content plus title and references pages.
Supporting Evidence
Cite at least three credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications published within the past 5 years that support your research findings.
Graded Requirements
The research requirements, outlined below, correspond to the grading criteria in the assessment scoring guide, so be sure to address each point.
• Explain how the organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements.
o Include examples of ways a local and/or global initiative supports organizational mission and vision and promotes public health and safety.
• Evaluate an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in the community.
o Consider the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers.
• Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on the organization’s provision of services.
o Consider the potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for individuals, families, and aggregates within the community.
• Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.
o Consider how nurses might become involved with the organization.
• Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions; contains few errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.
• Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references exhibiting nearly flawless adherence to APA format.
o Write with a specific purpose and audience in mind.
o Adhere to scholarly and disciplinary writing standards and APA formatting requirements.
Additional Requirements
Before submitting your paper, proofread it to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it difficult for them to focus on your research findings.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
• Competency 1: Analyze health risks and health care needs among distinct populations.
o Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.
• Competency 2: Propose health promotion strategies to improve the health of populations.
o Explain how an organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements.
• Competency 3: Evaluate health policies, based on their ability to achieve desired outcomes.
o Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organization’s service delivery.
• Competency 4: Integrate principles of social justice in community health interventions.
o Evaluate an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in a community.
• Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication strategies to lead health promotion and improve population health.
o Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions; contains few errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.
o Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references exhibiting nearly flawless adherence to APA format.

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Community Resources Scoring Guide

CRITERIA	NON-PERFORMANCE	BASIC	PROFICIENT	DISTINGUISHED
Explain how an organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements.	Does not describe an organization’s mission and vision as they relate to public health.	Partially describes how an organization’s mission and vision as they relate to public health.	Explains how an organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements.	Explains how an organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements. Draws well-reasoned, logical conclusions about the organization’s work and provides a specific, relevant example of how a local and/or global initiative supports the organization’s mission and vision and promotes public health and safety.
Evaluate an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in a community.	Does not describe how an organization promotes equal opportunity and improves the quality of life in a community.	Describes how an organization promotes equal opportunity and improves the quality of life in a community.	Evaluates an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in a community.	Evaluates an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in a community, with regard to the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers and their implications for the organization and community.
Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organization’s service delivery.	Does not identify funding sources, policy, and legislation related to on an organization’s service delivery.	Identifies funding sources, policy, and legislation related to an organization’s service delivery.	Assesses the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organization’s service delivery.	Assesses the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on an organization’s service delivery. Provides clear insight into the potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for community members.
Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.	Does not explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.	Describes an organization’s work in community health and safety.	Explains how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community.	Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community, and offers creative or insightful ideas about how nurses might become involved with the organization.
Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions; contains few errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.	Does not organize content for ideas. Lacks logical flow and smooth transitions.	Organizes content with some logical flow and smooth transitions. Contains errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.	Organizes content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions; contains few errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.	Organizes content with a clear purpose. Content flows logically with smooth transitions using coherent paragraphs, correct grammar/punctuation, word choice, and free of spelling errors.
Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references exhibiting nearly flawless adherence to APA format.	Does not apply APA formatting to headings, in-text citations, and references. Does not use quotes or paraphrase correctly.	Applies APA formatting to in-text citations, headings and references incorrectly and/or inconsistently, detracting noticeably from the content. Inconsistently uses headings, quotes and/or paraphrasing.	Applies APA formatting to in-text citations and references exhibiting nearly flawless adherence to APA format.	Exhibits strict and flawless adherence to APA formatting of headings, in-text citations, and references. Quotes and paraphrases correctly.