The Martinez family is raising their two children, ages 3 and 5, within a small rural community. They are migrant workers and have lived in the community for 4 months. Despite each parent working two jobs, the family seldom has enough money and has occasionally experienced homelessness, particularly when the seasonal nature of their work is interrupted by weather conditions. The family has faced many obstacles, including limited access to healthy nutritional choices, challenges in terms of accessing health care, and the lack of quality, affordable child care, but always work to find a migrant Head Start program for their children within each community they have lived in. The family is working on developing both their own and their children’s English skills through the community library, as they emigrated from Mexico 2 years ago.

To prepare:

Consider the impact of poverty and homelessness, and the vital role professionals play in partnership with families and building supportive contexts. Reflect on the importance of taking a strengths-based approach in which individuals are viewed in light of their capacities, talents, competencies, values, and hopes, recognizing that these might be impacted by present circumstances (Nissen, 2001).