Our Approach

At the core of the Center is the value of antiracist and anti-oppressive practices, fostered by an interdisciplinary group of staff and faculty working across social work, education, and public health. Behind our approach is a fundamental truth. Many urban communities in the United States have experienced decades of systemic, racist residential segregation, resulting in concentrated poverty and its consequences, such as violence, trauma, and hopelessness.

We encourage everyone to view their work through this lens, from our students to our staff, from social workers to partners, community members, educators and other service providers.

Our approach allows us to break down the silos between clinical and macro practice, ensuring that our interventions address both individual and systemic issues.

Working to help people find their own power, our ultimate goal is to no longer be needed. People have a clear idea of how social systems work and what oppression looks like. We help them identify their oppression and sharpen their tools to advocate for themselves. Every relationship we have is deeply important to our work.