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Archive for the ‘
Black History Month Celebration ’ Category
Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Joycelyn Curtis, PhD, LCSW, LISW-CP
American Cancer Society
Atlanta, Georgia
 Dr. Curtis Q. Dr. Curtis, where did you earn your social work degree and what is your area of expertise?
I earned my masters and doctorate degrees in social work from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. My area of expertise is oncology social work; addressing the psychosocial needs of cancer patients while working for the American Cancer Society. In addition to oncology social work, my specialty areas are public administration and family and children. Other areas of interest are research, health disparities, depression, family, marital and couples counseling.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I chose social work as a profession because of a desire to alleviate human suffering. Working in the field of social work is a "calling" for me. The social work profession is very compatible with my core being. It is a good fit for me being a Christian and an encourager with a passion for helping others. I am able to carry out my life's mission which is alleviating human suffering at all levels. When I read of the pioneers of this great profession and the many sacrifices they made not only to change lives, but to build this profession, I was inspired to do the same. Also, attending Clark Atlanta School of Social Work in Atlanta where Whitney M. Young Jr. and Frankie V. Adams trod and where the motto was "Social Workers find a way or make one," embodies the many opportunities the field of social work has to offer. In addition, the fact that the social work field is not stagnant, but very innovative and rewarding was the factor that influenced my decision as well.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
If I were able to make one lasting impact on the world, it would be with the love and help of Christ to prevent homelessness among single women with cancer. It is my desire that out of His love and compassion a sense of urgency would prevail against homelessness among single women who have cancer. Just imagine coping with cancer and at the same time trying to maintain a home for you and or your children as well. However, there are some programs in place to assist women with children, but for some single women, they often have to feign for themselves with few options available. If only one woman becomes homeless while battling cancer, it is one woman to many. Many shelters will not accept cancer patients or individuals who are ill. Cancer patients often undergo treatment for an extended period of time and if their treatment and illness is prolonged, they may experience economic difficulties as well which may eventually lead to losing their homes and jobs. I propose a safety net be developed that will prevent single women with cancer from becoming homeless during one of the most critical times of their lives.
The strategies I would utilize to achieve the endeavor of developing the Single Women with Cancer Homelessness Prevention Safety Network would be to:
1) Increase awareness of homelessness or near homelessness among single women with cancer.
2) Seek collaboration with homelessness prevention groups, women groups, and organizations to foster a care plan for these women with cancer.
3) Solicit evidence-based research on the outcome of single women with cancer who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness with women who enter the safety net through the Homelessness Prevention Safety Network.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Joycelyn Curtis
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Norma G. "Cindy" Jones, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Commander Retired, US NAVY
NASW Social Work Pioneer ®
Durham, North Carolina
 Dr. Jones Q. Dr. Jones, where did you earn your social work degree, where are you currently employed and what is your area of expertise?
I have just recently relocated to Durham, North Carolina, bringing me close to home. I have continued my work with military families and Veterans. I received my Bachelors degree from Bennett College, Greensboro, N.C; MSW degree from West Virginia University and my PhD from Norfolk State University. My areas of expertise are: Domestic Violence, Military Families, Children Soldiers/Children Warriors and Veterans.
I am a retired Navy Commander and Social Work Officer. I served 21 years advocating for military families, and family violence prevention. My social work practice began in Burlington and Greensboro, North Carolina. Following my retirement from the Navy, I served as Director of the PhD Program in Social Work and Associate Professor at Norfolk State University. I continue to serve on professional advisory and work groups including: Council on Social Work Education Veteran's Task Force; and NASW Social Work Pioneers. ®
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I feel that social work chose me. I grew up in a rural community and in a family that embraced helping volunteering and helping families in the community. It was a way of life and going into social work allowed me to develop the skills to work with individuals and families wanting to enhance their quality of life.
Q. What do you feel are the greatest challenges in the African American community and how can social workers help?
Today's greatest challenge throughout the world is poverty. This is an even greater challenge in African American communities. As African Americans we recognize progress as a race, but the chronic conditions of poverty, access to health care and education has been part of a continuous and long term struggle. Children and families and the elderly seem to be in greater number than ever before. Social Workers need resources and support as they attempt to reach these families. This is an extremely difficult time for social workers. My hope is that we can work more closely in growing strong and healthy social workers who are committed to enhancing the quality of life for others.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, black social workers, Norma Jones
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Bernadette C. Marson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
Clinical/Training Consultant
Psychotherapist and Counselor
Bayshore, New York
 - Ms. Marson
Q. Ms. Marson, where did you earn your social work degree, where are you currently employed and what is your area of expertise?
I have a BSW and MSW in Social Work from Adelphi University. Presently, I am a Human Services doctoral student specializing in Clinical Social Work, an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University and the owner of my professional limited liability company Marson Licensed Clinical Social Work and Consulting Services, PLLC where I provide psychotherapy, staff development and training and consultation in human services issues.
Most recently, I was the Director of Case Management for one of the largest human services agencies in New York City prior to which I was the Director of Family and Children Services for a Multi Service Agency in East Harlem. In my career I also worked with the elderly, at risk adolescents, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, autistic children, emotionally disturbed children, substance abusers and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I chose social work as my profession because of my passion to help others. Being the first of five children growing up in a single parent household was a remarkable yet daunting experience which overpowered me with responsibility and was instrumental in shaping my life and preparing me for my career in this field.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
If I were able to make one lasting impact on the world it would be to educate everyone about the benefits of therapy/counseling. We are in the 21st century and there is still the stigma about seeking therapy/counseling. Many believe that therapy/counseling is for those who are severe and persistently mentally ill. Instead of seeking help from a professional to help them solve problems that can affect them and impact upon their family, work and health, they think that they can solve it on their own. Often times it spirals out of control leading to divorce, separation, substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide, poor academic performance etc. My strategy to create this lasting impact is to educate others about therapy/counseling which is a changing life adventure that can help them to reach their goals- whether it is reinvigorating their marriage, their career or their whole life. Changing Lives Forever through therapy/counseling!
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Bernadette Marson, Black History Month
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
John A. Kelly, Ed.D, ACSW, LISW
Pastoral Associate
Hilltop United Methodist Church
North College Hill
Cincinnati, Ohio
Q. Dr. Kelly, where did you receive your social work training and what are your areas of expertise?
I earned my social work degree at West Virginia University. I have specialized in direct practice and Appalachian Studies.
Q. What is the one thing that you did in your social work career that made a positive difference?
I served as coordinator to the Southeast Canton Outreach Program for Central Stark County Mental Health Center. I worked with two housing projects and enrolled single parent mothers in a therapy group, conducted with along with Italian, female co-therapist. We also provided activities for the children of welfare mothers. Among other things our clients learned to handle dysfunctional interracial relationships, to take responsibility for their finances by paying their rent to avoid eviction, and how to improve their parenting skills.
With the help of the public housing manager who is now an MSW and my “best friend forever” to this day we created a network of representatives of agencies serving the neighborhood to advocate with city hall and within their realm of influence to improve the plight of this impoverished community. This network has expanded and still exists after twenty years. My coworker and I presented a paper on our project to the NASW Annual Conference as a model for community organizing, inter-agency cooperation, and providing mental health services to the undeserved.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, John A. Kelly
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Gary Bailey, MSW, ACSW
President International Federation of Social Workers
Past-President, National Association of Social Workers
 Prof. Bailey Q. Where did you earn your social work degree and what is your area of expertise?
I am a native of Cleveland, Ohio and I received my BA from the Eliot Pearson School of Child Study at Tufts University in 1977 and my MSW from Boston University School of Social Work in 1979.
I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work in Boston. I chair the Dynamics of Racism and Oppression foundation sequence.
I am also a member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) / Hartford Foundation Gero Education Initiative to infuse gerontological content into curriculum. In addition, I am the Chair of the Simmons College Black Administrators, Faculty and Staff Council (BAFAS); and the School of Social Work (SSW) Awards committee. I am also a member of the President’s Inaugural Committee. I hold an appointment as an adjunct Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health.
I have served on numerous Boards and Advisory groups including the Advisory committees for the Massachusetts Departments of Mental Health and Social Services. I chaired the AIDS Action Committee of Boston Board of Directors and was co-chair of the Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Committee. I was a member of the boards of directors at the Phillip Brooks House at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Maternity and Foundling Hospital Foundation, United Homes for Children, the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, and the Center for Family Connections.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I did not choose social work, social work chose me. I always knew that I wanted to work directly with people. My parents (especially my mother) were very much engaged at the community level and in retrospect my mother was a non-credentialed community organizer.
My parents who waited late to have my brother and myself by the standards of the day (I was born in 1955 but my parents were born in 1916 and 1919 respectively) they had grown up under the yoke of apartheid in this country and instilled in my brother and me a sense of pride in who they were and where we came from. They held us accountable for making a difference and making a contribution which would lift us all up.
My parents had planned that I would be a physician and my brother and my younger brother an attorney. My brother practices the law (he is a public defender) and I went into social work. My mother would always say that I was “like ” a doctor and I always told her I felt that the social work profession for me was better than being a doctor. I felt that I could help more people.
I was introduced to professional social work via a winter intersession course at Tufts University in 1977 taught by a social worker whose name is Jane Greenspan, MSW. Hearing her talk about her work in this class opened a door for me which has never closed. I knew as I listened to the way she described her work with people that this was what I was supposed to do. That plus the charge from my family to make a difference made it all come together.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
I would work to ensure that we as a people are continually both connected to our past and focused on the future. So much of what has come before us has infused who we as Black peole are. My three great grandmothers were born slave yet they and my grandparents and parents visioned a world where a Gary Bailey as I know me to be is possible.
The strategy that has been a cornerstone of my life and one that I share with my students, friends and family is to be prepared to speak truth to ower at all times.
As Malcolm X said; “I’m for truth,no matter who tells it. I’m for justice no matter who it is for or against.If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything.”
Emile Zola said If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.”
Our goals should include education, communication and constant self improvement.
Professor Bailey is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He was named Social Worker of the Year by both the National and Massachusetts NASW in 1998. He was made a Social Work Pioneer ® (www.naswfoundation.org/pioneer) by NASW in 2005, making him the youngest individual to receive this honor, joining individuals such as Jane Adams, Whitney M. Young, and Simmons’ own Dr. Helen Reinherz.Professor Bailey received the Boston University School of Social Work Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Social Work in 1995. He received the Wayne S Wright Advocacy Award from the Multicultural AIDS Coalition in 1997; the Congressman Gerry Studds Visibility Award in 1996, and the Bayard Rustin Spirit Award from the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts in 1999.
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Associate Professor
Simmons College School of Social Work
Boston, Massachusetts
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Gary Bailey
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Jessica A. Pelletier, MSW, LMSW
Child Welfare Social Worker
New York, New York
 Ms. Pelletier Q. Ms. Pelletier, where did you earn your social work degree and what is your area of expertise?
I attended my MSW from Fordham University with concentration in clinical social work. My areas of expertise are child welfare, body image, and gay/lesbian issues.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
Ever since I was young, I can remember telling my mother that I wanted to be able to save children. I came from an abusive background and once I truly understood the impact this had on me, I dedicated my life to service. Hoping that I can merge my life experience with my educational background.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
I am blessed to say that in my career with the child welfare system I have made an impact on the world. When a child tells you thank you for saving their life, there is no better reward. Touching the life of a child, is making a mark on our world. However, that is not the end of what I want to do. I would love to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for gay and lesbian teens that they can utilize to express themselves through spoken word and poetry.
They could use this venue to combat homophobia and harassment, building their self-worth, increasing the adaptive functions, and strengthening their coping skills. I have recently submitted a 501 (c)3 application to form an organization to do such that. My strategy to achieve anything in life is make a reasonable plan, stick to it, and never let anything get in the way. Despite setbacks, shortcomings, and red tape, there is always a means to an end.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Jessica A. Pelletier
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Lenwood V. Patterson, MSW
San Bernardino Children and Family Services
and
Rainbow Bridge Community Services
Ontario, California
 Mr. Patterson Q. Mr. Patterson, where did you earn your social work degree, where are you working, and what are your areas of expertise?
I received my Master of Social Work Degree at California State University, San Bernardino School of Social Work. I work at the San Bernardino Children and Family Services and part-time at the Rainbow Bridge Community Services, which is a co-occurring disorders residential program for the LGBT community. My areas of expertise would be child welfare and substance abuse, particularly substance abuse in the LGBTQ population.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I chose social work as my profession because of its macro and micro components. I also felt it would be the best career to use my life's experiences. These experiences included being from a broken home located in the inner city (Baltimore ,Maryland). Both of my parents were alcoholics, and for the brief period they were together, they were constantly beating, shooting, and stabbing. I was physically, sexually, emotionally, and spiritually abused. In trying to overcome these experiences I was led down a dark path of drug addiction, contracted HIV/AIDS, and at the young age of 16 attempted suicide.
I believe by obtaining my graduate's degree in spite of all the above experiences, in addition to being a survivor of HIV/AIDS for 23 plus years, with no opportunistic infections. I have been recovering from drugs and alcohol for the past 20 years, and resolving issues associated with becoming a proud African-American gay male in a successful marriage in addition to adopting a special needs five-year-old son. Social work was the natural choice career wise where I could bring all my experiences, good and bad, and know that they would not be a detriment but, in fact: an asset!
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
If I could make a lasting impact on the world, it would be to instill in the human race that no one needs to suffer at the expense of others. I know this is an ambitious goal, but looking back on my own life experiences, I believe all things are possible and achievable. The strategy I would use to achieve such a lofty goal is to take care of my own small corner of the world by expressing love, compassion, and most of all – patience! These qualities would hopefully instill in others that they, too, are worthy of what life can bestow on them. Likewise, I continue to pray and ask God to show me how to remain humble, so that others may be touched through me; which is what I hope this writing will do. I know this may not sound too clinical or be measurable as other techniques, but sometimes the best techniques can not be put into words or measurements — they just happen!
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Lenwood Patterson
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Benette Waugh DeCoux, MSW, M.ED (Retired)
School Social Worker,
Court Appointed Special Advocate,
Head Start Director, and Parent Coordinator
for the Follow Through Program
Clayton, Ohio
 Ms. Waugh DeCoux Q. Ms. DeCoux, where did you earn your social work degree, where have you worked, and what are your areas of expertise?
I attended the alma mater of my parents when they sent me to Central State College, Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and within three years earned my Master’s Degree from Kent State University in Kent Ohio after receiving a grant from the government. I worked for 30 plus years, first in child welfare, and later I took advanced courses in the Education Department at Wright State University to complete the requirements for School Social Worker.
My work in the public schools began as a school social worker, then as a Parent Coordinator for the federally funded Follow Through Program. I was Head Start Director for three years and my last administrative position was as a Student Services Advisor (truancy, child abuse, crisis intervention, and investigating for residency and custody cases). Once retired, I became a mentoring coordinator for a local non-profit whose mission was to target middle school youth and provide services to enhance their well-being prior to high school.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I chose social work to do advocacy for youth in need of intervention due to circumstances beyond their control. These youth ranged from those in special facilities for the severely disabled who needed 24/7 care, children abandoned, available for adoption and waiting for a placement, and children surrendered for adoption. In other words, my area of expertise was Placement Services for youth out of their home, some wanting to be reunited and others who became wards of the state.
After a foundation of child welfare, I was prepared for school social work after graduate school. I expanded my learning by becoming a mediator, having been trained by a grant from the Juvenile Court. I took the advanced mediation hours in another county to be better prepared for various types of mediation as a volunteer experience. I also expanded my volunteer services by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the Juvenile Court. CASA never has enough volunteers and it is one way for me to give back to the community, which has been a blessing to me. It was also another avenue to being an advocate for youth, my passion.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
My one lasting impact on the world would be to promote and encourage peace on earth, beginning with the youth around the world. I have traveled and visited schools in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. This is not easy in many parts of Africa, which has tribal rituals, which are at the heart of internal strife.
For my part, I would work with the United Nations and develop a network of “Peace Camps” represented by youth from each of the member organizations. The “Peace Camps” would have a general theme developed by representatives from each continent; teleconferencing would be invaluable, language experts would be needed to interpret the languages not only from continent to continent but also within the countries, villages, tribes, etc. This would be a long-term project, not a quick fix. Musicians who travel from country to country would be appointed ambassadors to carry the message, as money is always in short supply. Every three years a group or class of youth would meet in a chosen country or the United Nations to plan and celebrate their accomplishments regarding peace projects and plan for the next three-year cycle.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Benette Waugh DeCoux, Black History Month
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Q. Nachion Rambus, MSW, LSW
Therapist
Center for Solutions in Brief Therapy, Inc.
Sylvania, Ohio
 Ms. Rambus Q. Ms. Rambus, where did you earn your social work degrees, where do you work, and what is your area of expertise?
I earned my BSW and MSW from the University of Toledo. I'm currently employed at The Center for Solutions in Brief Therapy which is a Christian- based mental health private practice located in Sylvania, Ohio. My field of expertise is counseling individuals who suffer from anxiety/depression and helping those seeking spiritual development. I also have experience in grief counseling, working with adolescents who suffer from eating disorders, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and individuals and families in domestic violence situations.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I have chosen the path of a social worker for various reasons. First and foremost, it's because of my ability to care for those who are less fortunate. I have always held a sacred place in my heart for those who have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, and those having a difficult time trying to succeed in everyday life. I've had these feelings of overwhelming compassion positioned in my heart at a very young age.
As a child I was always told that I had a kind and nurturing spirit. I was always concerned with how others were feeling and what they were going through. In grade school all the way through high school, I was the one who befriended those who were less popular, teased and discriminated against. I never cared what others thought about me for befriending someone who was considered an outcast. I went out of my way to make everyone feel special and I made a concentrated effort to never discriminate against anyone.
Today I hold those same qualities to heart and I remain dedicated to providing emotional support and my professional skills to all those who cross my path.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
I want my lasting impact to be empowering others. I want to encourage all people to look within themselves to find the strength and courage that they possess in order to help them overcome obstacles and to succeed.
Those who are struggling in life feel as if they are walking down a dead end road. They feel that their situation is hopeless and they can't find their way out. They may also feel that since they didn’t come from the “proper environment” then they are destined to remain right where they are. My goal is to guide individuals out of that mindset and help them to realize that no matter where they came from or how hopeless their situation may seem, they can persevere. Where you are, is not where you are going to stay. Through hard work, prayer and determination, all things are indeed possible. Never give up on yourself and never let anyone cause you to feel inferior.
I realize that it will take more than the efforts of myself in order to change the world but if I'm able to help just one person or one family it will all be worth it and I will feel rewarded knowing that I've carried out God's plan for my life.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Q. Nachion Rambus
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Introduction
To celebrate Black History Month, we asked African American social workers to talk to us about their career.
Telia Virgin, MSW, LCSW
Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Coordinator
Department of Veterans Administration Medical Center
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Private Practitioner
Garner, North Carolina
 Ms. Virgin Q. Ms. Virgin, where did you earn your social work degree, where are you employed and what is your area of expertise?
I am currently the Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Coordinator at the Department of Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC. I graduated from the Shirley M. Ehrenkanz School of Social Work at New York University in New York City with a Master of Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed to practice in the states of North Carolina and New York.
In my private practice I provide individual and family therapy as well as facilitate various psycho-educational, support and psychotherapy groups. I have been a dedicated, full-time clinician for nearly 18 years and I continue to participate in continuing education classes to stay current and to keep my skills updated.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
I wanted to provide mental health services to underserved populations and to create model programs that social service providers could use or adapt to help serve specific populations, such as low income families.
Q. If you were able to make one lasting impact on the world, what would it be and what would be your strategy for achieving it?
My desire is to utilize my social work skills to better serve the many families who are struggling with mental health issues. I have developed and facilitated family programs which provide psychotherapy to a broad spectrum of clients including residents and family members of people recovering from drug addiction who were infected by AIDS/HIV; and I have provided individual and family therapy to military service members and veterans. This work allows me to utilize my social work skills while being part of developing new forms of treatments in the care of mental illness.
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To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Tags: African American social workers, Black History Month, Telia Virgin
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