Social Impact and Community Development in Chicagoland
Trinity’s Honors Chicago Connect course is partnering with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC) to focus on social impact and community development. This class, led by Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Lisa Doot Abinoja and Professor of Sociology Lenore Knight Johnson, the Honors Program Director, emphasizes community-based research. The partnership between the College and the community is designed to be mutually beneficial and collaborative.
RTMC offers free home repairs to elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Through this initiative, students had the opportunity to meet with homeowners, hear their stories, understand their needs, and recognize the shared connections we all have as individuals.
This partnership has proven valuable for both Trinity and RTMC. As CEO Wanda Ramirez states, “As we strive to create safer, healthier homes for our communities, partnering with the Honors Program at Trinity Christian College strengthens our commitment to impactful research and innovative solutions. We are excited to continue this partnership to drive meaningful change, uplifting the homeowners we serve.”
Trinity students who participated in this project formed meaningful connections with both the RTMC members and the individuals they served, solidifying Trinity’s values as a Christian community. Dr. Lenore Knight Johnson shares, “The organization wishes to continue this partnership. There are many opportunities for this type of research with RTMC, and we are exploring ways to further collaborate, including future volunteer activities for the Trinity community.” This key partnership is expected to bring about lasting change.
What makes this service opportunity unique for Trinity students is its focus on community-based research, where college-community partnerships are designed to be mutually beneficial and collaborative. This approach challenges traditional methods some colleges and universities use to research communities. Dr. Knight Johnson describes this best as “research with the community.”
Working alongside RTMC’s leaders, students learned more about the organization’s efforts and how research could enhance their programs. After collaborating on questions that would support the organization’s work and the needs of homeowners, the students spent a morning at one of RTMC’s homeowner sessions, interviewing people who were scheduled to receive home repair services during the upcoming National Rebuilding Day. They then compiled reports and presented their findings to some RTMC staff members on campus this past May.
The partnership between Trinity’s Honors Chicago Connect course and Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago exemplifies the profound impact of community-based research on both students and the community. As this partnership continues to evolve, it not only strengthens the ties between the College and RTMC but also enriches the educational experience, empowering students to develop solutions that can lead to healthier, safer homes for those in need. Ultimately, this project embodies the values of Trinity’s Christian community and reinforces the importance of active engagement in service and research.
Click here to learn more about the Honors Program at Trinity Christian College.
