By: Dr. Emily Shayman
Assistant Professor of Social Work
This fall, student in Introduction to Social Work classes are able to ein various ways. Some are engaging virtually/remotely, partnering with doing so virtually/remotely, partnering with Catholic Charities to connect with ‘Foster Grandparents’ via phone calls, letter-writing, and virtual platforms in hopes of decreasing feelings of isolation among older adults. Other students are excited to be interacting within the community in person in safe ways, such as with Heart Haven Outreach or the Bridge Teen Center, supporting after-school programming for youth so that these teens are able to maintain social connection in safe, welcoming environments. And still other students are working to combat hunger and food scarcity by engaging with the food pantry at Community Lifeline Ministries, where they are part of the food distribution process for those struggling to afford meals for their families at this time. Regardless of the where they are engaging, all students are learning about the strengths and needs of local communities, and what it means to build relationships with others during a global pandemic.