Deck, Stacy M., "Context matters : a multilevel analysis of patterns of mobility to non-poor neighborhoods for poor renter households." (2010) It gives me comfort to know that as I walk in your footsteps a part of you lives on in me..iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are so many people to thank. First, I am indebted to my dissertation committee. Each member of my committee is an individual with whom I enjoy spending time, and we all worked so well together. It was a real pleasure to be mentored by this group from whom I learned so much.My chair, Dr. Annatjie Faul, is a social worker and researcher extraordinaire. She possesses a rare combination of true compassion, professional dedication and drive, intellectual curiosity and amazing intelligence, and she's also a lot of fun to be around. I admire Annatjie and aspire to these qualities. I entrusted this final leg of my doctoral journey to her care, knowing that she would guide me to the finish line. Along the way, Ilost several people who are dear to me and she saw me through those times with such kindness. I appreciate the fact that she is as committed to my dissertation topic as I am. This is my tenth year of working for Dr. Rod Barber, and he has been my mentor for longer than that. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for his always believing in me, urging me to higher levels of learning and accomplishment, and giving me abundant freedom and flexibility in my work. Rod is such an outstanding role model: his ability to guide work teams to high levels of performance is exceptional as is his skill in applied research that makes a tangible difference in our community. Quite literally, he knows what it means to live outside the ivory tower.Dr. Kevin Borders has been a colleague for many years. It was our loss and and Bob-worked hard to provide opportunities for their children and grandchildren, and they supported each of my parents in being the first in their families to go to college. My vii parents-Joe and Betsy-were my first teachers, and they nurtured, challenged and encouraged me to be the best I could be. They modeled life-long learning, persistence, compassion and community service, and they provided unconditional love. I really think they believed that their children could do anything; they certainly made us believe that.Later in life, I gained a stepmom, Jo. She was a great support to my dad, and continues to be a loving presence in my life.She reminds me what my dad would be saying to me now if he could, and for that I am grateful. I am blessed with three siblings-Joe, Andy and Jennifer-who have grown up to be great friends. They and their spouses mean the world to me.To my children, Becca, Jessica, Austin and Justin, I just want to say -I love you to the moon and back.‖ None of them can remember a time that I wasn't in school. I certainly appreciate their patience as they had to share me with -the book‖ I was writing.My smart, loving, thoughtful daughters have been with me for the whole journey, and I was so lucky to gain the two sons I always wanted durin...
