Latino-serving community-based organizations in a Southeastern US city: A grounded theory analysis of collaborating for community health

The South Carolina (SC) Midlands has one of the highest rates of increase in the Latino population in the southeastern United States. Health disparities among Latina women in SC are in part a function of a health care system unprepared to provide necessary culturally and linguistically appropriate services to this growing community. This community-based, qualitative research examined the work of and collaborative relationships among community-based organizations (CBOs) whose missions are to improve the lives of Latinos.

Data sources included published and web-based information and in-depth interviews with 12 individuals in leadership positions in 13 Latino focused organizations. Data analysis incorporated content analysis of print and web-based information and qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

CBOs were small, relatively informal organizations with few or no paid staff, limited budgets, a female majority and an underrepresentation of community ethnic/nationality make-up in leadership positions. The majority of organizations tailored their programs around women and children. An overarching theme of the organizations activities was to bridge the Latino community and larger society, which was only sometimes included in the actual mission. Territoriality feelings among leaders identified as community gatekeepers emerged as a barrier to collaboration and partnership. There was significant overlap among organizational leaders, with many of them holding leadership positions in multiple Latino-focused CBOs.

Study findings uncovered logistical and ideological barriers impacting small, underfunded Hispanic-serving CBOs viability. Further capacity-building support is needed for Latino CBOs to fulfill their mission and sustain collaborative efforts, thereby improving the health status of Latino immigrants in SC.