Allison Nichols - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Allison Nichols

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural and Environmental Enablers and Barriers to Participation and Retention in Clinical Trials for Cancer Research

West Virginia (WV) residents have often rejected participation in community-based cancer research... more West Virginia (WV) residents have often rejected participation in community-based cancer research studies. Nationally, 49% of eligible patients participate in clinical trials but less than 10% of patients in WV participate. To understand issues related to recruitment and retention of patients for cancer research in Appalachian WV. Data were obtained from 3 focus groups including: (1) 9 patients who participated in clinical cancer trials, (2) 8 cancer research nurse coordinators, and (3) 10 physicians involved in cancer research. Groups were audio-taped and transcriptions were analyzed using MAXQDA and results were verified by two co-investigators. Most enablers and barriers identified were cultural as indicated by 72% of patients; 68% nurse coordinators; and 55% physicians. Patients identified personal emotional strength as an enabler, and negative health behaviors and fears as barriers. Enablers that nurses identified were positive patient characteristics and barriers included fear...

Research paper thumbnail of The Five Love Languages Program 40 Journal of Human Sciences and Extension Volume 6, Number 3, 2018 The Five Love Languages Program: An Exploratory Investigation Points to Improvements in Relationship Functioning

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 2018

The authors describe an exploratory investigation of a relationship education program based on th... more The authors describe an exploratory investigation of a relationship education program based on the Five Love Languages (5 LL) (Chapman, 2007), implemented by Extension educators in seven rural counties. Relationship assessments measured participant changes related to the quality of the primary relationship, belief in the future of the relationship, and partner empathy. Confidence in using the 5 LLs was also assessed. Two groups were compared, a "no booster" group that participated in didactic and final sessions and a "booster" group that received a book, tips, and reminders to practice the 5 LLs. Focus groups revealed how participants benefited. The results showed significant gains in knowledge of and confidence in using the 5 LLs. All participants significantly improved on partner empathy and the "booster" group showed significantly more improvement than the "no booster" group. The value to the family life education mission of Cooperative Ext...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation and Assessment

Intergenerational programs represent a practical and effective means to enrich the lives of indiv... more Intergenerational programs represent a practical and effective means to enrich the lives of individuals across the lifespan, strengthen family support systems, and contribute to the social cohesion of communities. As such, it is an area of practice that is consistent with the goals of most Extension professionals, particularly in children, youth, and family program areas. There are many examples of intergenerational programs in Extension that are innovative and well conceived, yet they tend to represent isolated efforts that have not been woven into broader Extension programs and priorities and, as such, are difficult to sustain. This document aims to lay out some strategic directions and recommendations for building Extension’s capacity for employing intergenerational strategies in ways that enrich people’s lives and help address vital social and community issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Return to Current Issue Creating the eXtension Family Caregiving Community of Practice

Abstract: The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one... more Abstract: The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site for Extension's caregiving educational resources. The developmental process of this community's creation is discussed within the "expansive learning " framework. Negatively, community members found too much emphasis on process and a lack of criteria for academic credit. Positively, they experienced increased knowledge, improved networking, and innovation. Recommendations for others creating communities are to: 1) promote the benefits of networking; 2) seek out others with similar passions; 3) provide graduated opportunities for learning; 4) help members transition from an individual perspective; and 5) provide systems for academic recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of Length of College Service Experience Effect on Future Life Over Time

The college experience offers many opportunities for students to become engaged in service activi... more The college experience offers many opportunities for students to become engaged in service activities. Most studies about these activities have been conducted on populations of students who have either just completed their service activity or just graduated from college. Inconsistent findings on how the length of service activities during college influence choices later in life have left researchers unsure of the value in lengthening service opportunities. To determine if the length of service makes a difference on benefits associated with service, an online survey of 277 former college student volunteers ranging in age from 21 to 71 was completed. Findings showed a positive effect with the length of service on future service attitudes, dispositions, and behavior. The study found that as the length of the time period volunteers served for one organization in college increased, the more likely they were to give service later in life, value giving service to others in need, and believ...

Research paper thumbnail of From Farm Results Demonstrations to Multi-State Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates its Way through Evaluation Pathways

This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Exten... more This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Extension system, from the beginning of agricultural education in America in 1800 to the present day. Important periods across the history of Extension evaluation have been identified and categorized according to major themes and significant contributions of Extension individuals and organizations. Challenges for the future of evaluation within Extension are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Extension Family Life Educators Address Midlife Issues

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of How Knowledge, Experience, and Educational Level Influence the Use of Informal and Formal Sources of Home Canning Information

In the research study reported here, West Virginia University Extension educators surveyed the pu... more In the research study reported here, West Virginia University Extension educators surveyed the public about their current canning knowledge and practices in 2010. The results showed that educational background and canning experience were the most important factors in understanding how clients seek canning information and the degree to which they preserve foods safely. Home canners primarily use family members as first sources of canning information and consider Extension one of the less important sources of information. Improved marketing efforts are needed to increase canners' understanding of the importance of formal canning sources, especially those offered by Extension programs.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental Stages and Work Capacities of Community Coalitions: How Extension Educators Address and Evaluate Changing Coalition Needs

Extension educators provide resources to community coalitions. The study reported here adds to wh... more Extension educators provide resources to community coalitions. The study reported here adds to what is known about community coalitions and applies an assessment framework to a state-level coalitionbased Extension program on healthy relationships and marriages. The study combines the Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy (ICOH) framework with four coalition capacity categories: general, internal, external, and prevention. The findings from two focus groups, one with formation coalition leaders and one with midlevel coalition leaders, are presented. Recommendations are made for designing educational, service, and evaluation interventions to meet the needs of community coalitions at specific developmental stages.

Research paper thumbnail of Domains of organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers in higher education

This is an exploratory study that focuses on organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers ... more This is an exploratory study that focuses on organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers and institutes at American universities. The study was modeled after studies of organizational effectiveness in higher education by Kim Cameron of Brigham Young University. The study identifies six domains of effectiveness that are important to gerontology centers and the structural and functional models and characteristics of gerontology centers that may predict the domain in which it is effective. The target population of the study was dominant coalition members of 87 gerontology centers, namely, administrators and faculty members who have the most influence on policy, direction, and performance. Gerontology center directors were asked to fill out a two-part questionnaire that included structural and functional characteristics of their center (Part A) and rankings of organizational effectiveness (Part B). Part B of the questionnaire was also completed by faculty and administrators associated with each center. A factor analysis was used on the rankings of effectiveness (Part B) to determine domains of effectiveness. A median analysis was used to determine which centers were effective in each domain. Finally, single and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the structural and functional models and significant characteristics of centers that may predict the domain of effectiveness. This study identified six domains of organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers: non-academic and community openness, career goal satisfaction of students, staff and faculty, resource acquisition, organizational health, faculty and staff job satisfaction, and quality faculty. The predictor models for each domain include: non-academic-demographics, organizational goals, and organizational mission; career goal satisfaction-financial indicators; resource acquisition-organizational structure and financial indicators; organizational health-none; faculty and staff job satisfaction-organizational goals and organizational mission; and quality faculty-organizational goals and organizational activities. Description of centers effective in each domain, based on the significant predictor characteristics, are included.

Research paper thumbnail of The LINC Project: An Intergenerational Statewide Collaborative Project

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2003

In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year proj... more In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year project about the process of creating and implementing a collaborative statewide intergenerational program that included a public university, the state offices of aging and education, and a private fundraising and public service agency. The author, who during part of the project was the evaluator at Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh and who consulted with the LINC project on the project evaluation from 1998 to 2000, uses the literature on collabo

Research paper thumbnail of Creating the eXtension Family Caregiving Community of Practice

The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site... more The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site for Extension's caregiving educational resources. The developmental process of this community's creation is discussed within the "expansive learning" framework. Negatively, community members found too much emphasis on process and a lack of criteria for academic credit. Positively, they experienced increased knowledge, improved networking, and innovation. Recommendations for others creating communities are to: 1) promote the benefits of networking; 2) seek out others with similar passions; 3) provide graduated opportunities for learning; 4) help members transition from an individual perspective; and 5) provide systems for academic recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Adult ChildCustodial Grandparent Relationships on Communication with Child Welfare Professionals

Research paper thumbnail of Should Sociology Departments Train Students for Careers in Evaluation? An Analysis of Evaluation Methodology Courses

The American Sociologist, 2015

This paper seeks to establish whether sociology departments should provide training in evaluation... more This paper seeks to establish whether sociology departments should provide training in evaluation methodologies. First, the authors look at the current status of evaluation methodology courses within the offerings of sociology departments by examining course offerings from a sampling of sociology departments in doctoral and master’s level programs across the United States. The authors then discuss whether evaluation courses should be offered in sociology departments at the undergraduate, masters, or doctoral levels and whether there are career opportunities for sociologists trained in evaluation research. The authors conclude with reasons why evaluation courses should be offered within sociology departments.

Research paper thumbnail of Planning and Implementing a Statewide Collaborative Gerontology Education Program for Religious Professionals in Rural Areas

Journal of Religious Gerontology, 1995

ABSTRACT This paper describes a gerontology continuing education program for clergy and lay leade... more ABSTRACT This paper describes a gerontology continuing education program for clergy and lay leaders in West Virginia. Though spearheaded by the West Virginia University Gerontology Center, the project was a collaboration between university, social service and church agencies. Issues related to collaborative planning, both negative and positive, are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The LINC Project

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2003

In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year proj... more In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year project about the process of creating and implementing a collaborative statewide intergenerational program that included a public university, the state offices of aging and education, and a private fundraising and public service agency. The author, who during part of the project was the evaluator at Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh and who consulted with the LINC project on the project evaluation from 1998 to 2000, uses the literature on collabo

Research paper thumbnail of The Response of Custodial Care Networks to the Needs of Custodial Grandparents and their Adult Children: A Framework Based on Four Caregiving Situations

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2008

The quality of the relationship between custodial grandparents or kin caregivers and the biologic... more The quality of the relationship between custodial grandparents or kin caregivers and the biological parent may have an affect on the ability of kin care or, “grandfamilies,” to obtain help from social and educational services, including child welfare, and to provide a safe living arrangement for the child. The custodial care network consists of the biological parent, custodial grandparent(s), friends, other relatives, educational institutions, and social service organizations. The authors of this paper present a theoretical framework for assessing and addressing the ability of the custodial care network to help children in custodial care homes. Using questions that have been posed by custodial grandparents in a statewide, “relatives as parents program,” in West Virginia, as evidence of need for information and assistance, the framework addresses four custodial care situations and makes suggestions for family preparation as well as resource development by social service and educational personnel. The underlying assumption is that the stronger the relationship between the biological parent/adult child and the custodial grandparent, the more likely it is that other members of the custodial care network can assist the family in raising the child without the child entering the formal child welfare system.

Research paper thumbnail of Training Rural Health Care and Social Service Providers in Assessment and Care of Dementia

Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 1996

The purpose of the Training Rural Alzheimer's Networking Services for Education and Referral ... more The purpose of the Training Rural Alzheimer's Networking Services for Education and Referral (TRANSFER) program was to train established rural health and social service providers to more readily detect the presence of cognitive disorders and offer appropriate care options to these individuals and their families. TRANSFER utilized a three-phase "train-the-trainer" format to reduce costs and improve the availability of the training to a group of dispersed rural providers. Curriculum and training materials developed for workshops were used in conjunction with a series of videotapes. A total of 125 participants representing 27 counties in West Virginia attended the workshops. Program evaluation included pre- and posttests of participant knowledge, attitudes, and clinical skills. There was improvement in participant knowledge and clinical skills across all three phases of training as well as change in the providers' practice behavior. The "train-the-trainer" model can be an effective and efficient method for t...

Research paper thumbnail of Gerontology Information and Training Needs of Cooperative Extension Professionals

Educational Gerontology, 2002

Cooperative Extension has a 90-year history of providing service to local communities through the... more Cooperative Extension has a 90-year history of providing service to local communities through the efforts of its specialists and county agents. Traditionally that service has been in the areas of agriculture and natural resource and human development. As the population ages, Cooperative Extension has become increasingly aware that its programs must address the needs of older adults. The authors of this paper have attempted to look at the scope of gerontology initiatives in Cooperative Extension nationally, as well as the interest of Extension professionals at West Virginia University in furthering their own understanding of aging issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Designing intergenerational service-learning courses based on student characteristics

Educational Gerontology, 2001

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or s... more This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural and Environmental Enablers and Barriers to Participation and Retention in Clinical Trials for Cancer Research

West Virginia (WV) residents have often rejected participation in community-based cancer research... more West Virginia (WV) residents have often rejected participation in community-based cancer research studies. Nationally, 49% of eligible patients participate in clinical trials but less than 10% of patients in WV participate. To understand issues related to recruitment and retention of patients for cancer research in Appalachian WV. Data were obtained from 3 focus groups including: (1) 9 patients who participated in clinical cancer trials, (2) 8 cancer research nurse coordinators, and (3) 10 physicians involved in cancer research. Groups were audio-taped and transcriptions were analyzed using MAXQDA and results were verified by two co-investigators. Most enablers and barriers identified were cultural as indicated by 72% of patients; 68% nurse coordinators; and 55% physicians. Patients identified personal emotional strength as an enabler, and negative health behaviors and fears as barriers. Enablers that nurses identified were positive patient characteristics and barriers included fear...

Research paper thumbnail of The Five Love Languages Program 40 Journal of Human Sciences and Extension Volume 6, Number 3, 2018 The Five Love Languages Program: An Exploratory Investigation Points to Improvements in Relationship Functioning

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 2018

The authors describe an exploratory investigation of a relationship education program based on th... more The authors describe an exploratory investigation of a relationship education program based on the Five Love Languages (5 LL) (Chapman, 2007), implemented by Extension educators in seven rural counties. Relationship assessments measured participant changes related to the quality of the primary relationship, belief in the future of the relationship, and partner empathy. Confidence in using the 5 LLs was also assessed. Two groups were compared, a "no booster" group that participated in didactic and final sessions and a "booster" group that received a book, tips, and reminders to practice the 5 LLs. Focus groups revealed how participants benefited. The results showed significant gains in knowledge of and confidence in using the 5 LLs. All participants significantly improved on partner empathy and the "booster" group showed significantly more improvement than the "no booster" group. The value to the family life education mission of Cooperative Ext...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation and Assessment

Intergenerational programs represent a practical and effective means to enrich the lives of indiv... more Intergenerational programs represent a practical and effective means to enrich the lives of individuals across the lifespan, strengthen family support systems, and contribute to the social cohesion of communities. As such, it is an area of practice that is consistent with the goals of most Extension professionals, particularly in children, youth, and family program areas. There are many examples of intergenerational programs in Extension that are innovative and well conceived, yet they tend to represent isolated efforts that have not been woven into broader Extension programs and priorities and, as such, are difficult to sustain. This document aims to lay out some strategic directions and recommendations for building Extension’s capacity for employing intergenerational strategies in ways that enrich people’s lives and help address vital social and community issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Return to Current Issue Creating the eXtension Family Caregiving Community of Practice

Abstract: The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one... more Abstract: The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site for Extension's caregiving educational resources. The developmental process of this community's creation is discussed within the "expansive learning " framework. Negatively, community members found too much emphasis on process and a lack of criteria for academic credit. Positively, they experienced increased knowledge, improved networking, and innovation. Recommendations for others creating communities are to: 1) promote the benefits of networking; 2) seek out others with similar passions; 3) provide graduated opportunities for learning; 4) help members transition from an individual perspective; and 5) provide systems for academic recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of Length of College Service Experience Effect on Future Life Over Time

The college experience offers many opportunities for students to become engaged in service activi... more The college experience offers many opportunities for students to become engaged in service activities. Most studies about these activities have been conducted on populations of students who have either just completed their service activity or just graduated from college. Inconsistent findings on how the length of service activities during college influence choices later in life have left researchers unsure of the value in lengthening service opportunities. To determine if the length of service makes a difference on benefits associated with service, an online survey of 277 former college student volunteers ranging in age from 21 to 71 was completed. Findings showed a positive effect with the length of service on future service attitudes, dispositions, and behavior. The study found that as the length of the time period volunteers served for one organization in college increased, the more likely they were to give service later in life, value giving service to others in need, and believ...

Research paper thumbnail of From Farm Results Demonstrations to Multi-State Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates its Way through Evaluation Pathways

This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Exten... more This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Extension system, from the beginning of agricultural education in America in 1800 to the present day. Important periods across the history of Extension evaluation have been identified and categorized according to major themes and significant contributions of Extension individuals and organizations. Challenges for the future of evaluation within Extension are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Extension Family Life Educators Address Midlife Issues

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of How Knowledge, Experience, and Educational Level Influence the Use of Informal and Formal Sources of Home Canning Information

In the research study reported here, West Virginia University Extension educators surveyed the pu... more In the research study reported here, West Virginia University Extension educators surveyed the public about their current canning knowledge and practices in 2010. The results showed that educational background and canning experience were the most important factors in understanding how clients seek canning information and the degree to which they preserve foods safely. Home canners primarily use family members as first sources of canning information and consider Extension one of the less important sources of information. Improved marketing efforts are needed to increase canners' understanding of the importance of formal canning sources, especially those offered by Extension programs.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental Stages and Work Capacities of Community Coalitions: How Extension Educators Address and Evaluate Changing Coalition Needs

Extension educators provide resources to community coalitions. The study reported here adds to wh... more Extension educators provide resources to community coalitions. The study reported here adds to what is known about community coalitions and applies an assessment framework to a state-level coalitionbased Extension program on healthy relationships and marriages. The study combines the Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy (ICOH) framework with four coalition capacity categories: general, internal, external, and prevention. The findings from two focus groups, one with formation coalition leaders and one with midlevel coalition leaders, are presented. Recommendations are made for designing educational, service, and evaluation interventions to meet the needs of community coalitions at specific developmental stages.

Research paper thumbnail of Domains of organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers in higher education

This is an exploratory study that focuses on organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers ... more This is an exploratory study that focuses on organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers and institutes at American universities. The study was modeled after studies of organizational effectiveness in higher education by Kim Cameron of Brigham Young University. The study identifies six domains of effectiveness that are important to gerontology centers and the structural and functional models and characteristics of gerontology centers that may predict the domain in which it is effective. The target population of the study was dominant coalition members of 87 gerontology centers, namely, administrators and faculty members who have the most influence on policy, direction, and performance. Gerontology center directors were asked to fill out a two-part questionnaire that included structural and functional characteristics of their center (Part A) and rankings of organizational effectiveness (Part B). Part B of the questionnaire was also completed by faculty and administrators associated with each center. A factor analysis was used on the rankings of effectiveness (Part B) to determine domains of effectiveness. A median analysis was used to determine which centers were effective in each domain. Finally, single and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the structural and functional models and significant characteristics of centers that may predict the domain of effectiveness. This study identified six domains of organizational effectiveness of gerontology centers: non-academic and community openness, career goal satisfaction of students, staff and faculty, resource acquisition, organizational health, faculty and staff job satisfaction, and quality faculty. The predictor models for each domain include: non-academic-demographics, organizational goals, and organizational mission; career goal satisfaction-financial indicators; resource acquisition-organizational structure and financial indicators; organizational health-none; faculty and staff job satisfaction-organizational goals and organizational mission; and quality faculty-organizational goals and organizational activities. Description of centers effective in each domain, based on the significant predictor characteristics, are included.

Research paper thumbnail of The LINC Project: An Intergenerational Statewide Collaborative Project

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2003

In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year proj... more In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year project about the process of creating and implementing a collaborative statewide intergenerational program that included a public university, the state offices of aging and education, and a private fundraising and public service agency. The author, who during part of the project was the evaluator at Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh and who consulted with the LINC project on the project evaluation from 1998 to 2000, uses the literature on collabo

Research paper thumbnail of Creating the eXtension Family Caregiving Community of Practice

The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site... more The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site for Extension's caregiving educational resources. The developmental process of this community's creation is discussed within the "expansive learning" framework. Negatively, community members found too much emphasis on process and a lack of criteria for academic credit. Positively, they experienced increased knowledge, improved networking, and innovation. Recommendations for others creating communities are to: 1) promote the benefits of networking; 2) seek out others with similar passions; 3) provide graduated opportunities for learning; 4) help members transition from an individual perspective; and 5) provide systems for academic recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Adult ChildCustodial Grandparent Relationships on Communication with Child Welfare Professionals

Research paper thumbnail of Should Sociology Departments Train Students for Careers in Evaluation? An Analysis of Evaluation Methodology Courses

The American Sociologist, 2015

This paper seeks to establish whether sociology departments should provide training in evaluation... more This paper seeks to establish whether sociology departments should provide training in evaluation methodologies. First, the authors look at the current status of evaluation methodology courses within the offerings of sociology departments by examining course offerings from a sampling of sociology departments in doctoral and master’s level programs across the United States. The authors then discuss whether evaluation courses should be offered in sociology departments at the undergraduate, masters, or doctoral levels and whether there are career opportunities for sociologists trained in evaluation research. The authors conclude with reasons why evaluation courses should be offered within sociology departments.

Research paper thumbnail of Planning and Implementing a Statewide Collaborative Gerontology Education Program for Religious Professionals in Rural Areas

Journal of Religious Gerontology, 1995

ABSTRACT This paper describes a gerontology continuing education program for clergy and lay leade... more ABSTRACT This paper describes a gerontology continuing education program for clergy and lay leaders in West Virginia. Though spearheaded by the West Virginia University Gerontology Center, the project was a collaboration between university, social service and church agencies. Issues related to collaborative planning, both negative and positive, are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The LINC Project

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2003

In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year proj... more In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year project about the process of creating and implementing a collaborative statewide intergenerational program that included a public university, the state offices of aging and education, and a private fundraising and public service agency. The author, who during part of the project was the evaluator at Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh and who consulted with the LINC project on the project evaluation from 1998 to 2000, uses the literature on collabo

Research paper thumbnail of The Response of Custodial Care Networks to the Needs of Custodial Grandparents and their Adult Children: A Framework Based on Four Caregiving Situations

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 2008

The quality of the relationship between custodial grandparents or kin caregivers and the biologic... more The quality of the relationship between custodial grandparents or kin caregivers and the biological parent may have an affect on the ability of kin care or, “grandfamilies,” to obtain help from social and educational services, including child welfare, and to provide a safe living arrangement for the child. The custodial care network consists of the biological parent, custodial grandparent(s), friends, other relatives, educational institutions, and social service organizations. The authors of this paper present a theoretical framework for assessing and addressing the ability of the custodial care network to help children in custodial care homes. Using questions that have been posed by custodial grandparents in a statewide, “relatives as parents program,” in West Virginia, as evidence of need for information and assistance, the framework addresses four custodial care situations and makes suggestions for family preparation as well as resource development by social service and educational personnel. The underlying assumption is that the stronger the relationship between the biological parent/adult child and the custodial grandparent, the more likely it is that other members of the custodial care network can assist the family in raising the child without the child entering the formal child welfare system.

Research paper thumbnail of Training Rural Health Care and Social Service Providers in Assessment and Care of Dementia

Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 1996

The purpose of the Training Rural Alzheimer's Networking Services for Education and Referral ... more The purpose of the Training Rural Alzheimer's Networking Services for Education and Referral (TRANSFER) program was to train established rural health and social service providers to more readily detect the presence of cognitive disorders and offer appropriate care options to these individuals and their families. TRANSFER utilized a three-phase "train-the-trainer" format to reduce costs and improve the availability of the training to a group of dispersed rural providers. Curriculum and training materials developed for workshops were used in conjunction with a series of videotapes. A total of 125 participants representing 27 counties in West Virginia attended the workshops. Program evaluation included pre- and posttests of participant knowledge, attitudes, and clinical skills. There was improvement in participant knowledge and clinical skills across all three phases of training as well as change in the providers' practice behavior. The "train-the-trainer" model can be an effective and efficient method for t...

Research paper thumbnail of Gerontology Information and Training Needs of Cooperative Extension Professionals

Educational Gerontology, 2002

Cooperative Extension has a 90-year history of providing service to local communities through the... more Cooperative Extension has a 90-year history of providing service to local communities through the efforts of its specialists and county agents. Traditionally that service has been in the areas of agriculture and natural resource and human development. As the population ages, Cooperative Extension has become increasingly aware that its programs must address the needs of older adults. The authors of this paper have attempted to look at the scope of gerontology initiatives in Cooperative Extension nationally, as well as the interest of Extension professionals at West Virginia University in furthering their own understanding of aging issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Designing intergenerational service-learning courses based on student characteristics

Educational Gerontology, 2001

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or s... more This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.