Parada, Barnoff, Moffat and Homan (2011) refer to the environmental, physical, economic, human development, political, information and communication, and social and emotional capital and needs as important areas to consider when conducting a community assessment. For brevity, Thorncliffe Parks' strengths are related to the environmental and social/emotional capital in the community (Parada, Barnoff, Moffat, & Homan, 2011). Thorncliffe park has clean air, drinkable water, a lack of litter, and healthy plants. There is some open space for recreation, however the number of high rise apartment buildings and dense population in this small area could limit any opportunities for more. In regards to social/emotional strengths or capital, many community…show more content… Some assumptions about the community as an NIA was that it would look run down, there would be fewer cars, more graffiti and litter. This assumption was challenged when the group noticed while driving through the community that public spaces were clean and well-kept, heavy vehicle traffic, and a lack of graffiti and litter. We assumed based on City of Toronto statistics that Thorncliffe Park would have a very diverse population. While we did see a great level of diversity, we were surprised to see large a large Greek Orthodox church in a central location in the community since this never appeared in the demographic information that we looked at. As a group, we also assumed that there would be a limited amount of resources in the community to support residents and their families. This assumption was challenged when the group drove into the parking lot of the large, updated Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy, passed a vibrant playground, saw a community garden, spotted the library and Jenner Jean-Marie Recreation Centre, and stopped by Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office to learn about programs and supports available there. Another assumption made about the community was that the entire area would look the same. However, the northern part of Thorncliffe Park is significantly different than the southern, more residential…show more content… My membership to these various groups influence the assumptions I make about poverty, education, affordable housing, and newcomers to Canada for example. While I tried to assess this community without bias, when doing this assignment, it is clear that I had made a number of assumptions. Therefore, it is important to fully understand my own social identity and its influence on my perceptions when pursuing social work in various types of
