MSW Program Director Beth Barol noted that the Day of Service "not only represents an opportunity for us to serve the Chester community, but also symbolizes our commitment to enrich and promote our relationship with the Chester community." The event was organized by Dr. Marcine Pickron-Davis, Chester's Chief Community Engagement and Diversity Officer.       

Chester Mayor John Linder, who earned his Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences from Widener and a Master's degree in Higher Education and Counseling from Kutztown,  began the day by addressing the eager crowd of Widener students, faculty, and staff. Mayor Linder spoke of the importance of the relationship between the Center for Social Work Education and the Chester community. He encouraged the 150 students and 20 faculty and staff members in attendance to "never stop searching for ways to give back."    

"This class of MSW students has so much to offer," Director and Associate Dean John Poulin said. "They are bright, compassionate, and full of possibility. Today was a small, symbolic gesture to underscore our ongoing commitment to serve our community."   

Dr. Houser noted that "Our program works well for professionals who are deeply engaged in social work practice and who are excited about connecting their experiences with knowledge of history, social and behavioral theory, scholarship, and teaching." 

Only 6-8 students are admitted to the cohort-based program each year. If you or someone you know would like more information about our unique program, you can contact Dr. Houser at 610-499-1169 or ldhouser@widener.edu. 

Students in Professor Paul Felker's SW 635 (Practice with Groups) class taught some lessons of their own this summer, responding with compassion and action when confronted with a classmate's recent losses and hardships.

To say that Cheryl Jones, current MSW student, had a difficult July is an understatement. Her house was robbed twice, she lost two loved ones, and her cherished two-year-old Maltese puppy, Brooklyn, passed away suddenly.  

Struggling to get through the day, Cheryl still managed to attend her summer classes. In one of those classes, Prof. Felker invited students to "check in" and talk about how they were doing. Fighting back tears, Cheryl decided to make herself vulnerable and share her recent tragedies.    

Then it all began to happen. During a break in the class, Cheryl was surprised when Tiffany Pleasant--a student in the class who she had never spoken to--acknowledged Cheryl's pain and asked about her puppy. Later, another student Cheryl had never met, Betty Guise, asked if there was anything she could do to help. The next day Tiffany approached her once again--this time with a picture of a puppy on her phone. Professor Felker's entire class had pitched in and found a two-month-old Shitzu-Maltese puppy for Cheryl.

"I could not believe that someone could be so kind," Cheryl said. "The Widener Center for Social Work Education teaches students to lean on each other in difficult times. I felt so supported. I just cannot express how grateful I am that Professor Felker and so many Widener students cared enough about me to do something so wonderful."   

Betty mirrored Cheryl's thoughts. "Tiffany really gets all the credit for this gesture. A number of students were supportive, but Tiffany took the lead and made it happen. We continue to admire her generosity and initiative."

Tiffany was more modest about her role, and acknowledged Professor Felker's contributions. "He took time out of the class to check in with each one of us individually. Without this, Cheryl wouldn't have been able to share her story." 

Tiffany added, "From a class of social workers, I wouldn't expect anything less. Good things happen to good people, but they don't just happen, someone has to make it happen and that is where our class stepped in. I am very proud."                 

Harrisburg Coordinator of Field Placement Sara Strayer (left) and 2nd year MSW student Airika Pollard

On September 25, Widener Center for Social Work Education faculty and students volunteered at the 4th annual Project Homeless Connect Day. Dr. Ginny Focht-New and Harrisburg MSW students Jessica Bergen and Airika Pollard staffed one of the tables at the event and worked with clients throughout the day.   

"We spent the day helping people who were homeless or on the verge of homelessness connect with a range of services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and much more," said Dr. Focht-New.  

The event, sponsored by the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Medical and social service volunteers provided health screenings and mental health services to the more than 350 men and women who were either homeless or recently living in shelters.