ABSTRACT. Evaluation of government-funded programs is essential to identify ways in which initial funding makes an impact and programs can improve. The purpose of this study was to understand the value of the North Central Region's Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) grants operated through the US Department of Agriculture, from their inception through 2002. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, impacts were explored from the perspective of former grant recipients. Survey data were collected from 171 former SARE and 33 interviews conducted with grant recipients who represented three different grant "familiesw-researchers, producers and educators. Descriptive, comparative, and exploratory analyses were conducted to: (I) evaluate the cascade social, economic and environmental impacts of SARE funding, from inception through 2002; (2) explore ways in which the SARE experience influenced the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of past grant recipients; (3) understand participants' perception of a "successful" SARE project; (4) provide recommendations for strength-
The purpose of this exploratory case study was to describe the needs and present the voices of 21 AIDS-infected individuals who contracted the disease through the selling of blood in rural China. Data sources included interviews, field notes, and letters. Three themes emerged: living in a vicious circle, awakening from the dead end, and escaping the vicious circle through education. Education emerged as an overarching theme and was identified as the catalyst that would either keep the families of those affected trapped in the vicious circle or rescue them from it. Findings are explained within the theoretical contexts of social capital, motivation theory, and Confucius's philosophy on education. The authors discuss implications for researchers, educators, relief workers, human service workers, policy makers, and human rights advocates. They conclude with suggestions for further study.
Little research exists that explores families with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this exploratory multiple case study is to explore the experiences of five Chinese families affected by AIDS contracted during blood transfusions. Longitudinal qualitative data were collected from five families with a member who had contracted HIV from blood received during a medical procedure. Six themes emerged that represented the six stages experienced by our strong families: reeling in disbelief, placing blame, turning to acceptance, searching for help, finding meaning, and becoming a helping group. Findings resulted in a model that reveals the critical turning point that put our families onto a trajectory of either positive or negative outcomes. The model also identifies the point at which a transformation took place in our strong families - finding meaning and a sense of inner peace which led to outward expressions of becoming a helping group. This study has implications for social workers and advocates of strengthening families affected by HIV/AIDS.
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