University of Arkansas

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Community and Family Institute

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) Point-in-time census of the homeless in Northwest Arkansas (2007, 2009, 2011) and a comprehensive in-depth survey of 103 homeless adults living in Washington and Benton counties. The 2013 point-in-time census will be administered in early 2013. In addition, the Institute has been working with United Way of Northwest Arkansas on a homelessness initiative for the region-- funding a wide range of service provision projects that are having an impact on the homeless and near homeless population in the region. Finally, the Institute continues it works 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. The Institute recently finished the NWA Community Survey asking over 1300 residents living in Benton and Washington Counties their opinions on quality of life, social capital, social relations, etc. An outreach project is currently under way with local schools and university in an effort to connect kids with their communities in new and innovative ways. Finally, CFI just completed a survey of middle school students in NWA (grades 5-7), looking at issues related to nutrition, food insecurity, well-being, social capital, and family dynamics.

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.

Dr. Kevin M. Fitzpatrick, CFI Director
Professor and Jones Chair in Community
Ph: 479-575-3777
kfitzpa@uark.edu