The aim of this study was to identify a working model of social services at Kivenkolo resident’s space (asukastila) to make good practices visible and to implement a study that would produce knowledge for developing client work.

Ethnographic research was the qualitative method chosen for this study. It was implemented through participant observation. Narrative analysis was used to transcribe the data collected from audiotaping, semi-structured interviews, naturally occurring talk and written observations. The group, which participated in this study, was the seniors, immigrants, workers and us, the researchers, over a period of seven months.

We based our study on significant themes in good social work practice with an emphasis on human behaviour, tacit knowledge and professionalism. Using these themes as a framework and acting as participant observers we were able to identify that Kivenkolo worked using a family –oriented approach, with elements of Family Systems Theory and empowerment.

This study has provided much food for thought in terms of future developments in the adult services provided by the municipality of Espoo. Furthermore, the findings imply that Kivenkolo is more significant to the seniors in terms of their productivity and longevity. Alternatively, failures and gaps in service provision also came to light as a new immigrant client group was identified. These findings lay the foundations towards defining new needs and developing the services provided, for the benefit of service users in Espoo.