Human Services Program

Mission Statement

The Human Services Program provides an environment which broadens perspectives, builds self-awareness, and develops professional skills for effective human service work.

Philosophy

The Human Services Program recognizes the following as basic principles:

• People have the capacity for lifelong growth and change
• Social relationships are important
• Democratic decision-making is desirable
• Social change is everyone's responsibility

It is our belief that individuals have the right to self-determination, capacity and ability to make free and responsible choices, explore new possibilities, and to do more than simply survive.

Our philosophy is stated within the context of democratic participation with suggests a community of people who are able to understand, determine, and express their lives as dignified human beings.  In a highly complex and changing society, it is important to recognize the need for individual autonomy and interdependence.

Inherent in delivering human services is the responsibility to facilitate social change so that individuals and institutions can cope more effectively and address current problems.  Our philosophy recognizes the need for all people to have feelings of competence, usefulness, belonging, and power.

For more information about the Human Services programs please contact Peggy Soliday, Program Chair, by e-mail or by phone at 503.399.6159.

Updated February 16, 2008 by Human Services.