Social Workers Change Lives – It’s Time We Give Them Their Flowers
The field of social work is found in every facet of community life, including schools, mental health clinics and homeless shelters. In fact, according to the National Association of Social Workers, one in six Americans reports they or a family member has been assisted by a social worker.
The social workers at The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte Center of Hope provide support to more than 800 women and children through emergency sheltering, transitional and rapid rehousing programs.
However, being a social worker is not one-dimensional. It often comes with long hours, continuous problem-solving and facing challenging situations.
Doing The Most Good for Women and Children
Through its housing and homeless services, The Salvation Army's social work team comprises several key positions:
Case manager specialists are emergency shelter case workers who support the women and children residing at the Center of Hope by helping them overcome challenges and work through personal trauma.
Housing stabilization specialists promote housing retention with clients who have transitioned into their own place by meeting them in person once a month to ensure that they are on track to stability.
There are also employment specialists and workforce development coaches who complete the social work team.
“We’re all here for one goal, and that’s to make sure that no one is homeless,” said Joy Bell, a housing stabilization specialist for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.
Achieving that goal can be challenging. Social workers say they work with individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health obstacles, as well as clients who are not truthful or follow guidance, which often leads them to fall off track.
The biggest challenge social workers agree on is overcoming systemic barriers. Clients often face frustratingly long wait times for approval of affordable housing, job assistance, and access to specialized care.
“I help clients navigate systems, educate them on their rights, and speak up when unfair treatment arises,” said Shamecca Davis, a Housing Stabilization Specialist for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.
“I tell all of my clients, you are your biggest advocate,” said Bell. “Not me, not the next person, you.”
Social Work is More Than a Job. It Is a Passion.
There are different reasons why people pursue their professions. Bell’s parents were giving people, inspiring her to help others.
“All I saw growing up was them helping others,” said Bell. “It was just passed down.”
Davis says she has gone through what many of these women have experienced.
“I have been on the other side of the system, which gives me a personal understanding of the barriers many clients face,” said Davis.
“Some of us have experienced a personal rock bottom, “said Bell. “That’s why some of us get into this role because of our own personal challenges that we had to face. This is our way of giving back.”
Social Work is Never-Ending
According to the National Institutes of Health, social work is a highly stressful profession known for contributing to burnout, resulting from heavy caseloads, exposure to trauma, and compassion fatigue.
Some social workers say that achieving a healthy work-life balance can be challenging. Clients may contact them after regular work hours, or employees may find themselves thinking about cases during their personal time.
Social workers at the Center of Hope say they maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries with clients and leaving work at the office, rather than bringing it home.
“At the end of the day, I am a mom of four. I have to leave my work [at the office] because my next job starts as a mother,” says Bell. “I can’t take the frustrations or the sadness into my home to my kids, because if I do that, then it trickles down to them.”
They also have special opportunities throughout the year to learn more about emotion regulation, explore new resources to assist their clients and network with other organizations.
Those learned skills are applied to situations like Davis's, who recognizes how complex and difficult it can be for a client to break toxic cycles. Or, like Bell, who had to work with the county to navigate immigration paperwork for a client who did not speak any English.
Social workers encounter numerous challenges every day, yet they commit themselves to helping others regain stability. They say the most rewarding part of their careers is seeing their clients succeed.
“Watching someone maintain their housing, improve their financial habits, secure employment, or successfully transition off subsidies is incredibly fulfilling,” said Davis. “It’s especially meaningful to see clients gain confidence and realize they are capable of sustaining progress on their own. Knowing I played a role in helping them move toward independence and a better quality of life makes the work worthwhile.”
Honoring the Hands that Nurture Growth
Social workers are the steady gardeners, tending to fragile roots and watering hope into dry soil. But even the most devoted gardener must pause to refill their watering can.
“The impact we make in people’s lives is often behind the scenes and during their most difficult moments,” said Davis. “Being acknowledged reminds us that our efforts, resilience, and commitment truly matter.”
This month, let’s not forget the hands that nurture the flowers. Take the time to thank a social worker for the care, strength and heart they pour into helping others grow.