1.  There are many different cultures in Dallas TX. We have all different races and ethnicity and we have a large LGBTQ community as well. There  is a big recovery community that I am a part of that often gets stigmatized. I feel I can stay connected with all different cultures and sub cultures by attending local functions in the community as well as being educated on different cultures Being open minded and treating people as individuals and respecting their values and beliefs will help me connect with clients and help me assess them for the future. Always having a non judgmental perspective is necessary in this field. 

Why is culture so important when working with a client? How might this change the way you engage with them?

2   In my personal experience when it comes to diverse populations in my local community, I would say that it doesn’t stop at race. This also includes people sexual orientations as well as cultural differences. For example, when I was working at the DCF shelter, there was a lot of different sexual orientations, in in one home . These people that consider themselves as they, transgender, bisexual, and gay. While others had cultural differences by being Muslim, Jewish, or born in a different country and used to a different lifestyle. When it comes to having all these different cultural differences as well as sexual orientations. It is easy to see a lot of stereotypes, bias, and bullying. As a case manager, you can approach the situations by, “using a structured interview, ask the client to talk about his or her life (Brammer, 2012).” SAMHSA. (2014). Chapter 3: Culturally responsive evaluation and treatment planning. In TIP 59: Improving cultural competence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As well as connecting to concrete services that help the client see progress and control over the environment.  It is found in my research that you as a case manager can help develop cultural sensitivity by having your client Learn about themselves, Learn about different cultures, Interact with diverse groups, and Attend diversity-focused conferences. An example on how I would promote cultural diversity is by asking questions to show you are interested and care to about other, as well as educating your client that its okay for people to be different that just means their special. Also,  “ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace as well as school. These clients will have to do the following; be aware of unconscious bias, Communicate the importance of managing bias, Develop a strategic training program, Acknowledge holidays of all cultures, Make it easy for your people to participate in employee resource groups, and Mix up your teams.” SAMHSA. (2014). Chapter 3: Culturally responsive evaluation and treatment planning. In TIP 59: Improving cultural competence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In conclusion, this is diversity parties and how to be sensitive, but still work with clients in a diverse population.