This document discusses a project held at the Beverly site of Heartland Alliance called the Beverly Olympics. The Olympics consisted of five sections - Art, Speech, Sports, Entertainment, and Geography - and was designed to allow participants to express themselves creatively and build rapport. It provided an enjoyable outlet and encouraged self-worth, teamwork, and a sense of community for unaccompanied minors who are often detained for months at the site. The goal of the project was to respect participants' cultural backgrounds and differences through activities that empowered them.

1. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012
www.PosterPresentation
s.com
• The Mission of Heartland Alliance is
to advance the human rights and to
respond to the human needs of
endangered populations –
particularly the poor, the isolate, and
the displaced – through the
provision of comprehensive and
respectful services, and the
promotion of permanent solutions
leading to a more just global society.
• “I find purpose in my work as a
teacher for UACs (Unaccompanied
Children) by being able to help
prepare them for their next step,
when that is often starting a new life
in the United States. As a teacher I
get to be a kind of ambassador not
only of educational subjects but also
of American culture and education
as a way to improve your life.”
• “It’s a unique time and educational
space for these kids who are
detained, at times for months, for
them to really work and focus on
skills to help prepare them for a
different life than the ones they had
previously in home country.”
Chelsea Parr
• The culture that an individual accepts
as their own, plays a large part in
personal development, and
understanding of the world. Although
the children are transitioning into a
new environment, and culture, it was
vital to re-inforce the importance of
holding onto this part of their identity
when developing a project.
Heartland : Beverly
Heartland Alliance
Matthew W. Bell
Navigating Acculturation
Old Definition
Webster (2015) defines
Acculturation as “cultural
modification of an individual,
group, or people by adapting to or
borrowing traits from another
culture; also : a merging of cultures
as a result of prolonged contact”.
Acculturation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2015, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acculturation
Cultured Definition
Acculturation is a cultural journey
that requires individuals to adapt to
their environment, while remaining
conscious of their ethnic identity.
Acculturation
Why the Olympics?
• The Olympics are known for having a
vast range of activities that allow for
unique skills to be displayed. The
children that are located at the
Beverly site, have a set curriculum,
and daily activities.
• The Beverly Olympics were designed
to allow the participants to have an
enjoyable outlet of creative
expression. The Olympics
encouraged self-worth, teamwork,
and a sense of community.
The Five Rings
• The Beverly Olympics consisted of
five sections that allowed for creative
expression, and furthering rapport
amongst the participants, and staff.
• Each of the five sections were
represented by a ring of the
Olympics:
• Art
• Speech
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Geography
• Team
CSP Project: Acculturation and
Migration
Beverly Olympics
• Working with unaccompanied
minors has reinforced the
importance of being culturally
sensitive. Similar to the children
at Beverly, clients will bring
unique backgrounds, and their
narratives will highlight their
individuality.
• In order to effectively interact
with individuals from different
cultures, and socioeconomic
backgrounds, there must be a level
of respect and genuine interest in
understanding their story.
• I want to build a therapeutic
environment that encourages
differences, dignifies culture, and
empowers clients. Clients cultural
backgrounds will be respected and
appropriately incorporated into
therapy.
Therapeutic Influence
Project Goal
Through an eye of Heartland