Every person is unique, some of us have been mistreated or oppressed because we are members of a particular group. If we choose to ignore these current or historical differences, we may fail to understand the needs of those individuals. People are often afraid that acknowledging any kind of difference will divide people from each other. However, learning about cultural differences can bring people closer together because it can show us how much we have in common as human beings. Based on the toolkit, Working with Latino Individuals, Couples, and Families, it states that on July 1, 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau released data revealing that the majority of children under the age of one in the United States are now a minority. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Social stratification states that minority is the social classification that singles out a group for differential treatment or discrimination due to physical or cultural characteristics, and has traditionally been disadvantaged or had less access to resources. In society they are also known as “subordinate groups” or “marginalized groups”. These demographic changes are a clear sign of the important and growing role of minorities in this country. Nationally, Hispanics are the most populous minority group. Hispanics represent the fastest growing minority, with the population increasing 3.1% since 2010, compared to Blacks (1.6%) and Asians (3.0%) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Safety net service agencies must increase and develop their capabilities to serve Latino and Hispanic customers. This toolkit is designed to help stakeholders, including administrators, supervisors, and safety net providers across the country, better serve Latino families, couples, and individuals. The term safety net providers refers to government agencies and programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support services, child welfare, job and workforce services, and Head Start , together with other stakeholders who provide community and family services. services, education, independent living for young people and tribal services. This toolkit recognizes that the Latino community in the United States is not homogeneous and static. The experiences of immigrant families and subsequent generations of Latinos are diverse, complex, and rich. The majority of the content in this toolkit is based on studies of Mexican and Puerto Rican families, who represent 64.9% and 9.2% of the US Hispanic population. This toolkit will help safety net service providers gain cultural competency. After reading this toolkit, it seems to be very helpful and effective, especially if I come from an immigrant Latino family that has struggled financially and had to rely on public assistance for years. I remember accompanying my mother to most of the appointments as she did not speak English and I remember feeling embarrassed and intimidated by some of the workers as some looked down on us just for being there in the first place. It is extremely important for human service workers to be culturally competent and empathetic towards others; especially not knowing the customer's situation. Culture is an important part of people's lives and influences their opinions, values, humor, hopes, loyalties, as well as their worries and fears. So when you're working with people and building relationships with them, it helps to have some perspective and=1903345