Community Resource Mapping

Students will research and identify community resources in their local (Raleigh NC) area that provide
substance misuse services for individuals who belong to marginalized communities. After
locating these services, students will present their findings in a 5–7-page APA 7th edition
professionally formatted paper. The paper should include the following.
• Title Page (with author’s note)
• Abstract (with keywords)
• Introduction
• Discussion on the impact of racism, discrimination, and oppressive policies on
marginalized communities
• The identified resources in your community and how they work to combat these
issues (if there are no resources in your community, identify resources in a nearby
community)
• The gaps in services in your community, the impact on the marginalized
communities, and how social workers can best fill these gaps
• Summary and Conclusion
• Reference Page (5-10 scholarly reference to support your ideas presented in the
paper).
**Writing Tip: Create a header in your paper for each of the sections identified above to ensure that
you have met every required element.

Community Resource Mapping Paper Rubric:
Criteria Points Description
Title Page: The title page is in APA 7th edition professional
formatting and includes the author’s note.
Abstract: The abstract is in APA 7th edition professional
formatting, 150 -250 words long, and includes 3-5 keywords.
Introduction: The introduction provides a
brief overview of the paper.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your paper easily!

Step 1: Title Page

Format per APA 7th edition guidelines.
Include:
- Paper title
- Your name
- Institution affiliation
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Due date
Include an author’s note at the bottom (can include contact info, paper purpose, and acknowledgment of any conflicts of interest).

Step 2: Abstract

Write 150–250 words summarizing your paper.
Include 3–5 keywords at the end.
Focus on the purpose of the paper, key findings, and implications.

Step 3: Introduction

Provide a brief overview of your paper.
Mention the importance of addressing substance misuse in marginalized communities in Raleigh, NC.
Preview the sections of your paper.

Step 4: Impact of Racism, Discrimination, and Oppressive Policies

Discuss how systemic racism and discrimination affect access to substance misuse services.
Include references to scholarly articles, government reports, or reputable studies.
Explain how oppressive policies exacerbate substance misuse in marginalized communities.

Step 5: Community Resources

Research local organizations providing substance misuse services in Raleigh, NC. Examples:
- Hope for Recovery – Offers culturally sensitive addiction counseling.
- Raleigh Rescue Mission – Provides substance abuse programs for homeless populations.
- Urban Ministries of Wake County – Supports individuals with substance misuse challenges.
Describe each resource:
- Services provided
- Target populations
- Strategies to address systemic inequities

Step 6: Gaps in Services

Identify gaps in services, e.g., lack of culturally competent counselors, limited availability for youth or LGBTQ+ populations, transportation barriers.
Explain the impact of these gaps on marginalized communities.
Suggest how social workers can address these gaps, including advocacy, policy change, and community collaboration.

Step 7: Summary and Conclusion

Summarize your findings.
Highlight the importance of equitable substance misuse services.
Provide recommendations for future community interventions.

Step 8: References

Include 5–10 scholarly references.
Use APA 7th edition formatting for in-text citations and the reference list.
Example sources:
- Peer-reviewed journals on substance misuse and marginalized populations
- Government or local health department reports
- Reputable non-profit or organizational websites

Step 9: APA Formatting Tips

Margins: 1 inch all around
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt or Calibri, 11 pt
Line spacing: Double
Headings: Use APA 7th edition style:
- Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case (e.g., Introduction)
- Level 2: Left-aligned, Bold, Title Case (e.g., Community Resources)
Include page numbers in the header.

Step 10: Review Against the Rubric

Title Page: Correct APA format and author’s note
Abstract: 150–250 words, keywords included
Introduction: Clear overview
Discussion: Racism, discrimination, and policy impact addressed
Community Resources: Local services described
Gaps and Social Work Strategies: Clear identification and solutions
Summary/Conclusion: Summarizes findings and implications
References: 5–10 scholarly sources cited correctly

Helpful Resources for Research

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – National and local resources for substance misuse.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health – Statewide programs for marginalized populations.
PubMed – Peer-reviewed research articles on substance use and health disparities.
American Psychological Association – APA 7th Edition Guide – Writing and citation guidelines.
Raleigh Area Community Organizations – Local nonprofits providing support services.

Community Resource Mapping – Substance Misuse Services for Marginalized Communities in Raleigh, NC