Heroes of Social Work
Campaign Launched:
Safe Staffing for Children’s Services and Quality Time for Those in Need

May 2002

The social worker awareness campaign, calling for safe staffing and quality time for those in need, was launched at the state Capitol Building on March 13 with a display of the “Heroes of Social Work: Making a Difference for Children and Families” exhibit. The event began with First Lady Sharon Davis presenting a resolution acknowledging the contribution social workers make to the well-being of California children and families. Davis was followed by Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, State Senator Sheila Kuehl, Assemblywoman Hannah Beth Jackson, and Department of Social Services Director Rita Saenz. Other speakers included Jim Hunt, director of Sacramento County Health and Human Services; Jeff Jue, president of the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers; Neva Barajas; Tamika Bennett, former foster child; and Richard Bermack, who produced the exhibit. The program was moderated by Local 535 President Annette Jeffries.

Speakers praised social workers and the contribution they make. The audience was particularly moved by the testimony of former clients Barajas and Bennett. Tears came to people’s eyes as Barajas described how social workers got badly needed services to her developmentally disabled son and Bennett described her journey, growing up homeless, entering the system, and eventually earning a college degree with the help of Independent Living Skills Program social workers.

Bermack described social workers as similar to battlefield medics. They can’t stop the violence of war but they save lives and reduce suffering for lots of individuals. Social workers can’t solve all of the society’s problems, but they can break the cycle of abuse and transform someone at risk of becoming socially dysfunctional to someone who is a contributing, positive member of society.

The event was so successful that Director Saenz committed the Department of Social Services to working with the social worker awareness coalition to help get the exhibit displayed around the state.

For more information about the exhibit, go to www.seiu535.org/social work or www.2makeadifference.org.