March is National Social Work Month, a time to shine a light on social workers and the incredible work that they do. From foster care case managers to intensive in-home specialists to licensing workers, they are the true unsung heroes of our organization. Rather than try and explain why social work is so important, we decided to have some of our team members explain why social workers are essential, and why they decided to take up the mantle of social work.
Patrice Campbell
Social workers are essential because we activate and prevail in the toughest of times, meeting individuals and families where they are, usually in the most difficult time they have faced in their lives. Social Workers DON’T QUIT. The work is lifelong. Social Workers roll our sleeves up lending our hope, strength, resilience, encouragement, support, aid, and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of families in need.
I am a Social Worker because I have a heart for people, all people.
Charlotte Baker
Social workers are essential because we want to be there for our clients in the most difficult of times. We ensure that no matter what other circumstances are occurring, we are someone that our clients know they can turn to.
I am a social worker because I believe even making a small difference matters. I compare being a social worker to the story about the little boy and the starfish. An observer sees a little boy throwing starfish back into the ocean and says, ‘there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t be able to make much of a difference”. The little boy smiles and says, “It made a difference to that one!”
Brittany Lutz
Social workers are essential because we contribute to a positive change with society’s most vulnerable people. Social workers play a huge part in every community to ensure they are safer and more educated. They can contribute to positive change in the way a community responds to crisis situations while providing support along the way.
I am a social worker because I believe everyone matters and helping people is a privilege. The people we serve give us an opportunity for us to learn and grow. I feel we can learn from each and every family and every obstacle we face. I know personally it has challenged me to be the best version of myself. I love being able to advocate for people with hope a positive change can occur.
Nicole Firth-Lynch
Our families don’t need support just 8-5, Monday through Friday. We are essential because we are trained to help people work through crises and trauma in their lives, and to meet them where they are. We are able to help people tap into community resources during hardships and be there to act as a support, no matter how big or small, if it is important to them at the time, it is important to us.
I work in this field because life is so much more than riches and fame. It is about being humble and challenging yourself to see others’ lives and point of views while building trust. My Grandpa and Grandma always taught me that even if you have nothing to give, give your time, as it is most precious. So I will spend the rest of my life living out their values as my own.
Saryn Graham
Social workers are essential because the safety and wellbeing of children and families are essential. Unfortunately, abuse, neglect, mental illness, addiction, violence, poverty, etc. do not cease or go away during a pandemic, bad weather or when we look away. Social workers enter into the messiness of our client’s live in order to provide support, education, guidance, and intervention. Social work is critical when it comes to ensuring that children and families are safe, nurtured and provided with opportunities and resources for healing.
I am a social worker because I know what it is like to feel unseen, unheard and unable to access the support, resources and relationships that I needed to make me feel secure and safe. As I searched for something to fill the gaps of my unmet needs, I found that my faith was what truly healed the hurt that I had experienced. My faith urges me to love and care for the poor, hungry, imprisoned, unclothed, and hurting. It urges me to give them a voice and truly see them for who they are, letting them know that they are still loved in the midst of their chaos.
Make a donation in honor of National Social Work Month here.