Publications

As an experienced leader and partner in conducting community-based research projects, Special Service for Groups takes pride in our ability to provide expert data analysis and research on issues that impact our collective communities. We advance the fields of social work and behavioral health while investing in evidence-based models and practices to improve programming for the diverse ethnic communities. It is our goal to use this invaluable data to identify social gaps while simultaneously affecting decision-making and driving change.

Policy Reports

Unsheltered examines a number of community-level economic, demographic and social indicators to help explain why Service Planning Area (SPA) 6 has the highest concentration of homeless persons outside of Downtown LA. The policy report highlights a homeless population that has received little attention amid the media and policy debates surrounding homelessness in Skid Row and Downtown, and shows that homeless service providers in South LA receive disproportionately less funding than providers in other areas.

Collaborative Research Highlights

In collaboration with the UMMA Community Clinic, the LA Neighborhood Land Trust, and LAUSD, the Research & Evaluation (R&E) team completed a community-engaged assessment for the development of a school-based clinic and community garden at Fremont High School. The R&E team trained students and community members to conduct a research project that included surveys, focus groups, and site visit observations. These community researchers developed both operational and programmatic recommendations based on research data and continue to provide input to the development of the school-based clinic and community garden. (January 2012)

The Southern California South Asian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning (SA LGBTIQ) Needs Assessment Report is a collaborative research project initiated by Satrang and South Asian Network (SAN), that uncovers the most critical unmet needs for the health and well-being of SA LGBTIQ individuals. This research report suggests specific ways for SA LGBTIQ individuals and their allies to maximize these skills and resources in order to empower individuals in this community and improve their safety, health and well-being.

Understanding a Pacific Islander Young Adult Perspective on Access to Higher Education is a local Southern California assessment of PI young adults regarding educational access barriers. This report examines how these barriers impact efforts to address health disparities and looks at opportunities for health and health-related professionals to reduce and care for the high burden of illnesses and diseases in PI communities.

Georgetown University: Served as the Los Angeles community-based research partner on the Men of Asia Testing for HIV (MATH) study conducted by Georgetown University. Study results were published in the American Journal of Public Health (June 10, 2010).

University of California, Los Angeles- Integrated Substance Abuse Program: Partnered with UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs project evaluating integrated substance abuse and mental health treatment interventions for homeless adults with co-occurring disorders.

University of California, Los Angeles- School of Public Affairs: Conducted the Los Angeles Asian HIV-Hepatitis Co-infection Study in partnership with UCLA.  A study was conducted on the effectiveness of an adaptation of the evidence-based SISTA intervention on the topic of HIV/AIDS in partnership with UCLA.

University of Maryland School of Social Work: Worked in partnership with the University of Maryland to study Family Connections, a culturally competent practice to prevent child abuse with Cambodian and Korean Families in Los Angeles. Study results were published in American Humane (2009).