Introduction
To honor Black History Month we asked African American social workers to tell us why they chose the social work profession and to describe the unique challenges facing our African American community.
Rolanda Pyle, MA, LMSW
Associate Director of the Relative as Parents Program
Brookdale Foundation Group
New York, New York
Author and Publisher
Roro’s Rainbow Communications
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Ms. Pyle |
Q. Where did you earn your social work degree, what is your area of expertise, and where are you currently employed?
I earned my social work degree at the Hunter College School of Social Work. My areas of expertise include aging, child welfare and kinship caregiving. I am currently employed at the Brookdale Foundation Group as the Associate Director with the Relative as Parents Program (RAPP). Previously, I was the Director of the New York City Department for the Aging Grandparent Resource Center for ten years.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your career?
I always wanted to help people. As a child my dream was to become a teacher. When I reached junior high school that dream quickly changed. I started out as a counselor in an alcohol detoxification ward and then went on to become a caseworker in foster care and then later for many years in preventive services. I realized that social work was what I was "called" to do.
My grandmother stepped in to help my father raise me and my siblings, and I never got to say thank you. Working in kinship care and assisting relatives who are raising children is a way to say thank you and to give back for me.
Q. What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the African American community and how can social workers help?
The African American community faces the same challenges as everyone else in this economic crisis. Social workers can help by providing resources and services to the African American community.
A particular challenge facing the African American community though is overcoming stigmas associated with accepting services and needed help. Social workers can assist families in getting necessary resources and services within their cultural context.
Also, caregiving is a natural part of our culture and often caregivers don't seek services to assist them in this role and neglect their own health and welfare. Social workers can help caregivers get necessary services and take care of themselves.
To find a social worker in your area, please click here.
Honors and Publications
Ms. Pyle was honored as one of the “100 WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR CITY” by The New York Daily News in 2004:
“ROLANDA PYLE: They never plan for things to turn out this way. Which is why grandparents thrust into the role of primary caregiver – the result of divorce, child abuse, drug abuse, AIDS or jail – often lack the money, resources or strength to start all over again. That’s where Pyle comes in. The head of the Department of Aging Grandparents Resource Center – the first of its kind in the nation – the Brooklyn-born social worker has spent a decade helping grannies-turned-parents find everything from warm meals to warm coats to warm hearts.”
Ms. Pyle was awarded:
Ms. Pyle is the author of:
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She is a contributor to:
You can learn more about Ms. Pyle’s publications at www.rorosrainbowcommunications.com.
