"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living. Growth demands a temporary surrender of security."
. . . Gail Sheehy
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"Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it with use."
. . . Ruth Gordon
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"Don't wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations."
. . . Charles Richter
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Social Work p.r.n. Just Awarded the Contract from the
State of Mississippi to
Provide Personnel and Programmatic Services
to the New Mississippi
Centralized Intake Program
Fall 2009
Jackson Mississippi
To better serve families in Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services is transitioning to a centralized intake system for all reports of abuse/neglect. Social Work p.r.n. will provide all personnel for the Centralized Intake Program. Social Workers from Social Work p.r.n. will ensure consistent reporting and screening processes, prompt response times, and accurate data collection of child and adult maltreatment reports. All reports of neglect in the State of Mississippi will be routed through this Centralized Intake program. For more information contact Kim Adams, MSW at: [email protected].
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Rashmi Shah
Accounting Manager, Corporate
Social Work p.r.n.
Rashmi has been with Social Work p.r.n. for ten years, holds a bachelors degree in Accounting, and is responsible for accounts receivables and payables. Previous work experience was in the mortgage banking industry both in India and the U.S.
She is originally from Mumbai (formerly Bombay) India and has lived in the U.S. since 1990. Rashmi met her husband, also from India, at a chance meeting through a mutual friend. He was living in the U.S. but vacationing in India. He proposed to Rashmi after three hours and they were married the next day. After six months of awaiting the proper paperwork Rashmi joined her husband in the U.S. Rashmi is now an American citizen and they have one daughter. Through the years Rashmi's brothers and mother have joined her to live in the U.S.
Adaptable would be a word to describe Rashmi as she adjusted in 1990 with enthusiasm to a new husband she barely knew, a new culture and country in addition to a new job in mortgage banking. Rashmi speaks four languages: Hindu and English (national languages of India), Marathi (her state language in India), and Gujarati (her mother's tongue). India consists of 28 states and 7 union territories with a parliamentary system of democracy. Each state in India legislates their own official language.
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Keeping those Valentine
Roses Fresh
Bacteria is the reason those beautiful roses never open and wilt.
- Start with cleaning your vase thoroughly with hot soapy water and a bottle brush or run the vase through the dishwasher or let it soak in a bleach/water solution. Never just rinse out your vase.
- Fill your vase with WARM water and add 4 tbs. of lemon juice, 2 tbs. of sugar and 1 tsp. of bleach.
- Remove all the extra leaves that would fall below the water line. Leaves submerged in water will rot.
- While submerged in a basin of water trim your rose stems 2 inches with a diagonal cut using a knife or scissors washed off with a bleach solution. This removes any air bubbles in the stem.
- Transfer the trimmed rose immediately to your vase filled with the warm water solution.
- Change the water every two to three days repeating the same process.
- If possible keep your vase of flowers in the refrigerator at night while you sleep.
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Organic Food
The entire organic food movement has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, yet often people do not clearly understand the definition of organic food. "Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation." Source: USDA Consumer Brochure When selecting organic beef one may see the term, "grass fed beef" which means simply the cattle are fed grass or pasture raised rather than being fed grain. Grass fed beef is generally lower in fat and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Organic food is nutritious and very tasty yet organic produce may look not as colorful or well presented as other conventionally grown produce in stores. How do I make the switch if interested?
- Find out which stores in your area sell organic produce, meat, and poultry. Many conventional stores are adding organic products because of consumer demand.
- Read labels carefully. Not every label that says "natural" is truly organic.
- Start out committing to a few organic products when you shop. Everyday items such as milk, butter, bread or meat are good places to start.
- Check out local farmers markets in your area where organic produce is sold. They are great resources for recipes for produce in season.
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Welcome to the Social Work p.r.n.
Quarterly E-Newsletter! Please check out our featured articles and for
more information visit our website at: www.socialworkprn.com
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South Florida Agencies Plan
"Roadmap for Aging: A Day to Point the Way"
An Event to Help Seniors, Promote Volunteerism, Recognize Social Workers.
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Information contributed by Myra Gross Schoen,
Broward County Coalition on Aging.
Broward County Coalition on Aging (BCOA) has created a day of
volunteerism, called "Roadmap for Aging: A Day to Point the Way," to help
seniors and their families.
BCOA is calling upon professional case managers and social workers
to volunteer a few hours of service to meet with individual seniors and their
families. "Families need direction in navigating the maze of agencies and
resources that can help them identify the 'destinations' that best address
their individual needs," said Ray Levi, BCOA president.
Partnering with Miami-Dade's Jewish Community Services of South
Florida and Palm Beach County's Partnership for Aging, the Broward County
organization has designated May 20, 2010 as a day of volunteerism. The three
not-for-profit organizations are recruiting area social workers and case
managers to volunteer as "Roadmap Specialists." Volunteers will offer
one-on-one sessions with seniors and their families at cooperating senior
centers in the South Florida tri-county area.
According to Levi, "The 'Roadmap' concept was developed to promote
volunteerism and give back to the community. Recognizing the tremendous work
they do, we're asking social workers and case managers to volunteer their
services for a few hours on May 20th, while we shine a light on
their dedication by publicizing and promoting the event."
While serving individual seniors and caregivers who need services
but don't know where to turn, BCOA and its partners hope the event will
also
promote advocacy for seniors at the highest level. "We want to influence power
brokers, decision-makers and policy makers on the increasing needs for senior resources
as the next generation - baby boomers - begin to swell the ranks of the older
population," Levi said.
Information on a variety of quality of life issues - such as
housing, financial, home care, family or individual counseling, legal, and
relocation placements - will be provided by Roadmap Specialists. Unlike a
generalized health fair, appointments must be made in advance. Trained
professional case managers will offer individual guidance to the guest.
Follow-up assistance will be available at the host senior centers for future
services.
Volunteers will be oriented to provide consistent documentation
throughout each location and each individual served. Although the event is free
and open to the public, sponsorships are being sought to underwrite any
miscellaneous costs. Potential volunteers will be invited to a planned case
manager/social worker orientation luncheon in January 2010. The luncheon will
be underwritten by the host facility.
"Our goal is to arm seniors, families, and caregivers with tools
and a direction to follow in solving problems and to educate the general public
on issues facing seniors," Levi said. "It's a win-win situation - seniors will
benefit and the skills and dedication of the professionals will be
highlighted. We anticipate that the event's success will ensure it as an
annual South Florida tradition, and that it will serve as a model to be
replicated in other parts of the country."
For more information about this event or to model an event in your area, please
contact: Ray Levi, Jewish Family Service of Broward County, [email protected], 954-370-2140.
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Social Work Practice in New Zealand
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By Erin Motzer, LCSW,
Affiliate of Social Work p.r.n., Chicago office
New Zealand has a population of just over 4 million people and is located in the Southern Hemisphere, about 1000 miles from its neighboring country, Australia. One of the most common questions I received when announcing that I had made the decision to move to New Zealand to practice social work was, "why New Zealand?" For me, the answer was quite simple - it is a country full of diversity, culture, beauty, and opportunity. The need for professional social workers within New Zealand is strong and the opportunities, endless.The process of finding employment within New Zealand was not a difficult task using the immigration website to obtain information about visas/permits, etc. and then searching online at www.co.nz for jobs. My interview was done via the phone and the process of applying for the visa/work permit was quite easy due to the high demand for social workers.
For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of practicing social work within the New Zealand healthcare system. Initially I was employed by a community adolescent mental health team and later, assumed employment as a social worker at Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, providing social work services to a specialized pediatric cardiology unit. Professionally, I was very much welcomed into the role and well-received . I found that the individuals I worked with valued my experience/training within the United States and were supportive/helpful in my initial transition. There were only a handful of other social workers from the United States; however, there were social workers and practitioners from all over the world. I worked with people from the UK, Australia, South Africa, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Chile, Canada, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti . . . Auckland was a real melting pot!
While New Zealand has adopted many Western approaches to social work practice making much of the work quite similar to my experience in the states, it also encompasses something uniquely its own - an approach that mandates that the indigenous culture of New Zealand (tengata whenua) be incorporated into social work practice. An important goal for me was educating myself on the cultures of New Zealand to try to accurately understand the various needs of the people to ensure that my practice was sensitive to their belief system.
The foundation for social work practice rests on the notion that New Zealand is a bi-cultural society, meaning that the pakeha (individuals who are not of Maori blood-line) work in partnership with the Maori (indigenous peoples) to work together on important issues impacting the country. This partnership approach is incorporated into the healthcare system within New Zealand in which Kaiatawhai and Kaumatua (respected Maori leaders) are consulted. Kaiatawhai and Kaumatua work in conjunction with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the Maori culture is respected.
Within New Zealand, health, social, and economic disparities exist with Maori individuals suffering greater mortality rates, and lower economic status. It is also the role of the Kaiatawhai and Kaumatu to work alongside Maori whanau (families) within their communities to work towards establishing equality and dignity amongst all people of New Zealand.
The health care system in New Zealand is based upon a universal health care policy by which every New Zealand resident and citizen has access to public health care services with children under the age of 5 having free healthcare. New Zealanders also have the option to purchase private health insurance if they so desire; however, everyone has access to services regardless.
My housing consisted of a rented one bedroom furnished apartment in downtown Auckland with views of the harbor and centrally located to the public transport system of train/bus. Generally speaking, the cost of housing/food was somewhat expensive in the city but more affordable further out of the city. It is a stunning country with so much natural beauty. I enjoyed incredible beaches with huge waves, surfing and hiking as well as natural hot springs and wine regions to explore.
One particular practice that was very unique was that of the weekly Karakia (traditional Maori blessing) - song that is sung to bestow positive wishes for the week ahead and to reflect and be grateful for the week just past. The knowledge gained while living in New Zealand has provided me with such incredible perspective - I will be forever grateful for my experience as a social worker in New Zealand.
I have since returned to the United States; however, it is a country that I plan to return to at some point. When asked, "What did you miss most while being away?" For me it was my family, friends, good pizza and Mexican food.
Te Aroha, Te Whakapono, me te rangimarie, tatou tatou e" - Love, Truth, & Peace be with us all (traditional Maori Karaki).
by Erin Motzer, LCSW
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New Resource Guide for Caregivers
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This new video has been made available to tell the story of a family and highlight programs and resources that
could benefit and enhance a caregiver's well-being. Additionally, the video provides links to services available for caregivers and care
recipients through the Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services and other state and local programs. To view the video
and download the resource guide, go to the Ask Medicare site and scroll to the
bottom of the page.
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Social Work p.r.n and Kansas NASW present training for Licensure Examination Preparation |
Training for BSW, MSW, and Clinical Level Social Workers Location: Topeka, Kansas February 20-21, 2010
Sophia Dziegielewski, Ph.D., LCSW has been teaching licensure exam preparation for over twenty years and has helped over 17,000 licensure candidates in the process. This dynamic workshop thoroughly covers all the content areas of the exam, test taking strategies, anxiety issues and general test readiness. The cost for Kansas NASW members ranges from $120 for the BSW level and $200 for the MSW/Clinical level. Non-member BSW cost is $220 and non-member MSW/Clinical is $300. For more information, contact Sky Westerlund, LMSW, KNASW Executive Director, at [email protected].
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