Since my college days I have greatly appreciated the practical and compassionate characteristics of social workers. I remember my first internship with social workers in a program for clients who had been placed in mental institutions for decades. We provided a program that was both recreational and therapeutic. I learned so much from the social workers assigned to this program and immediately gained an appreciation for their intuitive care and support of our clients.
Thousands of social workers provide care for so many individuals who have significant needs in our country. Whether they provide medical, emotional, life skills or referral services, these professionals are key to the health and well-being of so many in need. They are key to healing different forms of trauma in various sectors of our society. This month we acknowledge and honor social workers who are vital to those they serve each and every day.
Here is the summary of the description of National Social Work Month:
Every March, National Social Work Month recognizes the dedication and empathy social workers across the country deliver while providing services to children and adults in need. Social workers are advocates, advisors, counselors, and facilitators in schools, clinics, businesses, and government offices.
In their roles, they provide support to people of all backgrounds, in our communities and to employers. Their services are provided in crisis situations or when life creates roadblocks and uncertainty. They guide us through the obstacles and help lift us out of the potholes. Social workers provide a voice for equal rights for the weakest of us and connect us to resources when we are in need.
Since social workers take on many roles, they are always in demand. Whether they provide their services to children, adults or families, social workers are highly trained and have earned at least a Bachelor of Social Work degree or higher.
Learn more about the field of social work by visiting www.naswnc.org or honor the field of social work by using #NationalProfessionSocialWorkMonth.
I commend and celebrate the amazing impact of our social work professionals. We have great social workers on our staff at Lakeside and feel very privileged to have such quality individuals working with our students. The impact they have is so meaningful and effective. It is great to take this time to celebrate their life legacies of help and hope.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
