The website www.nationaltoday.com/national-social-work-month/, the National Association of Social Workers introduced National Professional Social Work Month in 1963. NASW broadcast ad campaigns on television to encourage public interest and support in the social work profession; they gained huge success, earning over 35,000 letters of support.
In 1984, Democratic Senators and a co-sponsored Republican introduced National Social Work Month in March. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law to make March National Social Work Month a time to acknowledge all social workers in America.
Social workers work in a variety of organizations, such as schools, jails, prisons, state or federal correctional facilities, community-based services, health services such as mental health, home health, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, rehabilitation services, and hospitals; businesses, associations, corporations, political organizations, child welfare services, and state and local government agencies.
Social workers give their time and energy working for the well-being of their clients, such as helping them gain control of their lives, making lifestyle adjustments, and dealing with emotional, psychological, and social challenges they face. They work for children, youths, the elderly, military and veterans, offenders, and victims with the following cases:
- Abuse and neglect.
- Behavior problems.
- Social problems.
- Family problems.
- Poverty.
- Chronic and terminal illness.
- Developmental disabilities
- Physical disabilities.
- Mental problems.
- Substance abuse.
- Trauma.
Social workers provide resources and refer people to social, community, and welfare services that can help them, such as financial assistance, child care and support, foster care, affordable and supportive housing, and residential services.
Social workers help those with physical disabilities, medical problems, and mental problems understand their diagnosis and help them find appropriate healthcare, rehabilitation, group therapy, mental health prevention resources, medical treatment, and counseling services. They help patients secure safe housing to assist them with their disabilities. They also help clients find appropriate transportation to or from appointments or work. Social workers also provide educational resources for health insurance coverage for patients and their families.
Social workers provide crisis interventions and patient education for those with mental problems, substance abuse, hospice or palliative care, and trauma. Social workers also make referrals and resources for counseling services, such as substance abuse, anger management, and domestic violence.
According to the website www.socialworkers.org, social workers are called at schools to help students, families, and teachers address the following issues: truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of physical, emotional, or economic problems.
Social workers deserve appreciation for their hard work and dedication to people’s lives, but whatever they do, they must do their work heartily as for the Lord Jesus rather than men (Colossians 3:23, New American Standard Bible). The Lord blesses all social workers with His favor, but He will bless the social workers who are Christians with a reward to inherit His kingdom (Matthew 25:34, Colossians 3:24, New King James Version).
May God bless all the social workers and their services throughout this month—Kenneth Sullivan