Cultural Immersion and Agency Report

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION AND AGENCY REPORT
Cultural Immersion and Agency Report: Hispanics

Mozella Harvey
Wilmington University
Population Served by my Agency

Tenco Industries, Inc. located in Ottumwa, IA the agency aims to fulfill the demands of
all clients and employees in Ottumwa, IA despite their race, gender, sexual orientation, and social
class. There is no target population because Tenco primarily serves the Caucasian and Hispanic
population both men and women with disabilities of a low-income socioeconomic status (Tenco,
n.d.).
The culture that I have the least experience with is the Hispanic culture. I have always
had a special interest in the Hispanic population. I have felt uncomfortable around the Hispanic
population because I cannot speak Spanish. Im sure if a Hispanic individual knew If spoke their
language they would feel more comfortable around me. I want to learn more regarding this
culture because the population has and will continue to increase.
Knowledge Acquisition/History of the Hispanic Population:
The arrival of the Hispanic population is the biggest minority group in the United States
and the most significant demographic change of the 20th century. The rulings by the
congressional government originated in the 1970s which Hispanics varies immensely by social
class, legal status, nationality, generation and history. Hispanics encompasses the ancestors of
early Spanish settlers in what is currently the United States.
Immigrants and their children are from Spanish-speaking countries in Central America,
South America, and the Caribbean. Overall this group includes 20 nationalities, which many are
Mexicans (nearly two-thirds of Hispanics) are South Americans, Central, Cubans, Spaniards, and
Puerto Ricans. The increased diversity and rapid growth of todays Hispanic population is an
effect of the significant surge and journey from Puerto Rico after World War II (Arreola, 2004).
There was a mass departure of Hispanics from Cuba after the 1959 revolution from Latin
America and Mexico back in the 1960s and 1970s. An estimated 4 percent of United States
citizens were Hispanic that included immigrants from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Hispanics
account for more than three-fourths of the United States population currently they are almost 14
percent of the population. Nearly two-thirds of the foreign-born Hispanics have appeared since
1980. The increased population Hispanics or Latinos are not categorized as ethnic, but as a race
(Census of Population and Housing, 2000).
The following are a few examples of milestones:
1971- Presidential Medal of Freedom beneficiary Roberto Clemente's charity, generosity,
and athletic skills made him a celebrity on and off the baseball field.
1950s- Through performances and memorable recordings, singer Celia Cruz assisted in
introducing salsa music to the United States and celebrated heritage.

1980- Businessman Roberto Goizueta, a fugitive from Cuba who rose to become the
CEO of one of America's biggest businesses, is an dedicated example of what immigrants
to America can achieve through hard work and character.
Historical settlement patterns show concentrations of Mexicans in the Southwest, Cubans
in South Florida and Puerto Ricans in the Northeast have progressed currently. While, traditional
settlement regions, such as New York, Texas, and California still house the biggest Hispanic
communities. The fastest growth is arising in states that had small Hispanic populations 15 years
ago. Nevada Hispanic population have more than tripled between 1990 and 2000, quadruple in
Georgia and almost quintupled their numbers in North Carolina (Census of Population and
Housing, 2000).
Hispanics vary from non-Hispanics in many ways than other ethnic groups and race in
the United States and many inherit Spanish language. The huge majority of foreign-born
Hispanics 93 percent speak some Spanish at home, compared with only 63 percent of the native
born. Nevertheless, competence or preference for Spanish across generations has declined over
time (Gutierrez, 2004).
Hispanics geographically expanded in the 1970s and acquired power throughout the
1990s. While a remarkable liaison of urban social changes, both because of the large numbers of
places involved and pace of change. A decline in racial residential discrimination during the
1990s particularly in regions where Hispanics have recently appeared on the scene indicates the
newcomers may serve as a buffer between whites and blacks however it is too early for definitive
conclusions (Arredondo & McDavis, 1992).
While, Hispanics present limited English skills Mexicans who are the least educated of
all Hispanic groups with less than a high school education are lower to unstable, low wage jobs
that offer some or poor working conditions and no social benefits. Trends in Hispanic families
include an increase in common law marriage, high divorce rates, high rates of female headship,
an increased rate of children having limited access to resources for their fathers (Bordas, 2013).
Undocumented workers may undergo higher levels of discrimination than legal residents
legal status plays a smaller role in their labor market earnings and employment differences.
Educational achievement and English language proficiency show that Hispanics are almost as
well as whites with respect to both the labor market and employment earnings. This is in utter
contrast to blacks, for whom the same adjustments do not notably decrease racial discrimination
(Tienda & Mitchell 2006).
Immersion Experiences (Movie):

Title: The Gatekeeper, Director C. Frey, Company Abramorama Inc, Year 2002. Major
Themes: (Undocumented Immigrants) The Gatekeeper is a story about Adam Fields (John Carlos
Frey) who in addition produced, directed, and wrote the film. This one is from the heart ''The
Gatekeeper'' is an idealistic, earnest, film possess characteristics of a half-Anglo and halfMexican. United States Border Patrol officer (Mr. Frey) whose irate disrespect for his Mexican
birthright develop into respect when he imitates a Mexican migrant worker who tries to creep
into California (Lorenz, Dolph, Hogan, Frey, Janes, Kropinski, & Giacco, 2006).
The movie observes undocumented immigrants harsh realities which is far from smooth.
The power of its importance to Mr. Freys desperation of its political message gives it some
sincere effect. Adam Fields, Mr. Frey's character, is about following your heart and taking
chances in turning the tide against what he observes as nothing less than an invasion from the
south. The movie damages America's well-being and values Mr. Frey can pass for an Anglo, he is
the illegitimate son of a Mexican prostitute and an unknown client.
Adam has acquired a blond, blue-eyed partner whose conservative father is
compassionate to immigration. Adam checks his responsibilities with the Border Patrol to
connect to a militant conservative group and the National Patrol. These groups attacks
unfortunate Mexicans attempting to access the United States close by the Tijuana-San Diego
barrier security checks. The intent is to control a group of would-be immigrants blocked off by
the radical group (Lorenz, Dolph, Hogan, Frey, Janes, Kropinski, & Giacco, 2006).
Adam grows a thin mustache, put on a ragged sports shirt and connects to a group of
hopeless men, one hopeless woman (Michelle Agnew) and her juvenile son who is controlled by
a Mexican smuggler. Whether slavery or death the trusting radicals run into the skilled
smugglers, they are slaughtered, and the human baggage is shipped to a relinquished ranch. The
immigrants have nowhere to work on the ranch and assist the immoral American supervisor (Joel
Brooks) who produce methamphetamines.
The movie becomes strangely motionless at this point. The mistreatments of pain by its
characters which are many instead develop their personalities and their ascending sense of rage.
The lack of interest for Mr. Frey's character appears invigorating succeeding the enormous
heroics that would absolutely communicate a Hollywood account of the same story.
Initially Adam is shot in the leg and spends much of the movie limping on made up
crutches, he is decreased to the powerless, vulnerable, condition of an illegal immigrant. Mr.
Frey is no artist with his camera, but his cramped structures and disorder frequently serve to
emphasize his ideas of paralysis and claustrophobia. In a good cast, only Ms. Agnew the female
prisoner neglects to persuade her small, perfect characteristic she looks as fragile as a porcelain
Madonna (Lorenz, Dolph, Hogan, Frey, Janes, Kropinski, & Giacco, 2006).
Direct Immersion Experience: A Culture-Specific Event:
I attended the St. Mary of the Visitation Mass on Sunday, June 12th, 2016, 216 N Court
St. Ottumwa, IA 52501.This church is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places,
however it has not been listed. I stood outside observing the exterior of the building it is a
historical site the design has a gothic look this was popular back then 1849 when the building
was founded. It has a corner bell tower hanging from the exterior the main entrance of the church
is deeply recessed within a Gothic arched opening. The original wooden doors matched the
panels above the doors. On both sides of the front doors is a carved a symbol of purity that is
used to represent the Blessed Virgin Mary under whose patronage the church is dedicated.
There was a brochure at the entrance written in English and Spanish that had prayers and
announcements and prayers. I chose to sit in the back of the church, since it was unfamiliar. A
church member summoned me to sit in the front, but I choose to remain in the back to observe
everything. Initially, it was difficult to comprehend what the congregation was expressing, yet I
soon learned fast. I followed when it came to the sitting, standing and kneeling. The
congregation replied, Thanks be to God, Lord hear our prayers, And also with you, or We
lift them up to the Lord after each reading (Harvey, 2016).
Every member had to file out of the pews to receive communion. If one didnt want to
receive the offering, arms were placed across their chests, as a ritual way to refuse. While I chose
to do my direct immersion experience inside of a church, I really dont know what I was
anticipated as the individuals in this church did the same things that the individuals in my church
do. These eye-opening experiences taught me to not judge based on looks or religious preference
and anticipate a great difference (Harvey, 2016).
Direct Immersion: (Interview)
Date of Interview 7-1-2016 Name MG, Major Themes: Migration to the United States.
I network for many days in search of an interviewee I chose my neighbor who resides in the back
of my home she is Hispanic. I asked her If could interview her for my school paper she
responded with a surprisingly yes. M is mixed with Spanish and Indian (Mestizos) descent M
spoke in passing but never conversed with me (Harvey, 2016).
M didnt need much personal space during the interview she made little eye contact she
didnt want to participate in the interview because this is a part of her culture it took some
convincing. Maria she is thirty-two years old she stated that she is from Zacatecas, Mexico. She
initially resided in Mexico City with her father, mother, and siblings three brothers and two
sisters who currently reside in Mexico. Her family later relocated to a smaller city in the area of
Zacatecas. This area was less people, less dangerous, less traffic, and the people were more
trusting. M family currently resides in a small home there was no windows and dirt floor that
wasnt finished. Maria father was a plumber her mother was a homemaker who didnt work. M
migrated to the United States about ten years ago her activities was part of a youth group, she
had parties and sang at Sunday Mass (Harvey, 2016)
Upon M transition to the United States she desired to enter a religious community she
initially relocated to Texas since she wanted to learn English. M was afraid to go to school
because she couldnt speak English she was afraid the teacher would call her name and didnt
know the answer. However, when she discovered the teacher knew a little English she felt more
comfortable. M learned English a little at a time with assistance from others.
The Texas community follows the Hispanic heritage, but has lost many of its traditional
values. Back in the 1980s Spanish was prohibited in schools which led to M neglecting most her
culture. M enjoys listening to music in her free time which is ways to continue her Mexican
heritage. M states when she is at church there are many traditions that she continue such as
Posadas, the Virgin of Guadalupe and activities like Childrens Day these activities make her feel
like she have a family although her family still reside in Mexico.
M considers herself Mexican, but also American since she has citizenship now and is
eligible to vote. M favorite tradition is the Pinata a child would be chosen to hit the piata he or
she would then be blindfolded with a stick the child would attempt to break the piata this is
done at cultural events such as birth parties (Harvey, 2016).
Summary and Synthesis:
Hispanics is the country's largest minority group understanding their cultures,
contributions, language, religion, and Spanish language is important, but not enough. This
culture immersion paper gave me the chance to view customs and beliefs of Hispanics. Every
demographic population clearly is different in their own way some populations excessively
represented, while others are unnoticed. Hispanics are incorporated in every service implemented
through Tenco Industries, Inc. (National Association of Social Workers, 2015).
Assessing Field Work Agency:
Tenco Industires, Inc. is located at 710 Gateway Drive, Ottumwa, IA 52501. The entire
building is comprised of Tenco it was founded back in 1965. It is located directly across from
the Coca Cola Company and next Mediacom Cable Company.
Agency Community:
Walking through the neighborhoods an individual would notice that one side of the city
which is the north side a middle-income area, a small section of the north side is upper middleincome area and the other side of the city is a combination of low-income to middle-income. The
city have three malls one is Quincy Mall is on the west side of town that has various stores such
as JC Penney, Herbergers, Dollar Tree, Hyvee one of several grocery stores, hospital, schools,
banks many restaurants, and social service agencies among other businesses. There is no name
for the local bus the city population is White alone 83.4% 20,944 Hispanic 12.1% 3,028, Black
alone 1.9%, estimated median income is $38,183 (Harvey, 2016).
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Access:
Tenco entire facility is wheelchair accessible it has delegated parking spaces. Employees
with disabilities of every race and gender are equally transported back and forth by company
vans, for long distances public transportation, and their family members for work each day.
While clients and potential clients come to visit they can communicate in one of the offices for
privacy so HIPPA and confidentiality is recognized. Information regarding the agency is
communicated via text, word of mouth, website, and brochures (Tenco, n.d.).
Receptivity:
The exterior entrance of Tenco has colorful flowers and plants there are double doors to
the entrance. The color scheme is the typical white the front desk receptionist is the first person
observed she has a warm and welcoming smile positioned on her desk is visitor sign in log,
brochures and pamphlets are in English and Spanish language with the Tenco logo describing the
various services, programs, and locations. Over to the left side of the receptionist desk is a table
with tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers positioned in brown baskets for anyone to purchase. The
noise level is low to none since it is an office environment. The enormous back warehouse of the
facility is a board located on the wall which is displays Tenco employees at events and activities
(Tenco, n.d.).
Administration and Staff Training:
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Tenco employees are anticipated to attend all training and meetings provided throughout
the year utilized to assist clients in their home/community to develop and maintain skills for
greater independence. Tenco is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities, yet
cultural sensitivity is promoted while working the contributors. Employees are of every different
race but the majority is Caucasian and Hispanics. Training is provided through Cascading
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The Technical Assistance Center on
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports established by the U.S. Department of
Education's Office of Special Education Programs. (Tenco, n.d.).
Funding:
At the present time there is no cultural sensitive implementation for Hispanics. Tenco is
funded through taxpayers such as the county, state, and federal funds, sale of goods to the public
and the United Way donations. The balance is supplied by the Tenco Foundation it is also funded
for services through Medicaid and the Cross Region SCBHR and SEIL. The funding permits
cultural differences in the services and programs. Brochures, text, e-mail, and the website explain
the services furnished and contact information is provided. Tenco depends on the kindness of
businesses, individuals and organizations. (Tenco, n.d.).
Staff Sensitivity:
Many of the staff appear to be culturally sensitive to the client population and did comply
with the NOHS code of ethics this is necessary for staff to integrate. However an individual
previous education or experiences do not always teach them how to be culturally sensitive
toward others this can have negative consequences. When clients or customers visited staff was
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very cordial they were aware of the employee needs, was respectful, and nonjudgmental to the
population, clearly cultural sensitive, and very welcoming I didnt observe anyone who were
culturally insensitive (Tenco, n.d.).
Agency and Program Services:
Effort:
Tenco collaborates with many local agencies while clients are provided by the state the
agency makes attempts daily to extend to homes and communities. The organization combines
contracts with local businesses, and self generated work such as the greenhouse and enclaves
regularly. Tenco has reached out via e-mail and home visits and provide a variety of work
opportunities in packaging and assembly. By collaborating with local businesses such as John
Deere, Kness Manufacturing, L. Daniels Netting, and Wooden Creations where they assemble
Lazy Susans provide these service opportunities (Tenco, n.d.).
Quality:
Tenco foundation collaborates with DreamWeavers the focus of giving exists to provide
the Hispanics population financial assistance required to reach the dreams essential to their
standard of life. Funds for the Dream Weavers program are managed and solicited through the
Tenco Foundation, Inc. Cultural resemblances are assessed by the grant funder, Dream Weavers
for Tenco families through the participants. Grants are planned to serve individuals with
employment, independent living, needs or any other circumstances, aspirations or dreams. Tenco
takes into account the cultures the area served. One of the obstacles that was assessed and
followed up was education programs in order to generate opportunities for successful futures.
13
Effectiveness:
The target population comes to Tenco for supports and mentoring in accordance with the
wishes of the Hispanics they serve. Tenco provide meaningful services in the form of work
opportunities, vocational training, and rehabilitation/habilitation to each client in accordance
with their skill levels, needs and desires. The unmet needs that Tenco were not able to manage
were referred to other social service programs (Tenco, n.d.).
Efficiency:
Tenco correlates with social service agencies in the neighboring regions of Fairfield,
Ottumwa, Keosauqua, Knoxville, and Centerville, Iowa. Furthermore, their partnering programs
linked with businesses such as John Deere, Kness Manufacturing, L. Daniels Netting, and
Wooden Creations, Lazy Susans where they assemble products. Referral sources and resources
include Ottumwa Regional Hospital, Arbys and HyVee South grocery store. Tenco place many
individuals at many work sites throughout the Ottumwa area who are culturally sensitive to the
population (Tenco, n.d.).
Personal Cultural Competencies:
I trust that every standard of the NASW is the same degree as valuable form cultural
sensitivity and competency. To improve the Hispanics with disabilities population, an individual
should be obliged to comprehend that this population is susceptible to harm as any other group.
Hispanics are provided inadequacy, to successfully assist this population, the human service
professional should comprehend the standards. Standard 3. Cross-Cultural Knowledge: Social
workers shall have and continue to develop specialized knowledge and understanding about the
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history, traditions, values, family system, and artistic expressions of major client. Standard 8.
Professional Education: Social workers shall advocate for and participate in educational and
training programs that help advance cultural competence within the professional groups they
serve (Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals, 2015).
Becoming a spokesperson or participating in educational instruction will permit
individuals to strengthen themselves and their own cultural competence levels. Educating
individual on beliefs, structure, values, background, and family history will improve both the
profession and individual. Ceasing stereotypes for individuals can evolve self-awareness.
Becoming more diverse and open within your group can assist diversity with other groups. I
strongly trust that each NASW standards should be exercised to implement a successful cultural
competence. Every professional should believe the variations within each culture and race to
improve and comprehend cultural diversity. Possessing cross cultural understanding will give
professionals progress to possibly work with the individual skills (Ethical Standards for Human
Services Professionals, 2015).
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References
Arreola, D. D. (2004). Hispanic spaces, Latino places: Community and cultural diversity in
contemporary America. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Bordas, J. (2013). The power of Latino leadership: Culture, inclusion, and contribution. San
Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Census of Population and Housing, 2000 [United States]: Demographic Profile: 100-percent and
Sample Data. (n.d.). ICPSR Data
Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals (2015) National Organization for Human
Services.
Gutierrez, D. (2004). The Columbia history of Latinos in the United States since 1960, New
York: Columbia University Press.
Lorenz, J., Dolph, C., Hogan, J., Frey, J. C., Janes, D., Kropinski, J., Giacco, C., Universal
Studios Home Video (Firm). (2006). The Gatekeeper. New York: Screen Media Films.
National Association of Social Workers (2015) Code of Ethics Retrieved from
http://socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.asp
Study says 'Hispanics are the future of America'. (2011) Chain Drug Review, 33(20), 29.
Tenco Industries in Ottumwa, Iowa (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.tenco.org
Tienda, M. Mitchell, F, National Research Council (U.S.) & National Research Council (U.S.)
(2006). Hispanics and the future of America Washington, D.C: National Academies Press.

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Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION AND AGENCY REPORT