King’sConnect Social Networking
Making a difference locally and abroad: Updates from social work graduates, Barb Humenjuk (BSW ’08; MSW ’10) and Lois Wey (BSW ’77) Barbara Humenjuk (BSW ’08; MSW ’10) is working in three of the most northern communities in Canada: Arctic Bay (her home community), Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. Humenjuk’s social work position came with a Ford Escape, a 4-wheeler and a snowmobile, and she shares an office with a mental health nurse. According to Humenjuk, completing both a BSW and MSW at King’s helped prepare her for her Arctic adventure in that the School of Social Work and its professors consistently encouraged her to think outside the box. This is what she is required to do on a daily basis. “I am it” says Humenjuk, “there is only me and I have to come up with the solutions. While at times the authority I have been bestowed is daunting, I embrace the autonomy given to me and the latitude to be as creative as needed in finding lasting solutions to problems that present themselves. It is truly an honour and a pleasure to be the social worker for these communities and I look forward to another year.” Humenjuk would encourage King’s graduates to apply for positions in the Arctic as she feels the experience is second to none. “The learning curve is steep, the culture is amazing, the isolation is palpable, and let’s not forget the language barriers, but you will come away with a truly awesome experience and you didn’t have to leave the country.” Lois (James) Wey (BSW ‘77) (MSW ’81 from Wilfrid Laurier University) celebrates 35 years in the social work field this year. Wey was employed
Barb Humenjuk (BSW ’08; MSW ’10)
Lois Wey (BSW ’77)
for 25 years at Family Service London. Since 2002, Wey has been the manager of counselling and accessibility services at Fanshawe College, London, Ontario. Throughout her career, Wey has been awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Family Service Ontario’s Leadership Award, and an award from London Police Services in recognition of her service as Chair of the Professional Advisory Council for Family Consultants and Victim Services. Wey has volunteered with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), travelling to Uganda in 1997 and 2002, and to Sri Lanka in 2007 to assist with the distribution of ‘bed kits’ to over 15,000 needy children and their families. According to Wey, SCAW is a fantastic charity, where 100% of donations reach children in need. Volunteers, located in Toronto administer the donations. Funds are sent directly to a team of volunteers overseas who then travel to the country to ensure that the bed kits are received by registered children. Designated volunteers research, purchase and package the bed kits for distribution. According to Wey, “It is a humbling and rewarding experience to travel to small rural villages with our overseas hosts, meet the children and parents, and see the joy in their faces when they receive their gift.” Kits are tailored to the needs of each country, but generally include a mattress, pillow, mosquito net, sheets or blankets, school supplies and at least one new outfit. SCAW conducts all fundraising through word of mouth. For more information, visit the website: www.scaw.org For information about the BSW and MSW program, visit: www.kings.uwo.ca/socialwork. Please visit the Homecoming and upcoming events pages for Social Work event information (page 12 and 15).
The King’s Herald | fall 2012
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