AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Kristen L. Crusoe for the degree of Doctor of Education in Education presented on June 15, 2001. Title: A Phenomenological Study of Collaboration between a Community College and Selected Social Service Agencies

This is a study of the process of collaboration between a community college and selected social service agencies for the purpose of developing an integrative social service and education delivery system, the One-Stop Center. Particular focus is on the interpersonal dynamics among the key stakeholders involved in a collaborative partnership. The participants are a community college and four social service agencies located in southern Oregon. The social service agencies are: Adult and Family Services, Community Action, South Coast Business Employment Corporation, and AMBIT, a drug and alcohol treatment agency. A qualitative methodology was used in order to study the personal experience of collaboration. In depth interviews were conducted with a participant representing each of the collaborating organizations. A profile of the experience of each participant was developed from the interview data. Themes were synthesized from the profiles. Common themes were: sharing a culture of helping; feelings of frustration with the current social service and education system; having a sense of readiness to change; working through the process; and building and sustaining relationship. The conclusions point to the need for participants of a collaboration to have time to be together and to work through a process that builds relationship through the development of trust and respect. Also, it is important for participants to commit to a common goal or vision that will sustain them through difficult times. Doctor of Education thesis of Kristen L. Crusoe presented on June 15, 2001 Major Professor, representing Educatio