Each year in March, the nation observes National Social Work Month, highlighting the many positive contributions of the profession. For the year 2021, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has chosen the theme: Social Workers are Essential. This is of course a fitting theme, as social workers are truly essential to the well-being of our community.
A Diverse Profession
Social workers practice in many levels of many sectors. From helping individuals and families, to working with schools and businesses, to even crafting laws and policies for the government, the areas of practice are endless. Social work is the only helping profession which requires social justice advocacy as part of its professional code of ethics, and is therefore a large workforce mandated to advance the rights of the most vulnerable in society.
Social Work’s Impact Throughout the the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have played a vital role in advocating for patients and families. Securing access to telehealth for the greater community, advocating for isolated older adults, keeping families and patients connected, and making sure that homebound individuals still received meals are all just some of the ways that social workers have cared for our community throughout this past year. These are invaluable, and indeed essential, professionals.
Social Workers of the Wilf Campus for Senior Living
The Wilf Campus for Senior Living would like to recognize our very own social workers who support our seniors and their families throughout our organization: Joadine Venescar, MSW, LSW; Lori Dillon, MSW and Rochelle McSam, MA, MSW of Stein Hospice; and Mary Jo Masucci, MSW, LSW of Wilentz Senior Residence. We also extend thanks to all of the social workers in the community who have partnered with the Wilf Campus for Senior Living to support our seniors.
Mary Jo, who joined the Wilf Campus at the start of this month, had this to say when asked what the field of social work means to her, “I take great satisfaction in helping people enhance their well-being by providing them with support services and resources necessary to assist them in coping with problems they face in their daily lives. Supporting their needs and promoting their optimal quality of life is a rewarding aspect of my work.”
We are proud to celebrate the work that our employees have dedicated to the seniors in our community. Happy Social Work Month!
The Wilf Campus for Senior Living is comprised of Stein Assisted Living, Wilf At Home, Stein Hospice, Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, and The Foundation at the Wilf Campus. For more information, contact us at 732-649-3502, [email protected] or visit us at www.wilfcampus.org.