Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

Not seen. The only location for this dissertation is the William Smith Morton Library of the Richmond Theological Consortium (see http://library.union-psce.edu/). The library does not send this item out on Interlibrary Loan. The following summary is based on Michael Jaenicke’s article (citation below) for the Associated Press State & Local Wire.Crenshaw explains that his doctorate in counseling from Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, was designed to help him become a better minister in his present location. The Robeson Family Counseling Center, which he directs, had received a three-year outreach grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation for $116,000, enabling the center to offer free or low-cost counseling to around 650 families in Pembroke, North Carolina. Crenshaw based his thesis on his experiences in counseling outreach to the Lumbee clients, especially through the Healing Lodge, which is located next to the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association. The latter organization provided office space for Crenshaw’s counseling outreach. Crenshaw’s work was commended by Bruce Swett, director of the Healing Lodge and past president of Robeson Family Counseling, with helping people in the Lumbee community accept the value and efficacy of counseling.The following quotation from Jaenicke’s article provides a summary of the findings of Crenshaw’s research:“- the strong bond of fellowship that exists within the Indian culture.- sacred religious and spiritual values.- a family unity that is second to none.- the high value Indians place on peace and freedom.- how "dignified hope" replaces feelings of tragedy.- how the Indians' industrious nature of work and play has given them an identity outside their community.- the importance of Indian nicknames.- the contrast between interdependent Indians and individualistic European-American cultures.- the struggle Indians have when they move away and do not have a strong support system.- the structure, goals and direction of the Healing Lodge, which Crenshaw calls a ‘social ministry.’ "For background information, see the following:Jaenicke, Michael. "Counselor reaches out to tribe. Crenshaw's research has had an impact on Lumbees." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC) July 25, 2005: B5.Jaenicke, Michael. "Doctoral project to introduce counseling to American Indians." The Associated Press State & Local Wire Sunday, July 24, 2005. 1005 words. Full text available in: LEXIS-NEXIS AcademicDavid Crenshaw is director of the Robeson Family Counseling Center (see http://www.robesoncounseling.org/) in Lumberton, North Carolina.