From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: March 2020
March is National Social Workers Month
March is National Social Workers Month, and I want to call attention to the amazing people who commit themselves to this compassionate work. Like teachers, social workers’ positive contributions to our lives is too often overlooked and undervalued. Truly, where would we be without the help social workers offer when it comes to caring for older adults; people with food insecurity and other financial obstacles; those who live with mental health issues; the homeless, vulnerable, and more?
It is social workers who are often the frontline in providing support, resources, assistance, and care. They are trained to identify symptoms of frailty, and they provide the outreach and networking to resources many people are unfamiliar with. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis is proud of our professional and compassionate staff, many of whom are social workers, or trained in related fields.
Indeed, it is frequently their good work that serves as our best source of marketing. When individuals, families and other organizations interact with our staff or receive necessary assistance, their appreciation is translated into recommendations to others. We appreciate that, and want everyone to know that the good care JFCS staff offers is available to everyone, regardless of background or financial ability.
I receive letters regularly from people who want to share how the help they received from JFCS social workers and other staff made the difference in their lives, or someone they know. Recently, one writer shared that the holistic approach offered to him helped him in ways he didn’t even know he needed. He came to JFCS looking for career assistance, and left with skills to manage the competing demands of caring for his aging parent, ideas for bringing his family together around care management, and tips on how to reduce his stress and anxiety in order to focus on his career. He wanted me to know what it meant to him to work with the team of skilled staff at JFCS who brought him relief and confidence—and meaningful employment!
Thank goodness for social workers, and special thanks to our amazing staff! I’ve never met a social worker who got into the field for the gratitude. Rather, they are truly individuals who want to make a difference one person at a time. Still, don’t miss an opportunity this month, or any time, to say thank you to those folks who love what they do, and do it without fanfare—whose satisfaction comes from helping someone else achieve greater satisfaction!