The Community and Family Institute (CFI) in the Fulbright College of Arts and Science was created in 1997 to facilitate research on community and family issues/problems. With a specific focus on but not limited to Northwest Arkansas, CFI also engages in research relevant to all of Arkansas, national, and global issues. The Institute recently has been involved in several Northwest Arkansas community research efforts: 1) A needs assessment and point-in-time census of the Jones Center for Families in Springdale and, 2) A point-in-time census of the homeless in Northwest Arkansas and a comprehensive in-depth survey of 103 homeless adults living in Washington and Benton counties. The Institute is currently working with the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation and United Way of Northwest Arkansas on a comprehensive social indicators/quality-of-life assessment of Northwest Arkansas counties. In addition, the Institute will be working with United Way of Northwest Arkansas in 2009 on a newly funded homelessness initiative for the region.
CFI conducts research in collaboration with community partners to promote a better understanding of community and family issues, with a focus on promoting social justice and equity in a diverse and multiethnic world. CFI supports community-based research partnerships on a wide range of topics including but not limited to: homelessness, health and public health, social capital, education/schools, crime and violence, family, and youth. The Institute can provide expertise and analytical support to non-profits, local governments, school districts, etc. that are interested in developing comprehensive research/evaluation programs and assessments. Whether you need to better understand a specific project outcome or goal, or design a large data collection (secondary and/or primary) to better understand who you serve, CFI can assist with all phases of program and research development.
Professor and Jones Chair in Community
Ph: 479-575-3777
kfitzpa@uark.edu