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Social
Work Students Are "Forging Solutions Out of Challenges"
Special to The Truth
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
each March honors the 600,000 social workers in the U.S. who
have a wholehearted dedication to serving and helping those
in need. This year´s theme is "Forging Solutions Out of
Challenges." Social workers regularly deal with the
challenging issues that society faces. NASW recognizes these
dedicated professionals who forge solutions and helps others
reach their full potential and make our nation a better
place to live.
Improving the quality of life
Those who choose a career in social work are
dedicated to improving the overall quality of life of those
they serve. The social work profession addresses the quality
of direct and deliverable services as well as accessibility,
accountability and coordination among professionals and
agencies. Lourdes University offers an exceptional social
work program. Designed to prepare graduates to possess
excellent communication skills and be effective listeners,
the liberal arts education broadens students´ knowledge of
the world and various cultures allowing them to best serve
their clients whose everyday life is presented with various
emotional, mental and social challenges.
In teaching students to view ethnic, sexual,
racial identity and differing abilities from a
culturally-competent, strengths-based perspective, Lourdes
University graduates are prepared to serve at-risk
populations, advocate for human rights and social justice,
engage in critical thinking, evaluate practice research and
examine personal values and professional ethics. Graduates
often further their education with a Master of Social Work,
many enrolling in the graduate social work program of St.
Louis University that is offered on the Lourdes campus.
The Lourdes program is unique because of its
faith-informed focus that is derived from the university´s
Catholic Franciscan traditions. Joyce Litten, PhD,
associate professor of Social Work and Nursing, explains
that the program has "a professional identity with the same
accreditations as other programs, but is more spiritually
focused."
Possessing strong ties with the North
American Association of Christians in Social Work (NASCW),
the Lourdes program bonds the practices of social work with
the Christian mission. Students are also encouraged to
attend and network with their peers at NACSW´s yearly
convention.
Making a difference in the broader community
Lourdes social work students have a presence
in the regional community. Being active citizens allows them
to better understand the people they will one day serve.
Recent outreach projects have included Tent City Toledo, the
Toledo Heroin Rally and an on-campus child abuse prevention
awareness program. Litten stresses to her students the
important role they play in this profession. "It is more
than charity; we as social workers are called to be a part
of social justice," she says.
Not only does the program reach out to
Toledo-area communities, it also offers opportunities to
help those abroad. Terry Keller, assistant professor and
chairman of Social Work, hosts an annual study abroad
program to serve communities in Ireland. This experience
gives students a one-of-a-kind experience to work with a
different culture.
Prepared for success
Accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education, graduates of the Lourdes program are well
prepared to pursue a master´s degree and begin their
professional career. In the last three years, 100 percent of
social work graduates secured employment in their field
before graduation.
To learn more about the Lourdes University
social work program, visit
www.lourdes.edu/socialwork
or call 419-885-5291 419-885-5291.
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