Digital Commons Network^™

Supporting Student Success Through Emergency Food Assistance At Csumb, Axel C. Amaro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food insecurity among college students is an urgent social justice issue that limits equal access to food and well-being. This capstone project was conducted through the Basic Needs organization at California State University Monterey Bay. The purpose of this project was to reduce food insecurity by implementing an external resource within Basic Needs that distributes emergency food packages to students experiencing high levels of need. Utilizing data from the Hub membership direct outreach tracker, a CHHS intern collaborated with an MSW intern and professional staff to assemble tailored food packages using items donated from Trader Joe's and Safeway. The project …

Enhancing End-Of-Life Quality In Hospice Care, Gerson Orellana Prudencio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The‍‌‍‍‌ increasing demand for hospice care in Monterey County is a clear indicator of the rapid growth in the need for end-of-life services driven by the aging population. The project was developed at the Department of Hospice of the Central Coast, which is under the Montage Health Foundation, a non-profit organization. The community served consists of elderly people receiving hospice and end-of-life care, as well as volunteers who provide administrative and indirect support. The Volunteer Handbook aims to create a comprehensive procedural manual for hospice volunteers to improve administrative efficiency and ensure the quality of care. Interviews were conducted with …

Evaluating Parent Workshops To Reduce Sexual Health Misinformation, Marshall Farrior

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the problem of sexual health misinformation among youth in Santa Cruz County, which stems from cultural factors, limited parental communication, and inadequate comprehensive sexual health education. Implemented through the Santa Cruz County Public Health Department’s Teen Health Outreach (THO) program, the project evaluated the effectiveness of parent workshops designed to build the capacity of adults’ knowledge and confidence to discuss sexual and reproductive health topics with youth. Serving primarily Hispanic/Latino communities in Watsonville and Freedom, THO collaborates with local schools and organizations to deliver workshops. The intervention aimed to reduce misinformation by empowering parents as trusted …

Barriers To Hospice Access For The Latino Community, Guadalupe Rivera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Latino community in Monterey County faces significant obstacles to accessing hospice care, including language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Many community members are unfamiliar with available hospice services or hold common misconceptions, such as equating hospice only with dying or abandonment. This capstone project, in partnership with the Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), investigated these barriers through interviews conducted at a local senior event. An important outcome of the project was the creation of a bilingual (Spanish and English) resource guide for new Social workers which helps social workers efficiently connect Latino families to appropriate services in their preferred …

Bridging The Gap: Culturally Responsive Bereavement Support In Latino Families, Maria I. Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Hospice of the Central Coast (HCC), a division of Montage Health, delivers high-quality end-of-life care and bereavement support to adults and families in Monterey and select areas of San Benito County. This capstone project sought to address the disparities by developing and implementing an eight-week bereavement support group curriculum translated and adapted for Spanish-Speaking Latino families. Despite the organization’s longstanding commitment to compassionate and inclusive healthcare, internal data reveal substantial gaps in service for the latino population: of 628 patients served in 2023, only 47 patients were of Hispanic or Latino origin. This discrepancy stems from ingrained barriers such as: …

Advocacy At The Front Door, Tenisha S. Hill

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project examines how integrating social work practices into the jail intake process can strengthen support for clients represented by the Public Defender’s Office. The project focuses on understanding the challenges clients face at the earliest point of contact often marked by trauma, instability, and limited access to services and how a social-work-informed approach can improve outcomes. Through direct observation, interviews with staff, and review of intake procedures, the project identifies key gaps in assessment, communication, and referrals. Findings highlight the need for more holistic intake practices that address clients’ social, mental health, and resource needs alongside their legal …

Engaging Independence, Anthony Cazares

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project was completed in partnership with Gateway Center of Monterey County through the Collaborative Health and Human Services (CHHS) program at California State University, Monterey Bay. Gateway Center is a nonprofit organization that provides services for adults with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities. The organization identified a need to improve client engagement and staff support, as existing activities had become outdated and inconsistent. This project implemented an evidence-based, activity-based curriculum aligned with the Community Integration Model, a framework that emphasizes participation, inclusion, and independence for individuals with disabilities. Staff received physical binders and digital resources to guide activity …

Building Healthy Smiles: A Bilingual Oral Health Workshop With The Monterey County Health Department, Paulina J. Moran

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Untreated dental decay remains high in Monterey County, particularly among low-income, Spanish-speaking families, due to provider shortages and persistent gaps in oral-health education. In partnership with the Monterey County Health Department’s Oral Health Program, which delivers prevention, education, and access initiatives countywide, this capstone project focuses on parents and caregivers of young children living in a diverse community with long-standing access barriers. The project’s purpose was to strengthen parents' knowledge, confidence, and intentions to practice preventive oral-health behaviors at home. To achieve this, an interactive, bilingual (Spanish/English) workshop was designed and delivered on November 5, 2025, featuring demonstrations on proper …

Senior Citizens & Community Engagement, Ivan Caballero

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Senior citizens that live in the City of Gonzales battle the challenge of health insecurity because there is a high percentage of residents who have health issues and senior citizens are not taking advantage of the community based services that are available to them. The City of Gonzales is the learning site for this project and The Recreational and Community Engagement Department is the division that assisted in clearing access for this project and promoted awareness to the community. The community served here is the senior citizens of Gonzales and the community as a whole. The purpose of this project …

Addressing Mental Needs In The Justice System, Danna B. Perez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Clients in the Mental Health Diversion Program often struggle to understand legal requirements due to the impact of mental health symptoms, which can interfere with their ability to complete the program. This capstone project was implemented at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office within the Mental Health Diversion team, which serves individuals in the legal system with mental health challenges. The project aimed to strengthen staff communication with clients by providing a training presentation on mental-health-informed communication strategies. A post-presentation survey measured staff experience, confidence, awareness, and intention to apply the techniques. Results showed that most staff already had extensive …

Students Insufficient Reading Proficiency, Carmen Bolanos Chavez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Students’ lack of foundational reading proficiency continues to be a significant barrier to academic success, particularly among bilingual and underserved communities. This capstone project was implemented at ProYouth, an expanded learning program serving students in grades K–12 in King City, California, where many families speak primarily Spanish and face limited time to support reading at home. The project aimed to strengthen students’ literacy skills through targeted small group reading interventions and to gather parent input through surveys to better understand student needs and family challenges. Intervention groups met daily during the six-week ProYouth Summer Program and utilized evidence-based strategies focused …

Care In A Bag: Supporting Unhoused Individuals, Marcy Yanes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project aimed to support H.E.R.S.’ outreach efforts by creating and distributing care packages containing essential hygiene supplies and snacks to improve the immediate well being of individuals living unsheltered. The project involved developing a donation list, securing contributions from community members, assembling care packages, and distributing them directly during outreach. The expected outcome was to increase comfort, dignity, and access to necessities while strengthening community engagement.

Project results indicate that the initiative successfully provided essential items to individuals experiencing homelessness and increased awareness among donors and volunteers. Although limited funding restricted the number of packages distributed, the project …

Father Engagement: Play Is The Way, Cristian Mendoza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on enhancing father engagement in family and community life, emphasizing the critical role fathers play in their children's learning and overall development. Implemented through Encompass Community Services, in alignment with Collaborative Health and Human Services, the project targets families with young children, particularly fathers who may face barriers to active involvement. The initiative aims to identify areas that need additional support, recognize existing strengths, and develop strategies that foster meaningful participation in their children's lives. A central component of the project is the planning and execution of a father-focused community event. Responsibilities included organizing engaging activities, …

Empowering Families To Support Youth Mental Health In Santa Cruz County, Monica Garcia‐Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth mental health challenges have become an increasingly urgent public health concern, particularly among Hispanic and Latino adolescents in Santa Cruz County, California. United Way Santa Cruz County’s Jóvenes Sanos program is a youth-led initiative through the United4Youth Department which aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, promote peer-to-peer connectedness, and provide opportunities of growth and leadership skills. However, barriers connected to parent involvement and participation in collaboration of parent-program relationships has limited parental communication about mental wellness, the primary contributing factor for effective youth support, mental health, and overall well being. This capstone project was designed to strengthen parent …

From Stigma To Strength: Exploring Workplace Wellness At Nami Monterey County, Maria G. Zamudio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Employees in Monterey County face persistent challenges related to poor mental health, driven by high costs of living, limited access to providers, workplace stress, and stigma surrounding help-seeking behaviors. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Monterey County, a grassroots organization committed to education and advocacy, primarily serves caregivers and families of individuals with mental illness but is expanding efforts to address systemic workplace mental health barriers. This capstone project involved designing and piloting workplace-focused interventions, including presentations for a Public Works Department, a customizable training binder, and pre/post-assessment tools. The initiative sought to reduce stigma, increase awareness of resources, …

Sharing Hope Series, Sharon A. Smith

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Stigma surrounding mental illness in communities of color creates significant barriers to seeking mental healthcare, leaving many individuals and families without the support they need. This capstone project was implemented through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and its Sharing Hope Series, a program designed to provide culturally responsive mental health education and resources. The initiative serves communities of color where stigma, cultural beliefs, myths, and historical mistrust often create barriers for those needing to seek services. The purpose of the project is to reduce stigma and increase awareness through open dialogue, education, and resource sharing. Implemented as a …

Csumb Music Club Handbook, Ryan N. Cobar

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In this handbook, Ryan Cobar will discuss the points of planning and execution of an event on CSUMB campus as well as how to run the CSUMB Music Club.

From Inside The Recording Studio, Mckayla J. Adkison

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project documents the historical, technical, and creative significance of recording studios through both industry examples and the design and construction of a personal backyard studio. By examining iconic studios such as Abbey Road and Capitol Records, the paper highlights how technological innovation, acoustic engineering, and architectural design have shaped the evolution of recorded music. These concepts are then applied to the planning and construction of a custom-built recording studio, emphasizing room dimensions, sound isolation techniques, acoustic treatment, lighting, and sustainable design choices. In addition, the project addresses the importance of aesthetics and emotional comfort in creating a space that …

Little Hands, Big Impact: Building Responsibility And Environmental Awareness In Preschoolers, Danielle Gordon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on social skills development, specifically teaching preschool-aged children environmental responsibility and the importance of cleaning up after themselves. Learning to take responsibility for their own actions fosters independence, cooperation, and respect for shared spaces; yet, many young children struggle with this concept due to their egocentric stage of development (Piaget, 1952). Preschoolers might not understand how their actions impact other people or the environment. To meet this need, I presented a 90-minute interactive lesson plan for preschoolers (aged 3-5) at Seaside Child Development Center that teaches children how even seemingly insignificant things, like tidying up their …

Aligning Capacity With Community Needs: A Comprehensive Donor Assessment System For Sunnyvale Community Services, Tiffany A. Roth

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) is an independent nonprofit organization serving as one of Santa Clara counties designated emergency assistance network agencies. It’s located in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, where they operate a high-demand food program to prevent hunger in the local community. Due to the program’s limited resources, strategic donor engagement is essential for sustaining and expanding services to ensure the community needs are met. This project works to develop a comprehensive donor assessment, tool, integrated database, and administrative report to support SCS in evaluating current and prospective donors with greater consistency, efficiency, and insight. The …

Fostering Social-Emotional Development And Understanding In A Preschool Environment, Kaya Jensen

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Teaching young children about friendship is crucial for fostering healthy development, building self-esteem, and helping them navigate their world. Friendship aligns with social-emotional development and children’s abilities to create and maintain peer connections. Early friendships are significant for children’s moral development, increasing attention to fairness, sympathy, and helpfulness (Dunn et al., 2000). Children who do not learn how to build friendships risk isolation and miss out on valuable life lessons, such as cooperation, empathy, self-esteem, and social skills that reduce stress and promote well-being. In order to address the issue, I delivered two lessons about friendship to preschool children at …

Supporting Self-Regulation In Middle Childhood Through Social-Emotional Building, Karen Jimenez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Children in middle childhood, ages 6–12, may struggle to self-regulate their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. They are becoming more independent, forming deeper friendships, facing greater academic demands, and experiencing more complex situations. Struggles with self-regulation can lead to difficulties in resilience, peer relationships, and school performance, but children who can identify their feelings, understand their emotional triggers, and recognize how these emotions impact their behavior are better able to cope with challenges and stay focused. According to McCabe and Altamura (2011), children with strong social-emotional skills usually have better relationships, more friends, and greater success in school, while those children …

Grounded & Connected: Enhancing Mental Health Literacy And Resilience Among Transfer College Students, Alyson Morgan

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many college transfer students experience poor mental health, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation. Recent findings show that transfer students face unique stressors related to adjusting to a new campus environment and often struggle to access support services (Center on Transition Innovations, 2023). Although many students recognize the signs of deteriorating mental health in themselves, they may not know how to seek help or use healthy coping strategies. To address this need, I created an 80-minute workshop for transfer students at Modesto Junior College to address the lack of awareness of mental health struggles, the different stressors of …

Enhancing Emotional Regulation Skills In Kindergarteners, Erica C. Ayers

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Kindergarten-aged children often have trouble regulating their emotions because emotional regulation is a complex process to comprehend and manage. The development of emotional regulation is crucial in this developmental stage because it sets the child up for academic, career, and social success in life (Schlesier et al., 2019). Failing to learn successful regulation can have negative effects on mental well-being and social behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to teach kindergarteners emotional regulation. For this purpose, I developed two workshops that promoted self-awareness, cognitive reappraisal, and versatility among kindergarteners (4 to 5 years old) at Brookside Christian Little Learners in San …

Democratizing Music Production Through Technology, Jacob W. Alfaro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper explores the history of recording technology and the effects of innovations on recording contemporary music. It follows the changing roles and relationships between artist and producer, as well as a brief look into the recording of our album as a real-time example.

The Process Of Integrating Analog Music Recording Techniques In The Modern Age, Marley I. Jones

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Jacob Alfaro and I recorded an album called Greenway Derby. Taking past influences into account, this paper looks into how the modern musician can be inspired by these artists' techniques. Specifically focusing on analog recording gear and how, within the digital age, modern musicians can integrate techniques and sounds from the past into their own workflow when learning to write and record an album while still achieving the analog tones using both the professional studio and home studio options.

Mental Health Education For Latinx Students In High School, Wilbert F. Rivas-Vides

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mental health has become a significant concern for adolescents, especially high school juniors and seniors who are getting ready to transition into adulthood. At this age, students often face academic pressure, uncertainty about their future, and the challenge of balancing increased independence with family and cultural expectations. These stressors can be even harder for students from immigrant, low-income, or bilingual backgrounds because they may face extra barriers when trying to seek support. National data show that mental and behavioral health conditions are common among teens, with anxiety and depression standing out as leading concerns (Sappenfield et al., 2024). To address …

Bridging The Digital Divide: Educating Older Adults To Recognize And Prevent Scams, Isabella S. Chan

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The older adult community, especially those 60 years and older, is a frequent target of scams and financial exploitation. When an individual is scammed, and with the likelihood of older adults choosing not to report, many do not recover their money (CFPB 2022). Social isolation and cognitive decline are significant factors that increase an older adult’s susceptibility to scams; however, digital literacy and their lack of understanding of technology are also obstacles to detecting a scammer’s deception. In response to these concerns, I created an hour-long presentation to educate and bring awareness to older adults about scams and how to …

More Than Words: A Parent-Led Approach To Triqui Language Revitalization At Home, Monica Andrade

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Preserving indigenous languages is crucial for maintaining cultural identity, strengthening family bonds, and promoting the healthy development of children. For many immigrant Triqui families, the shift to using dominant languages like English or Spanish can lead to language attrition, a gradual loss of their native language when it is no longer spoken regularly at home (McCarty, 2003). To help Triqui parents actively preserve and promote their heritage language, I conducted a workshop specifically for a group of Triqui mothers at the Greenfield Community Center. The workshop provided practical strategies to engage children in everyday Triqui conversations, strengthen intergenerational connections, foster …

Supporting Healthy Eating Habits In Preschoolers, Adrian Arechiga-Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Unhealthy eating habits in early childhood are a growing health concern that has long-term effects on children’s physical and emotional health. Early childhood is an ideal time to support healthy eating habits because nutritious food choices support 1 children’s growth, brain development, and overall well-being. Making healthy food choices also helps prevent diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (Al-Mahshi et al., 2025). However, many young children face limited nutrition education, a lack of parental influence, and inadequate food environments. To address this issue, I created a one-day workshop for children at an early childhood daycare, Ale’s Learn and Play …