Thank a social worker

Ever since I joined the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization nearly 20 years ago, I have always wanted to work in a field that helped people. I wanted to do something that made a difference in the lives of families and children within my community. For the past 16 years, I have been fortunate enough to do that right here in Hamilton County as a social worker.

So have many of my co-workers. Currently, Job and Family Services has hundreds of social workers who provide support to children, families and the elderly. While I try to celebrate them all year round, March is a very special month that celebrates social workers.

Each March, the National Association of Social Workers honors social workers across the country with National Professional Social Work Month. This years theme Social Work: Purpose and Possibility is aimed at defining the social work profession and recruiting others to join the field.

I think the National Association of Social Workers Web site says it best: “We know that social workers are passionate, purpose-driven individuals who want to do an excellent service for individuals and communities … they understand that the potential of clients and communities is plentiful.”

Without social workers, this agency would not exist. The social workers at this agency are some of the most hard-working, dedicated individuals I have ever seen. I am proud to work with people who go out of their way to make sure the county’s children and families are kept safe and secure.

If you know a social worker, thank them. Thank them for the optimism and hope they have for children, families and the elderly. Thank them for the kindness they show to each and every individual they encounter. Thank them for their encouragement and comfort. Thank them for their compassion.

I know that I plan to.

by Jim Tinker

Filed Under: Communication

Tagged: social work