Dan, Social Work
Kim, Social Work
Tamara, Social Work
Thank you to Dan, Kim and Tamara who serve the residents of Menno Place as our Social Workers!
The theme for Social Work Month is SOCIAL WORK BREAKS BARRIERS. Social Work month is celebrated in March each year.
It is the day that we celebrate the social work profession – and OUR social work professionals – and promote the vital work of social workers to the Canadian community, and globally!
Thank you to Dan, Kim and Tamara for modelling respect and care as you serve our vulnerable residents and their families each day.
“The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty” NASW
As a compassionate Christian community, we follow Jesus’ example of public ministry. The Gospels are full of examples of his concern for all people, especially the marginalized in society (sociologically and economically). He cared about people with incurable infectious disease (leprosy), those who were from ethnic groups that were seen as “below” the others (Samaritans), the disabled (the blind beggar) and the children (no power or authority).
A social worker’s mission compliments Jesus’ life and His mission to serve “the least of these”.
Jesus is telling a story about the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 25 when he tells the crowd, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these people, you did it for me.”
It is a radical statement in the Jewish culture in which Jesus lived. Instead of serving the powerful, rich, or religious, Jesus is describing millions of people who are in need of support in order to thrive in their lives. He is speaking of the person who is mentally or physically challenged; people who are without a home; people who are hungry, or refugees; people in prison; those who are not able to care for themselves. He doesn’t not mean that they are lesser. Instead, Jesus is encouraging us to take special care for those who may face challenges or be at a disadvantage.
As Mother Teresa of Calcutta put it, “When we look into the face of one of these dear people, we see the face of Jesus.”
Social work has existed for more than a century. The profession can trace a large part of its origin to Jane addams and Ellen Gates Star, who in 1889 opened Hull House in Chicago to provide social services to the area, which ad a large immigrant population.
Social workers, were, historically BARRIER BREAKERS. Francis Perkins, the first female Labor Secretary during the Great Depression, and others helped secure benefits we continue to use today, such as the 40-hour work week and minimum wage.
Each day, social workers help break down barriers that prevent people from living more fulfilling, enriched lives. They work on an individual level, helping people overcome personal crises like food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or limited access to appropriate resources.
