Pepe was addicted to PCP for two decades but went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from Widener University. She just opened Myra’s Place in a former tavern. Myra’s Place, which was named after a friend who disappeared in 1983, is a place where women can go for help dealing with addiction or violence at home.

“Everyone should have a safe place to come to,” Pepe said.

To learn more about how social workers help people grappling with drug and alcohol dependency visit the National Association of Social Workers “Help Starts Here” Addiction Web page by clicking here. Social workers also help women and men escape from domestic violence. Click here to read more on “Help Starts Here.”

Violence has Chester in critical condition
Philadelphia Daily News
“It’s a potential quick fix,” said Chad Dion Lassiter, president of Black Men at Penn School of Social Work, Inc. at the University of Pennsylvania.

Practitioners trained in needs of returning vets
Atlanticville
WEST LONG BRANCH — The School of Social Work at Monmouth University is expanding efforts to improve the mental health treatment of New Jersey’s returning veterans through its Coming Home Project.

Study of Fort Worth’s homeless plan shows ‘dramatic progress’
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Three hundred twenty-two homeless people have been housed through the plan, Directions Home, since April 2009, with many clients participating in counseling and substance abuse treatment, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work found.

N.J. Senate panel approves Gov. Christie’s choice to run Department of Children, Families
NJ.com
The full 40-member Senate is expected to vote Thursday or Monday to approve the nomination of Allison Blake, former director of the Institute for Families at the Rutgers School of Social Work.

On screen and off, really big families are really fascinating
AJC
“I think we’re always curious about things that we’re not around,” said Dr. Jan Ligon, associate professor of social work at Georgia State University.  “In 1790, about half of all families were comprised of over six people. Now only 3 percent of families have that many.”

Sharmili Majmudar. Photo courtesy of the Windy city Times.

Cheers to the Windy City Times for this article on social worker Sharmili Majmudar, one of the recipients of the Chicago Foundation for Women 2010 Impact Awards.

Majmudar, LCSW, has won praise for her work on trauma and violence against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. She is executive director of Rape Victim Advocates.

Does her work with victims of violence ever get her down? “If I weren’t affected by it I shouldn’t be doing it because then I cease being present, feeling the humanity of what has happened,” Majmudar said.

Social workers are committed to equal treatment for all, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. To learn more, click here to visit the NASW Diversity and Equity Web page.

Students walk down the hall at Morton Alternative High School in Chicago. Photo by Jose More/Chicago News Cooperative.

We commend the New York Times for running a Chicago News Cooperative article on the Morton Alternative High School.

A team of social workers at the Chicago school for teenagers with disciplinary problems uses individual and group therapy to help young people cope with the stress. Most come from neighborhoods where gangs, violence, and crime are rampant.

“Nobody here has a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ background,” said Matt Landa, one of the social workers. “But they are amazing to work with…when I don’t feel like pulling out my hair.”

The program at Morton may be adopted by schools in other parts of the nation. To read the full article click here.

And to learn more about how social workers help teenagers visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Youth Development Web page by clicking here.

Linda Dunphy

A California high school student was raped last month while many just stood by and watched. Many people are afraid to get involved when they see domestic violence and sexual assault occurring, believing it is not their place to step in.

Linda Dunphy MSW wrote an excellent opinion piece in Sunday’s Washington Post with advice on how to break free of the “bystander culture.” Dunphy is executive director of Doorways for Women and Families in Arlington, Va.

Q: Dunphy said people do not realize they have tremendous power to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assaults. Do you agree there should be more public education on appropriate ways to respond when you notice a family member, friend or co-worker is in trouble? Leave comments below.

Photo Courtesy of Milwaukee-Journal

St. Chad Episcopal Church in Loves Park, Ill., held a healing prayer service Nov. 6 for Dorothy “Dorrie” Carskadon, an Army Reserve social worker injured during the Fort Hood, Texas shootings. The church pastor said it is ironic Carskadon was injured because her speciality is helping clients defuse their anger. Click here to read the full Milwaukee Journal story.

The film “Precious” puts a spotlight on many issues social workers confront, including family violence, child abuse, HIV and AIDS and teen pregnancy.

Social workers also play an important role in the gut-wrenching film, which premieres Friday Nov. 6. In fact, pop singer Mariah Carey sheds her diva image to portray “Mrs. Weiss,” a social worker who tries to help the troubled teenager Claireece “Precious” Jones.

But is the film’s portrayal of social workers fair? Do you handle some of the some issues depicted in the movie? “Social Workers Speak” urges you to see “Precious” and let us know what you think. You can post your comments below.

And we can tell you how to reach out to your community and local media to let give them your opinion on “Precious” and its depiction of social work.

How to React to Film:
Are you pleased with how the film “Precious” portrayed social workers or are you upset? If you want to contact your local newspaper, radio or television station to voice your opinion about the gut-wrenching movie, contact Greg Wright at the National Association of Social Workers (GWright@naswdc.org). Greg can give you tips on how to get involved.

How to Find Film:
According to the press, Lionsgate studios will give “Precious” a limited theater release. Is the film playing near you? Go to www.precioustickets.com to find theaters showing the movie and buy tickets.