Power Profiles
James Milton: Fatally Ill Helped at home
Medical social worker, James Milton focuses on making sure that
dying people can spend their last days in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by
loved ones. The ProCare Hospice provides the social workers, nurses, and equipment needed
to care for someone at home instead of a hospital when doctors believe the person has six
months or less to live. Social workers and other hospice workers evaluate each new patient
to make sure they meet hospice guidelines and then arrange for pain management and
equipment such as oxygen and walkers. Many patients in this type of care are affected by
lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Social workers through ProCare
hospice offer a bereavement group available to anyone grieving for a loved one.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News
November 19, 2001
Social worker doctoral student Michael Palmer works for American Indians and against
drugs.
Michael Palmer, a doctoral student of social work and a Cherokee
descendant, works for the Center of Multicultural Cooperation and serves as the First
Nation Counselor. In that position he advocates for American Indians. His goals are to
open the American Indian population, both in community and on campus, to opportunities and
raising the awareness of others to American Indian culture and struggles. Currently,
Palmer is working on a project to help people in south Dallas drug treatment centers and
youth in drug prevention programs. The patients create multimedia projects for children to
deter drug use.
Newspaper: Shorthorn, Arlington, TX
Linda C. Reeser: State social agencies try
to close door on danger
Linda C. Reeser, a professor of social work at Western Michigan
University in Kalamazoo, suggests that all human service agencies need to have safety
policies and training. "There is a huge need in social services in general because
the workers intervene in people’s lives at times when they are vulnerable. The social
service workers may represent ‘the system’ that people may feel wronged
them," she says. There is mandatory safety training for all social work students at
WMU by focusing on interpersonal skills. Reeser teaches her students "street
smarts." They learn to look at the environments they enter and understand the
background characteristics of a case and an individual that might predict violence. Reeser
said the students are taught to build a rapport with someone who is becoming upset and
taught to listen—to allow the person to vent—find out what is triggering the
emotion and address the irate person’s options.
Newspaper: Herald-Palladium, Michigan
September 2, 2001
Steven Vogelstein and Dean Callistein:
Sacked and Sidelined: Bipolar disorder takes high school senior out of the game.
A high school student will not be on the football team this year,
arguably through no fault of his own, but due to the misdiagnosis of a behavior disorder.
No one knows exactly how many children and adolescents with bipolar disorder are
misdiagnosed, but it is "very common," said Steven Vogelstein, a social worker
with the Josselyn Center in Northfield, a not-for-profit organization providing mental
health services for children and adolescents in Chicago’s north suburbs.
Dean Callistein, a Deerfield resident and social worker, is also highlighted in this
story pointing out that bipolar adolescents who are given an antidepressant sometimes
engage in dangerously reckless behavior. Also, given a stimulant such as Ritalin to calm
children with ADHD down can cause a bipolar child to become more edgy, irritable and
impulsive, he says.
Newspaper: Lake Forester Lake Bluff, Illinois
September 27, 2001
Greg Risberg: Laughing is good for you
Social worker and motivation speaker, Greg Risberg, tells people to
try to laugh 24 times a day and give at lest four hugs. Laughing, he says, not only makes
you feel good, but it promotes good health, strengthens relationships and reduces stress.
He says that hurting and neglected children who end up in social programs, court or even
jail really need and appreciate [the workers].
Newspaper: Register-News, Illinois
September 29, 2001
Sandra Warden-Becker: Rebellion stays
a part of teen life
In a story about teen rebellion, clinical social worker, Sandra
Warden-Becker says that teens test limits to find out who they are. "They want to be
different from their family, yet fit in with their peer group," she says. She also
says that adolescence is a time of soul-searching. Teens and adults often clash when it
comes to pop culture fads, such as music. Becker-Warden said that teens often try to
imitate the clothing of movie stars and musicians because they are looking for role
models. Parents need to learn how to listen to what children are saying. "Parents
shouldn’t ask questions intrusively but should be supportive when they talk to their
children," she said, "They should say, ‘How can I help you with your
struggles?’ instead of ‘I’ll fix it for you." Becker-Warden also said
parents should be wary if their teens become reclusive or if parents suspect their teens
are abusing alcohol or drugs.
Newspaper: Belleville News-Democrat, Illinois
September 9, 2001
Peggy Hendry: Medicaid: Only for the
financially devastated
In an article about Medicaid, hospice social worker, Peggy Hendry
said, "Let’s not make villains of responsible people blindsided by healthcare
costs." She continues, "The people I see worked hard all their lives in order to
retire to modest homes. The healthier of the two spouses is exhausted from not sleeping,
and from lifting the other from wheelchair to bed and back again…(Moreover) this
caregiver spouse usually has health problems as well. (Sadly), their funds have been
depleted by hospital co-pays and costly medicines. When I come into their lives, they have
accepted that one partner is going to die soon. Spending down for these people often means
turning over the last few thousand dollars for a first month in a nursing home."
Thereafter, they are eligible for Medicaid.
Hendry adds, "People who need Medicaid are already ashamed because they have
nothing to leave their children. Many people prefer to die in misery, just so they can
leave their home to their children, instead of the state," the collector of Medicaid
debts.
Al Way: Lansing Task Force look for answer
to teen prostitution
Lansing’s Teen Crisis Task Force was created to help teen
prostitutes and is comprised of social and law enforcement agencies, church leaders and a
state representative. Task force member and social worker, Al Way, Child Services program
director for Clinton-Eagle-Ingham Community Mental Health, is featured in the article. The
Task Force is using Detroit’s Alternatives for Girl’s as a guide for a possible
program in Lansing. According to the social workers at the shelter, it is successful
because of the suggestions made by the residents. The shelter is constantly changing to
better accommodate them. The shelter is a community-based, non-profit organization located
in Southwest Detroit. The focus is helping the girls stay in school. The idea for the
shelter came from the realization that girls and women ages 16 to 20 were turning to
prostitution to earn money for their families. The shelter provides services such as
helping the girls finish school, find jobs, and works with them for up to 18 months after
they move out of the shelter. It provides dance, self-defense, arts and crafts, and other
activities to build self-confidence. They are also involved in community outreach. Social
workers go into the streets to pass out harm-reduction information and information on
crisis hotlines so the girls can get help.
Newspaper: Lansing State Journal, MI
Coleen Travers-Reaume: Free from the
maze
Social worker Coleen Travers-Reaume, who specializes in treating
persons addicted to drugs and alcohol is featured in this article. She will begin a
workshop entitled, "Walking the Talk: using the Labyrinth as a 12-step Tool for
healing." The labyrinth on the grounds of the Christ the King Cathedral has been
walked by hundreds of people every year. After Travers-Reaume starts her program, those
with substance abuse problems will be able to use the labyrinth as a tool to help them
maintain a sense of balance and serenity. Travers-Reaume adds, "Unlike the
‘maze’ of addiction that leads people further and further away from their true
self, the Labyrinth permits people to find their center."
Newspaper: Kalamazoo Gazette, MI
September 8, 2001
Karen DiSanto: Learning Curve: School social
worker
School social worker, Karen DiSanto, is featured on an article
describing the ways school social workers help students whose emotional or mental problems
interfere with their schoolwork. DiSanto was the School Social Worker of the Year in
Missouri for 2000-2001. School social workers, including DiSanto, are the link between the
home, the school and the community. DiSanto meets with students to find out what upsets
them, she meets with families and works as a liaison between the school and the parents.
She also works with children to help them learn appropriate social skills such as fair
play, cooperation and manners. She counsels playground bullies and victims.
Newspaper: The Kansas City Star
September 29, 2001
Sharon Allen: ‘Loving Spirit’
Helps Thousands
Sharon Allen, an outstanding social worker of 30 years, currently
directs the United Methodist Free Store in Columbus, Ohio. The store provides free
clothing and household items to anyone who seeks them. Sharon is featured in the Columbus
Dispatch as a ‘Loving Spirit’ who helps anyone in need. She has helped thousands
of people over the years from children to adults and is often referred to as "a
backyard Mother Theresa." Sharon says, "My mother taught me: ‘Don’t
feel sorry for yourself; there’s always somebody worse off than you.’"
Newspaper: Columbus Dispatch- 1/4/02
Vivian Greenberg: Growing Old Along with Me
Vivian Greenberg, clinical social worker in Pennington, shares her
views on parents caring for their adult disabled children in the Times Newspaper in
Trenton, NJ. Vivian is a dedicated professional who specializes in the relationships
between older adults and their families. In her column, she reflects on an elderly woman
who cared for her adult son suffering from schizophrenia. While many elderly parents are
not burdened with the worry of caring for an adult child, she reminds us that there are
others out there who are not as fortunate. Vivian continues to offer assistance to those
in need and encourages readers to be supportive in any way to those individuals who are
still not yet worry free.
Newspaper: Times-1/6/02
Judith Kennedy: Parenting Grandmother Works
to Help Others Raising Children
Council on Aging social worker, Judith Kennedy teams up with
grandparent, Lois Plumb, to organize the Grandparents as Parents (GAP) group. GAP is being
established to aid grandparents faced with the responsibility of caring for their
grandchildren. "They need to be accepted, recognized and empowered", says Judith
who was quoted in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. She believes the legal system has to change
to make it easier for grandparents to function in the role as parents. Judith is seeking
grandparents who live in North Hampton and are interested in joining the group.
Newspaper: Daily Hampshire Gazette-1/5/02
Kathryn Kendall: Local Counselor Helps Those
in New York City Cope with Aftermath of Sept. 11 Attack
Kathryn Kendall, a social worker with the Buffalo Psychiatric Center
in New
York, discusses the emotional and physical impact of the Sept. 11 attack. Her story is
featured in the Observer (NY). Kathryn traveled to New York City on Oct. 19 to serve as a
disaster relief mental health counselor. Her job was to provide emotional support and
allow families and workers to experience the next step in the grieving process. She
stated, "A debriefing is intended to start the emotional release. It’s to start
that process of being able to talk and let down what they saw and felt." Kathryn is
just one of the many examples of how social workers have an incredible impact on our
lives.
Newspaper: Observer-1/1/02
Mike Gibson Spent more than 30 Years in a
Tough Job
Social work is a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Mike Gibson
devoted nearly 40 years of his life to solving problems and helping people in McDowell
County. McDowell News reports that his outstanding service was recently recognized by the
Social Services Board of Directors at the McDowell County Commission Meeting. Over a
period 37 years Mike saw the workload grow with the county, and upheld what the social
work profession is all about. He believes that social work was his calling. McDowell
County considers itself lucky to have had such a dedicated social worker on their side.
Newspaper: McDowell News-1/16/02
Social Worker Joan Perris to retire at 70
Social Worker Joan
Perris will celebrate her 70th birthday by deciding to retire. She worked the
last 10 years at Senior Coastsiders in Half Moon Bay, helping area seniors navigate social
and healthcare systems. After many years of working in business and raising three
children, Perris went to San Francisco State and received her Master’s of Social Work
at age 59. Her first full-time social work position was with Coastside Independent Elders
Coalition, which had determined that seniors on the coast were in the greatest need for
these services. The position eventually was funded by Senior Coastsiders and Perris, who
helped initiate the programs, became a permanent part of the organization.
Outlet: San Mateo County Times
Date: Jan 18, 2002
Cindy Bratcher: Red Cross trains social workers for disaster relief
County Department of Human Resources (DHR) social workers learn to be more comfortable
in the future counseling people when disaster strikes thanks to training implemented by
the Red Cross. The training comes at a time when diverse emergency agencies have stepped
up preparations for both natural and man-made disasters. DHR is among the group of local
agencies included in the county’s mass care plan. Social Worker and DHR Director,
Cindy Bratcher said the training program is seen as a better alternative than having DHR
employees learn the ropes under fire as they are dispatched to a shelter. "You hope
there is no disaster," Bratcher said, "But you want to be prepared and feel
skilled at what you are doing."
Outlet: Times Daily, Florence Alabama
Date: Jan 19, 2002
Michaele Houston: Counselor finesses life’s endgame
Social Worker Michaele Houston believes thinking and talking about death is as natural
as breathing. She retired from her job as director of a child abuse prevention program 12
years ago, but spends about 20 hours a week as a volunteer case manager with the advocacy
organization Compassion in Dying of Oregon. The group is best known for its support of
assisted suicide. As a case manager, Houston does everything from attending doctor’s
appointments with her clients to encouraging them to enroll in a hospice program and
listening to their life stories.
Houston says, "I strongly believe that nobody should die alone unless they choose
to, and some of the people we deal with have no family."
Outlet: Portland Tribune, Portland, Oregon
Date: Jan 11, 2002
Dr. Annette Giovanazzi: Dr. Annette Giovanazzi
At Baldwin High School, school social worker Dr. Annette Giovanazzi has begun a special
informal program for students and their families. In the school’s main office sits a
plain glass jar, each payday, faculty members put money in the jar and give it to
Giovanazzi. She uses this money to help families who live in the school
district—she’s been able to buy students new coats, new shoes and take them
shopping at the beginning of the next school year. The Baldwin High social worker
doesn’t know exactly how the staff became involved in the giving process; it was
something that evolved over time. Through donations from various staff members and
Whitehall Lions Club, Giovanazzi was able to help more than 50 families during the
holidays. When donations come in, Giovanazzi knows the families well enough from her
dealings with them to know who needs help and she then distributes the gifts accordingly.
Reflecting on what the faculty members have been able to do for community families,
Giovanazzi said she is proud of the staff.
Outlet: Daily News, Mckeesport, PA
Date: Jan 26, 2002
Monica Bruning: Future uncertain for town social services program
Through the Directions Program, a pilot program which began under the Greenwich
Department of Social Services in 1999, social workers like Monica Bruning—a mental
health social worker—tried to connect with high school students with special needs
attempting to build a relationship that would continue after graduation. Many students
need the introduction to the social services they might need after graduation. The program
focused on students enrolled in special education classes and who have psychiatric
problems that might prevent them from successfully finding work or attending
post-secondary school.
Outlet: Greenwich Time, Greenwich, CT
Date: Jan 18, 2002
Susan Sarachek and Alice Lieberman: Adoption Services: Employees Help Establish
Loving Families
Adoption Advocates, a Kansas City adoption agency is directed by social worker Susan
Sarachek who connects families with children they can call their own while ensuring that
the birth mother feels comfortable with the life-changing decisions they face. Associate
professor of social welfare at the University of Kansas, Alice Lieberman, says,
"Helping someone create a family can be wonderfully fulfilling…Adoption is the
happiest are of child welfare work." She adds,"Much of child welfare is
difficult."
Senior staff associate at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), LaVoyce
Reid, says work in adoption services is a steady career…Interest in international
adoptions has been increasing in recent years."
Outlet: Kansas City Star
Date: Jan 24, 2002
Gerri Rhoades: Baby Boomers confronting dilemma of aging parents
Many baby boomers are thrust into the dilemma of aging parents who suddenly show signs
of mental or physical deterioration, and are thrust into finding help. Many are caring
long-distance—an average of four hours away—for their ailing parent. According
to Gerri Rhoades, a social worker, "Women in their 40’s and 50’s balancing
obligations as mother and daughter tend to feel the sharpest pinch."
"A lot of people feel guilty and ashamed if they are having a wonderful time, and
they get angry at themselves," she said. Then there are the parents who haven’t
mentioned to their children that they can’t get down the steps on their own or read
labels on their medicine bottles. When their children see it for themselves, they often
pick up the phone, Rhoades added.
Outlet: Detroit Free Press
Date: Jan 14, 2002
Raychel Grestini: Native returns to help teens
At 23, Raychel Grestini will be first to head Cohoes Human Services department in more
than a decade. The mayor said Grestini was exactly what he was looking for in his
city’s struggles with wayward teens. Grestini is a certified social worker with a
master’s degree from the University of Albany. She’s been a youth counselor at
The Den—the city’s teen drop-in center, and spent a year and a half working as a
substance abuse counselor at OASIS in Saratoga Springs. Grestini will not only focus on
the teen problems in the town, but will also have a focus on services for the elderly
population by initiating transportation and meal services.
Outlet: Times Union, Albany NY
Date: Jan 22, 2002
Jane Hayward: New director to balance human needs, budget priorities
The state Department of Social Services new director, social worker Jane Hayward says
she is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. She hopes to maintain the lowest
number of uninsured children nationwide, and will continue to work to support family
health. Senior and disabled citizen healthcare, veterans affairs, rehabilitation services,
and the Rhode Island Veterans Home, and Veterans Cemetery are a few of the issues weighing
on her mind in this new position. Hayward began her social work career in 1973, she says,
"Being a social worker can be very rewarding, seeing someone’s life change. But
now, I can implement policy on a wider scale and influence more people." Her future
plans for statewide health care include focusing on long-term health care for the elderly
and disabled. She also hopes to educate Rhode Islanders about health care alternatives.
Outlet: South County Independent, Wakefield, RI
Date: Nov 22, 2001
Paula Horner, ACSW: Piecing together the puzzle of Alzheimer’s
In a story about Alzheimer’s disease, social worker Paula Horner, ACSW who works
in the dementia clinic at the Coatesville Medical Center, says that coming to terms with
the disease can be overwhelming. Family members go through a grieving process, she said.
"In the beginning, there is a denial that there is anything wrong, and in those
stages where behavior is changing there is often a great deal of anger because there is no
understanding of the disease process. The changes can be perceived as premeditated
behavior, a lack of sensitivity and a lack of kindness." As time progresses, a state
of shock sets in followed by feeling overwhelmed, anxious and fearful.
Horner recommends acquiring knowledge and establishing a support base early in the
disease process to take away some of the fear and uncertainty. Educational seminars at
local hospitals, the County Department of Aging, local support groups, adult day care
centers and the clergy can be excellent resources. "It’s important for the
family to bite the bullet and try to get information early in the game. By building a
knowledge base, it takes away the fear (so that) you don’t have to deal with the fear
as well as the Alzheimer’s patient. You don’t want to drain off any of your
emotional energy than you need to."
Scott Miller: All you need is (puppy) love: Therapy dogs are an object lesson for
students
School social worker Scott Miller and his dog, Captain, work with kids "who are
having emotional problems that interfere with school." He wants them to be
successful; he works with families to help students succeed both at home and at school.
His dog, Mariner’s Captain Denali, a registered Newfoundland who is Canadian National
Champion and just a few points away from being AKC Champion is a certified therapy dog.
Miller hopes Captain will "help build bridges with kids who would never come see
me." Students swarm all around Captain, wanting to pet the lovable giant. "You
can see how well it works," Miller said," Somehow dogs break down walls quickly.
Then I can do a better job as a social worker here."
Outlet: Spectator, Hornell, NY
Date: Jan 20, 2002
Gary Direnfeld: The Promise: Program encourages safe driving among teens (and
their parents)
Canadian social worker Gary Direnfeld launched a program throughout North America
called "I Promise." The program is a new initiative to reduce the risk of car
crashes involving teens. It includes a parent-teen contract and a public commitment to
safe driving. A decal displaying an 800 number encouraging the public to report bad
driving is placed in the rear window of the car. Direnfeld says, "I thought it would
be good for me to focus my attention on prevention."
Outlet: El Paso Times, TX
Date: Jan 19, 2002
Rhonda Pupella and Sarah Craig: Clearing away the clouds: Depression is common
and easily treated mental illness
In Ballenger Texas, Rhonda Pupella, a social worker, and Sarah Craig are on a mission
about "Stepping Stones"—an outpatient mental health clinic offered by
Ballenger Memorial Hospital. The program is designed for those experiencing problems of
depression, extended grief reactions, anxiety, mood disorders, thought disturbances, panic
and delusional disorders or other emotional difficulties. "Although depression is the
most common emotional health problem in the nation, it’s the most treatable, Pupella
said, "With a good combination of medication and therapy, 70 to 90 percent is
treatable. People do get better."
Outlet: Standard-Times, San Angelo, TX
Date: Jan 22, 2002
Lida Simpson: Schmieding Center serves as resource: medical care, rehabilitation,
education for seniors to be offered under one roof.
This story about the Schmieding Center which is a partnership of the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences Donald W. Reynolds Center of Aging in Little Rock, Arkansas
Health Education Center—Northwest in Fayetteville, and Northwest health. Lida
Simpson, a social worker at the Center, provides case coordination among patients, family,
caregivers, and the geriatric team and community agencies. The goal of helping patients
achieve and maintain their optimum level of functional ability and independence regardless
of age or underlying health problems is emphasized with all patients and families. Simpson
is available to help families in locating appropriate alternative living arrangements when
patients cannot remain at home.
Outlet: Fayetteville Morning News, AR
Date: Jan 30, 2002
Stacey Tallon: Youth-to-youth prevents drug, alcohol use
Youth-to-youth, a program to help teens choose a drug-free lifestyle will be offered to
Pavilion’s junior and senior high school students. Coordinators and members of the
Genessee County’s Stop the Madness Partnership hope other schools will see the merits
of the program and offer it to their students.
Schools social worker Stacey Tallon said, "I hope other schools buy into this to
make it a county wide program." If schools can share resources, the program will be
less expensive for everyone, she said.
Youth-to-Youth is a positive peer prevention program to help reduce the onset of drugs
and alcohol, Tallon said. Four basic elements of the program are information and
education, personal growth, environmental change and drug-free alternatives.
Outlet: Daily News, Batavia, NY
Date: Jan. 31, 2002
Maria M. Caley: Party gathers seniors together: Social worker says city’s
elderly need special Valentine
Maria M. Caley, a Marlborough social worker, along with the expert help of the
Marlborough Council on Aging hosted a party for seniors at the beginning of February.
"’Some Enchanted Evening’ is about creating the possibility of glamour, fun
and connectedness within the senior community," said Caley. "Sometimes senior
residents feel forgotten and isolated. They don’t have many opportunities to feel
special and it can often be difficult to find events that are fun," she said.
"This is a party at no cost that offers dinner, music, dancing." Because Caley
is a social worker specializing in contract work with handling Medicaid applications for
nursing homes, she has constant contact with Marlborough’s elderly residents.
Glynis Dale: At the Lincoln Middle School in Warren, students in he Lincoln Ladies
of Distinction weekly after-school club learn grooming, healthy living and manners. The
club helps guide young women through the challenges that teens face today. Social worker,
Glynis Dale, who also sponsors the club, said the goal is to promote the positive
academics and increase social, emotional and physical growth. "When you give them a
little boost, it prepares them for life and for their future," said Dale. "We
hope they will feel less out of place, and more confident about themselves."
Outlet:Detroit News
Date: Jan 21, 2002
Cheryl Ubelhor, ACSW and Judy Sandy, ACSW: Experts: Suicide can be impulsive
In a story about the suicide of the Late Judge George Heid, experts said that suicide
can sometimes be impulsive. "I think there are always signs we can look for,"
said Cheryl Ubelhor, ACSW, licensed clinical social worker and executive director of the
Lafayette Crisis Center. "The tragedy is the person who is suicidal tries to hide the
signs from people, because they don’t want to upset them. They think hiding the
signs, they are protecting them. But they forget about the pain associated with
death." The high-risk groups include police officers, gamblers, the unemployed,
homosexual and bisexual men, Native Americans and young African American males. Women are
more likely to attempt suicide, but the completion rate is higher for men.
Judy Sandy, ACSW, licensed clinical social worker with Arlington Counseling says,
"With someone who is in a public position, it would be hard to show signs. Educated
people can keep it to themselves well." A suicide attempt can be a cry for help, said
Sandy, who responded to such emergencies in Grant County as part of a mental health team.
Outlet: Journal and Courier, Lafayette, IN
Date: Jan 22, 2002
Linda Wasserman: Overflow shelter program begins again at St. Andrews
St. Andrews Overflow Shelter Program, which is sponsored by the Interreligious
Fellowship for the Homeless (the IRF), is one of many area churches and temples that hosts
homeless under the guidance of IRF. Social worker Linda Wasserman administers the St.
Andrews Food Pantry which available to any needy person in the wider county area. She also
is available for anyone in the area who faces distressing circumstances.
Outlet: Suburbanite, Creskill, NJ
Date: Jan. 23, 2002
Martin and Patricia Msseemmaa: Opposites attract: Couple uses racial, cultural
differences to celebrate diversity
In a story about social workers, Martin and Patricia Msseemmaa and their family, their
mixed racial and cultural marriage acts as a message to the world about celebrating
diversity. Martin came to the United States from Tanzania to obtain a degree in social
work and now works for the Department of Children and Family Services as a case worker.
Patricia is a school social worker at Lincoln and Jefferson Schools in Ottawa. The story
talks about how each member of the family values diversity and what being bi-racial means
to their children.
Outlet: Daily news, Ottawa, IL
Date: Jan 24, 2002
