This paper explores the differences and similarities between the historic settlements and a venture of two universities to develop supportive services in housing developments that promote financial and personal self-sufficiency for the residents. Our school of social work participates with a vision of a contemporary neighborhood ideal composed of such concepts as empowerment, participating consciousness, community building, the learning organization, and an asset/strengths perspective. Our experiences inform our curriculum and provide a perspective on what changes are needed if social work is to have a strong future in this type of community work.

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