Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


19907.pdf (1.26 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

An Evaluation of the St. Leo Burundi Refugee Ministry Program

Trauth, Jonathan N
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5647-3806
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468512316

Abstract Details

2016, EdD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Counselor Education.
The purpose of this study was to examine the St. Leo Burundi Refugee Ministry Program and its effectiveness for the Burundian refugees who have been accepted by the United States government. In the absence of an existing model, a theoretical model was developed for refugee resettlement using the Theory Based Evaluation approach. The model included the specific services provided under the program and the intended outcomes for the refugees. A Theory of Refugee Resettlement was developed initially using feedback from the staff who have been engaged in the program since 2008. Four specific services/activities were evaluated under the program that included mental health services, English as a Second Language, Spiritual Support, and Academic Support services. Data were collected using questionnaires completed by the St. Leo staff, specifically the Pastor, the Pastoral Counselor, the Nurse, and the Volunteer Coordinator. Interviews, with the help of a translator, were conducted with 10 Burundian refugees. Observations were also completed of the four St. Leo programs, e.g. Women’s Group, English as Second Language classes, Academic Tutoring sessions and Spiritual Services/Pastoral Counseling. A codebook was developed and data were analyzed according to three research questions. The research questions of this study and the subsequent findings suggest that flexibility and adaptability are essential to the design and implementation of any resettlement programs. The first research question examined if the program was being implemented largely in alignment with the Theory of Refugee Resettlement as developed. The programs and activities at St. Leo were found to be helpful to the refugees. The data suggested a need for modification in the original theory and a new schematic rendition of the theory has been presented. It is hoped that the revised Theory of Refugee Resettlement would be of interest to other agencies in the U.S. engaged in similar efforts. The second research question was to examine how the program services impacted the wellness of the refugees. The areas of wellness that were analyzed were: physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the refugees. The data supported that the activities and programs worked in tandem to contribute to the wellness of the refugees in the three identified areas. The third research question examined the impact of the services on the economic self-sufficiency of the refugees. The data indicated that the refugees had become more economically self-sufficient by obtaining jobs, pursuing education, and American citizenship. In conclusion, the study indicates that ESL services are essential for enabling refugees to become more confident by improving their communication skills. Better communication skills lead them to find employment and to access community and government assisted services. The programs need to remain flexible and be prepared to adjust to the needs of specific refugees.
Michael Brubaker, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Brody Ruihley, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Mei Tang, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
155 p.
Mental Health; Textile Research; Theater
Refugees; Burundi; Counseling; Resettlement; Ministry

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Trauth, J. N. (2016). An Evaluation of the St. Leo Burundi Refugee Ministry Program [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468512316

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Trauth, Jonathan. An Evaluation of the St. Leo Burundi Refugee Ministry Program. 2016. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468512316.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Trauth, Jonathan. "An Evaluation of the St. Leo Burundi Refugee Ministry Program." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468512316

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1468512316
358
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.