March is National Social Work Month

March is National Social Work Month! The national theme for social work month in 2018 is: “Social Workers: Leaders, Advocates, Champions.” 

Every day the nation’s 650,000 social workers act as advocates, champions and leaders who make our society a better place to live. Social workers are trained to look at situations in a     holistic way, bringing people together with others and their communities to find ways to         address pressing individual, group and societal problems such as hunger, affordable housing, equal rights for all and making organizations and government accountable. Social workers also follow the NASW Code of Ethics, which calls on members of the profession to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Here at The Neighbors of Dunn County, the Social Services Department is excited to celebrate March as National Social Work Month.  Our department is made up of three certified social workers.  Brenda Ausman, our most seasoned professional, has been a social worker here since June of 1987.  Brenda is the social worker for our West Neighborhood, as well as Deerview  Manor in the Central Neighborhood. Tracy Fischer, the department’s director, serves as the  primary social worker for Fireside Manor in the Central Neighborhood  along with her other  duties as director.  She has worked here since June of 2009.  Laura Briesemeister, the new     addition to the social work crew, is the social worker for the East Neighborhood and Arrowhead Lodge in the Central Neighborhood. Laura has been a social worker here since December of 2013 and prior to that, she was an intern with the social services department. Please be sure to wish our social workers a Happy Social Worker’s month in March!