Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
5/24/04
Contacts:
Steve Garasky, Human Development and Family Studies, (515) 294-9826, sgarasky@iastate.edu
Ann Smith, ISU Extension/Tama County, (641) 484-2703, annsmith@iastate.edu
Rhonda Christensen, ISU Extension/Buena Vista County, (712) 732-5056, rchris@iastate.edu
Laura Sternweis, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-0775,
lsternwe@iastate.edu
Iowa State Studies Well-being of Rural Latino Families
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University currently is conducting a study to learn about the well-being of Latino immigrant families in Iowa. The study is partially funded by an ISU Special Research Initiation Grant and is being conducted in Tama and Buena Vista counties, two rural counties that have substantial Latino populations. During the study 30 Latino mothers with limited incomes and young children will be interviewed.
The study, which includes 15 other states, is designed to better serve Iowa by examining its growing diversity. "As Iowa's population continues to become more diverse, it's important to understand the well-being status of our newest and fastest growing population," said Kimberly Greder, ISU extension family life state specialist and assistant professor for human development and family studies. Greder added that this knowledge could help identify applications to further strengthen public and program policies.
Tama and Buena Vista counties were chosen based on their population size. Criteria for the study include Latino mothers who are at or below 200 percent of poverty and who have children 12 years of age and younger. According to Greder, these criteria are being used because families who have limited incomes are more likely than other groups to face challenges in meeting their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. "Social support is often a key factor in helping families cope," Greder said. She added that not all pubic assistance programs, a form of social support, are available to immigrant families.
The project team is seeking families to interview. Anyone who meets the criteria above and is interested in being interviewed should contact Ann Smith, with ISU Extension in Tama County, (641) 484-2703, annsmith@iastate.edu or Rhonda Christensen, with ISU Extension in Buena Vista County, (712) 732-5056, rchris@iastate.edu. Each mother interviewed will be offered compensation for her time and willingness to share her experiences.
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Note to media: Kimberly Greder, Human Development and Family Studies, will be available after June 1 at (515) 294-5906, kgreder@iastate.edu.
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