NASW-NJ FOCUS Magazine - July 2021

JULY 2021 • Vol 31.1

INNOVATIONS & ADVANCEMENTS: ONWARD TO THE FUTURE

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: PRACTICE IN A BOX p. 06

MEET THE IDA B. WELLS SOCIETY p. 10

HARRIET BLOOMFIELD SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 1 p. 39

BOARD OF DIRECTORS P R E S I D E N T, Widian Nicola

2 N D V I C E P R E S I D E N T, Dawn Konrady

1 S T V I C E P R E S I D E N T, Carrie Conger

C E N T R A L R E G I O N A L R E P, Caelin McCallum

S E C R E TA RY, Ralph Cuseglio

G R A D UAT E S T U D E N T R E P, Hannah Loffman

N O R T H E A S T R E G I O N A L R E P, Oninye Nnenji

U N D E RG R A D UAT E S T U D E N T R E P, Jack Serzan

S O U T H E R N R E G I O N A L R E P, Miriam Stern

N O R T H W E S T R E G I O N A L R E P, Veronica Grysko-Sporer

UNIT LEADERS

NASW-NJ has 12 units across the state of New Jersey.

ATLANTIC/CAPE MAY/CUMBERLAND CHAIR, Janelle Fleming

HUDSON CHAIR, OPEN

MORRIS CHAIR, Cheryl Cohen CO-CHAIR, Veronica Grysko-Sporer

BERGEN/PASSAIC CHAIR, Melissa Donahue

MERCER/BURLINGTON CHAIR, Miguel Williams CO-CHAIR, Michele Shropshire

SOMERSET/HUNTERDON CHAIR, OPEN

CAMDEN/GLOUCESTER/SALEM CHAIR, OPEN

MIDDLESEX CHAIR, Tina Maschi CO-CHAIR, Vimmi Surti

SUSSEX/WARREN CHAIR, Dina Morley CO-CHAIR, Afifa Ansari

ESSEX CHAIR, OPEN

MONMOUTH/OCEAN CHAIR, Jeanne Koller

UNION CHAIR, Hannah Korn-Heilner

CHAPTER OFFICE E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R Jennifer Thompson, MSW jthompson.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 111

D I R E C TO R O F D E V E LO PM E N T & E D U C AT I O N Helen French hfrench.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 122

D I R E C TO R O F S P E C I A L P ROJ E C T S Annie Siegel, MSW asiegel.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 128

D I R E C TO R O F M E M B E R S E RV I C E S Christina Mina, MSW cmina.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 117

D I R E C TO R O F A DVO C AC Y & C OM MU N I C AT I O N S Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW jfeldman.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 114

A R T D I R E C TO R Katherine Girgenti kgirgenti.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 129

M E M B E R S H I P A N D E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L I S T Willis Williams

E X E C U T I V E A S S I S TA N T Ishma Iqbal

wwilliams.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 110

IIqbal.naswnj@socialworkers.org

N A S W– N J C H A P T E R O F F I C E 100 Somerset Corporate Blvd 2nd Floor, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, Ph: 732.296.8070, www.naswnj.org

05

W E L C O M E TO O U R N E W H O M E

06

TO O L S O F T H E T R A D E : P R AC T I C E I N A B OX

07

H I D D E N H I STO R I E S

10

I DA B . W E L L S C O N T I N U O U S MEMBERSHIP SOCIETY

12

T H E L AT E ST F R O M T H E F I E L D

17

ST U D E N T C E N T E R

25

PA R T N E R S P OT L I G H T

29

MEMBER CONNECT

32

E L E C T I O N R E S U LTS

34

O U R G I F T TO YO U : F R E E C E U S

39

H A R R I E T B LO O M F I E L D SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

41

MEMBER NEWS

42

P R O F E SS I O N A L D E V E LO PM E N T

CONTENTS

M E SSAG E F R O M N ASW - N J L E A D E R S H I P

TABLE OF

04

Thank you to our partner Rutgers School of Social Work for their support of NJ FOCUS

FROM THE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Friends and Colleagues, Each July, the faces of our Chapter leadership change as we welcome our newly elected board members to their respective roles, which proves to be an exciting time for the organization. While many of our members are taking much-needed time in the sun, our leadership team starts to come together for strategic planning.

As we embark on the journey with a new board, we are eager to share the shared vision of our Chapter through this joint message.

Widian Nicola, DSW, LCSW

PRESIDENT

Over the years, a lot has shifted and changed at our national association—and our roles as staff and volunteers have evolved, as well. We have spent several years learning how to best move the work of our Chapter forward and to clarify our relationship with the national office. Our Chapter has navigated this well—rising to become the second largest chapter in the nation.

As our work renews, it is imperative that we continue to build on the lessons we’ve learned and work as a team to meet your needs. Our members are our priority.

Jennifer Thompson, MSW

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and inch our way back to a “new normal,” we look forward to a busy year of celebration, advocacy, and a return to in-person events, like the NASW-NJ Annual Conference. Our focus will remain centered on racial justice, and particularly the move toward reparations. Likewise, we will continue to fight for changes with our licensing board, as well as pay equity. We will also continue to offer cutting edge programming that moves our dialogue forward. Finally, we look forward to honoring our past, and have invaluable projects planned that will tell the story of our profession.

Our Chapter’s success is all our success. The programs we’ve hosted are a testament to you—our members—showing up time and again to learn and grow. Our advocacy wins are the result of the contribution of your collective voices, delivered by zoom screens to create change. Our sponsorships and student engagement reflect your commitment to the next generation of social work.

As this new board assumes our role, we do so as a unified leadership team, poised to build on the solid foundation of our Chapter.

We look forward to being of service to you. Our collective virtual doors are open, and we invite you to share your feedback with us.

In unity,

Jennifer and Widian

4 | NJFOCUS •July 2021

CHANGING TIMES, CALL FOR CHANGING PRACTICES

WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME

AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE AT OUR OFFICE IN NORTH BRUNSWICK, SHARING SPACE AND EVENTS WITH OUR COMMUNITY AT 30 SILVERLINE DRIVE, THE TIME HAS COME TO SAY GOODBYE TO AN OFFICE THAT YOU HAVE CALLED YOUR NASW-NJ HOME.

Prior to COVID our lease was nearing completion and we embarked on the journey of looking for our new professional home. As part of this effort, we spent much time getting feedback from you, our members. We asked for feedback on how you’d like to connect with us, when you’d like to be in a shared space, and even where that space should be. Resoundingly you shared that you desire to come together more frequently for learning and networking, but more regional locations would make that easier. We understand! (30 Silverline has always been a tricky address to find!)

Our goal is to meet you, our members, where you’re at—and so our model must shift. Our new “home” will still offer us a central location to come together for meetings—staff, board, volunteer and otherwise, but will be smaller—and give us greater flexibility to take our larger programming, continuing education events and more—on the road. As the state begins to open up, we look forward to more regional events, spanning from Bergen to Cape May. As we finalize our closure of 30 Silverline Drive, our new offices are already up and functional! We look forward to seeing you soon!

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 5

OUR NEW ADDRESS IS: 100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard, 2 nd Floor Bridgewater, NJ 08807

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Practice in a Box

Over the last several years, members have shared their struggles, questions and challenges surrounding technology with us and our technology partners.

We’ve tackled challenging issues such as setting up home office infrastructure, organizational tools, and—with the onset of COVID-19—creating safe and secure practices for telehealth.

Implementing secure and tested technology in your practice is essential for maintaining HIPAA compliance and creating appropriate boundaries, and helps you reduce many risks in your practice.

You’ve shared, however, that technology and infrastructure can often be the last thing on your to-do list.

In addition, we’ve collaborated with RingCentral, one of the many providers in VOIP phones, video conferencing, and secure communications to provide you with secure devices, apps and all-in-one solutions for secure texting, calling, and teletherapy.

We are so excited to share that we’ve taken your feedback over the years and can now bring you the tools you need in your practice. We’ve negotiated with vendors to source devices and services to meet your needs—including business and student laptops (and desktops), high quality video cameras for telehealth, and more.

In the coming months we will be hosting trainings on technology and your practice settings, unpacking all of the questions you’ve asked and ensuring you are well poised to implement an infrastructure that supports and protects your work. Members can learn more about our Practice in a Box solutions on the NASW-NJ website. You will need your member username and password to access this page.

STAY CONNECTED

DEVICE HARDWARE

HIPPAA compliant phones, texting, fax and all-inone solutions.

Laptops, desktops, phones, monitors, webcams and more. Tools for students and practice owners that are built with social workers in mind.

6 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Hidden Histories: UNCOVERING THE DIVERSE ROOTS OF SOCIAL WORK

Ida B. Wells (1862 - 1931)

R

ecent discourse among the social work profession has focused on the “white washing” of social work history and education. Social work courses that discuss the history of social work often focus on the formative writings and work of individuals such as Jane Addams, Mary Richmond, Frances Perkins and other white social work luminaries. The website www. bestmswprograms.com features a list of “50 Notable Social Workers in U.S. History,” 42 of whom are white. 1 The Wikipedia page for “social work” mentions only two American social workers by name: Jane Addams and Mary Richmond. 2 A 2014 blog posted on the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work website cites the “9 Most Influential Women in the History of Social Work,” all of whom are white. 3 And a 2018 blog available on the Rutgers University School of Social Work website offers a list of “Influential Women in the History of Social Work.” 4 Of the 10 women listed, all but one, Dorothy Height, are white.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 7

Over the next years’ worth of FOCUS issues, we’ll be digging deeper into the historical archives (thank you internet!), beyond the usually cited names, to bring to light the stories of lesser known individuals, primarily persons of color, who have helped move the profession of social work for ward, as well as society as a whole. This series of articles does not intend to deny the contributions of commonly cited, white individuals to the profession of social work, but rather is intended to raise awareness and create discussion about how we think of social work history and the development of the profession in the U.S.

Ida B. Wells was a prominent journalist, activist, and researcher, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A forerunner to 21st century social justice advocates like Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, founders of the Black Lives Matter Network, during the course of her life Wells battled sexism, racist violence, disenfranchisement, and Jim Crow politics. A skilled writer, she also used her journalistic abilities to bring attention to the conditions of Blacks throughout the South.5 Wells was the first person to document and publish about the lynching of Blacks and was the leader of many antilynching campaigns.6 Wells was born into slavery on July 16, 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Following the end of the Civil War in 1865, her parents became politically active in Reconstruction Era politics.7 They also learned to read after their release from slavery and made sure their children were educated, as well.8 Wells became the primary caregiver to her six brothers and sisters when she was sixteen, after both her parents and infant brother died during an outbreak of yellow fever.9 She took a job as a teacher to support herself and her siblings, eventually moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where she continued to work as an educator.10 Wells has been credited alongside other activists and organizers of her time as a founder of modern social work. During her lifetime, she worked with reformers and activists including W.E.B. DuBois, Frederick Douglass, and Mary Church Terrell. She helped to open settlement houses that supported Blacks who were migrating to the North from the South and was involved in expanding school access for Black children. She worked with Jane Addams to oppose the establishment of segregated schools in Chicago.11 Activism was a constant in Wells’ life. In 1884, at age 22, Wells Barnett filed a lawsuit against a train car company

8 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

in Memphis for unfair treatment—she had been forcefully removed from a first-class train, despite having a ticket for her seat. The altercation became physical, with Wells biting the conductor in the struggle and the conductor, with the cooperation of several white passengers, throwing her off the train. Although she won her case on the local level, the ruling was eventually overturned in federal court.12 Wells lost her teaching position in Memphis at age 24, in response to criticism she levied at the city’s school system.

She then turned her attention to journalism and three years later, bought a share in the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight. She was the first female co-owner and editor of a Black newspaper in the U.S. Under the pseudonym “Iola,” Wells used this platform to write articles and editorials that challenged Jim Crow laws and furthered the cause of Black rights. 13, 14 After the lynching of one of her friends in 1892, Wells turned her journalistic efforts to white mob violence.

Using research published by the Chicago Tribune, she documented 728 lynching cases that had occurred between 1884 and 1892. Within months of her friend’s murder, she had published a collection of articles under the title Southern Horrors (1892).15 Her research had revealed the real reason for these lynchings was that the victims had challenged white authority or had successfully competed with whites in business or politics. A second publication, A Red Record (1895), countered the common “rape myth” behind many lynchings—the belief that Black men were raping white women, rather than entering into consensual relationships with them.16 Wells’ exposes enraged locals, who burned her press and drove her from Memphis; the threats became so bad she was forced to move to Chicago, Illinois.17 Wells was involved in the founding of multiple local and national advocacy organizations. She helped found the Alpha Suffrage League, a group for Black women who supported women’s right to vote and challenged the National American Woman Suffrage Association because of their exclusion of Black women from their movement.18 In addition to supporting women’s efforts to secure the vote, the Alpha Suffrage Club taught women how to be politically active and promoted Black candidates for office.19 Wells was also a founder of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, which was created to address issues dealing with civil rights and women’s suffrage.

Although she was in Niagara Falls for the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), her name is not mentioned as an official

founder. Late in her career Wells focused on urban reform in the growing city of Chicago. 20 Wells died in Chicago in 1931 at the age of 69. Since her death and the rise of mid-20th century civil rights activism, interest in her life and legacy has grown. Awards have been established in Wells’ name by the National Association of Black Journalists, the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, the Coordinating Council for Women in History, the Investigative Fund, the University of Louisville, and the New York County Lawyers Association, among many others. The Ida B. Wells Memorial Foundation and the Ida B. Wells Museum have also been established to protect, preserve, and promote Wells’ legacy.21 In 2020, she was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in recognition of her “outstanding and courageous” reporting about lynching.22 1

https://www.bestmswprograms.com/great-american-social-workers/

2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_work

3

https://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/9-most-influential-women-in-the-historyof-social-

work/ 4

https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/news-events/news/influential-women-historysocial-work

5

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

6

https://www.bestmswprograms.com/great-american-social-workers/

7

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

8

https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/

9

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/barnett-ida-wells-1862-1931/

10

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

11

https://www.bestmswprograms.com/great-american-social-workers/

12

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

13

https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/

14

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/barnett-ida-wells-1862-1931/

15

https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/

16

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/barnett-ida-wells-1862-1931/

17

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

18

https://www.bestmswprograms.com/great-american-social-workers/

19

https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/

20

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett

21

https://www.bestmswprograms.com/great-american-social-workers/

22

https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 9

Ida B. Wells Continuous Membership Society

IDA B. WELLS CONTINUOUS MEMBER SOCIETY

Meet the Ida B. Wells Society This month, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Ida B. Wells Society! The Society is our way of recognizing social workers who have been long-time, continuous members of NASW. This issue, we’re highlighting our Founding members, those social workers who have been continuous members of NASW since the 1950’s and 60’s. Considering NASW wasn’t created until 1955, that’s an impressive feat!

These members’ dedication to NASW and the field of Social Work is invaluable and our appreciation couldn’t be deeper.

As a way to honor and recognize these members, and others, later this year, NASW-NJ will be embarking on an Oral History of Social Work project. We can’t wait to hear the stories and experiences our Founding members have to share and record them for posterity. After all, our longest-ternured members joined when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, Brown vs. Board of Education had just been decided, and the Civil Rights Movement was still a decade away.

Please join us in honoring and welcoming our social work legacies—the inauguralmembers

10 | NJFOCUS •July 2021of the Ida B. Wells Society.

Ida B. Wells Continuous Membership Society

CONTINUOUS MEMBERS FOR 60+ YEARS

Joan Oliner Schwartz ( Joined April 1956 – 65 years) Milton Faith ( Joined October 1957 – 64 years)

Rosemarie Poverman ( Joined October 1958 – 63 Years) Theodora McKee ( Joined April 1959 – 62 years) Barbara Zellan ( Joined January 1961 – 60 years) Sybil Schreiber ( Joined July 1961 – 60 years)

CONTINUOUS MEMBERS FOR 50+ YEARS

ABOUT IDA B. WELLS

Ida B. Wells was a fierce activist, advocate, civil rights champion,

educator, and researcher. She helped

chart the course for what became the modern profession of social work, fought for women’s right to vote,

sought to dismantle Jim Crow policies and practices, and was the first to

expose and publish stories about the horrific lynching of Black people throughout the South.

Sara Oppenheimer ( Joined October 1963 – 58 years)

There is no better honorific

James Silvestri ( Joined October 1964 – 57 years)

commitment of our long-term

Marcia Kaye ( Joined July 1966 – 55 years)

recognition society after Ida B. Wells.

John Cosgrove ( Joined April 1969 – 52 years)

in this month’s Hidden Histories

William Rhoads ( Joined October 1964 – 57 years)

that represents the passion and

Mona Noyes ( Joined July 1966 – 55 years)

members than to name their

Betty Brenner ( Joined April 1968 – 53 years)

Find out more about her life and work

Gloria Smith ( Joined July 1969 - 52 years)

article starting on page 08.

Carol Sussman-Skalka ( Joined October 1969 – 52 years)

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 11

MEMBER MISSIVES

THE LATEST FROM THE FIELD

12 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Political Social Work

Social Work Profile:

Social W Blunt orker, Mar -Cart la e r Electo ral Vot Cast e in Histor ic 202 0 Elec

by R o bin L tion ally

S

ocial worker Marla Blunt-Carter has been involved in politics her entire life. She volunteered on campaigns during her childhood, including her father’s campaign for city council, helped her sister who won a historic election to the U.S. House of Representatives, and worked for President Obama’s 2008 campaign.

But until now, Blunt-Carter–an assistant professor of professional practice at Rutgers School of Social Work – didn’t know anyone who was part of the Electoral College, the body which directly casts ballots for the president of the United States. But on December 14 of last year, she became part of that select group when she cast one of three Delaware Electoral College votes for President Joe Biden, who she worked for when he was a U.S. Senator.

“I’m the only elector I ever met,” Blunt-Carter said.

“The electors to me were like the people with the Nielsen boxes who help provide television ratings.

You hear about them but don’t have any idea who they are.”

Blunt-Carter was among 538 electors who cast their ballots based on the popular vote. While a majority of 270 electoral votes are required to win, Biden garnered more–306 electoral votes, including BluntCarter’s, compared to former President Donald Trump’s 232.

Ida m o r f ; e e've ComBlunt Carter w r a F How ls to Marla B. Wel Blunt-Carter’s vote—cast from Delaware State University, a historically black college—is yet another addition to the list of important political moments that have punctuated her life. These accomplishments include helping her sister, Lisa Blunt Rochester, win the election in 2017 to become the first woman and the first person of color to represent Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I have been involved in pretty historic experiences and political campaigns,” said Blunt-Carter. “My father, sister, Biden and President Barack Obama.

But this electoral college experience was different because my vote affected the whole country and was significant to everyone.”

Blunt-Carter, who was a Biden delegate at the virtual Democratic convention last August, was asked by the chairman of the Delaware Democratic Party to be an elector a few days after Biden was nominated.

“As someone who has worked on campaigns since the age of 9 when I started helping my father— who was on the city council for 25 years, served on staff for elected officials, and believes in the ideals of American democracy—the significance of this role I do not take lightly,” Blunt-Carter said. “I was humbled by the selection and grateful for the opportunity to represent Delaware.”

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 13

Political Social Work

Blunt-Carter received her MSW degree in 2003 from Rutgers School of Social Work and teaches graduate courses on macro social work practice, and management and policy at Rutgers UniversityCamden. The School of Social Work named her Professor of the Year multiple times.

Before coming to Rutgers in 2014, Blunt-Carter held a variety of communications and public policy jobs in higher education and federal and state government, including working in the Obama White House as the senior liaison for professional correspondence in the Office of the President.

In 2005, she worked for then-Senator Biden as his director of constituent services. She followed Biden to Iowa in 2007 when he entered the Democratic primary for president. After Biden dropped out of the race, Blunt-Carter became the Delaware director for the Obama presidential campaign.

“To be a part of that, to be involved in the campaign of the first African-American man selected to be president, was unbelievable,” Blunt-Carter said. “I felt we had come such a long way. The diversity was so inspiring and gave me hope.”

Raised in Wilmington, Delaware and a Delaware resident since the age of three, Blunt-Carter is excited that her former boss ascended to the presidency with not only the first Black and AsianAmerican vice president, but also the first woman.

She hopes their election will continue to usher in change in a country grappling with a racial reckoning.

“The death of George Floyd brought the whole country to its knees,” Blunt-Carter said. “I am very hopeful and excited that the Biden/Harris administration will continue to work to address issues related to social, racial, economic and environmental justice, as well as getting the nation to the other side of the COVID pandemic.”

To cast her vote as part of the Electoral College, Blunt-Carter, the mother of a teenage daughter and college age son, placed her signature nine times in a series of documents. The moment took on special meaning for Blunt-Carter, who suffered a stroke in July 2019 that had left her temporarily unable to move her left side, including the use of her hand. She practiced signing her name to prepare for the day.

14 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

“When I got the phone call about becoming an elector I spoke with my middle sister, who is the family genealogist, and talked about the document she found where our great-great-great grandfather, a slave, had signed his name with an X to register to vote,” said Blunt-Carter who spent months after her stroke in physical therapy. “I want whoever comes after me to know that someone who came from slaves, who survived a stroke, signed her name and voted in this historic election.”

Voting is Social Work.

Fighting for voting rights and increasing voter participation is key to the mission of the social work profession. Rutgers School of Social Work Associate Professor Lenna Nepomnyaschy shares tips for setting up voter registration drives and other efforts to increase voter participation.

• Connect with local organizations that are engaged in these efforts. You can find a list of non-partisan organizations at votingissocialwork.org/online-tools.

• Pick a good location to reach as many people as possible, especially in communities where people may not already be registered. Good spots include transportation hubs (near the subway, train, bus stops, etc.), outside of schools, community or sporting events, and grocery stores.

• Know your state’s voting deadlines and laws.

• Print lots of forms, bring pens, and don’t forget postage stamps so people can drop the forms right in the mailbox. You can also volunteer to bring them to the local post office.

These efforts help promote and safeguard our democracy, and: • Empower individuals to take political action on behalf of themselves, their families, and communities.

• Improve individual well-being.

• Strengthen organizations and communities.

• Influence government decision making.

• Promote social policies that progress social justice.

• Fight against voter suppression.

by Sandy Gibson, Ph.D., LCSW

“We must call out the intersectional nature of drug policy and resulting key social determinants that continue to repress minority populations and target the most vulnerable of communities.”

"You understand what I'm saying? We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin… and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.”

-Former Nixon domestic policy chief John Ehrlichman

An understanding of the intentionally racist history of U.S. drug policy is necessary; accepting that our society continues to promote drug policies that reinforce this racist foundation is not. We must call out the intersectional nature of drug policy and resulting key social determinants that continue to repress minority populations and target the most vulnerable of communities. This requires that we, as social workers, admit to and own our role in the perpetuation of this problem.

The criminal justice approach to drug use— including the criminalization of even small, personal use quantities of drugs—as opposed to the application of a public health approach, makes simple possession the single most arrested offense in the U.S. As indicated in the opening quote from Ehrlichman, the racial disparities in arrest rates for drug possession are no accident, and are often due to over-policing in communities of color. New Jersey is no exception to this finding. In 2020, the ACLU produced a report detailing the racial disparity in drug arrests, highlighting that Black

individuals in New Jersey are on average 3.45 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than White individuals even though their rates of drug use are approximately the same. This social injustice was a key driving force behind the legalization of cannabis in our state earlier this year.

The criminal justice approach to this public health issue has had the effect of removing the right to self-determination and autonomy of entire subgroups within our society, predominantly among people of color. It also resulted in the introduction of compulsory treatment.

Compulsory treatment is an almost uniquely U.S. approach to drug use treatment and is a practice discouraged by both the World Health Organization and the United Nations, as is the criminalization of drug use. It is a practice that shows very little evidence of efficacy, with virtually no evidence that shows sustained positive outcomes beyond the date when oversight of the client ceases. Although the participation of social workers in compulsory treatment may be benevolent, in doing so we overlook our core values as social workers: primarily our attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living, and our commitment to challenge social injustice.

We must also reflect on our clinical work with people who use drugs. Almost universally, addiction treatment programs in the U.S. mandate total abstinence as a treatment goal or even as a

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 15

Addictions

Antiracist Addiction Treatment Requires Decriminalization and Harm Reduction

Addictions

requirement for treatment. It is often THE desired outcome and the measure upon which we judge “success.” In no other area of clinical work do we identify a goal for a client and force it upon them as a condition of engagement, nor do we threaten to disengage if they do not accept and achieve our mandated goal. This is a violation of the NASW Code of Ethics 1.02: Self-Determination, which states: “Social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals.”

The country of Portugal, and more recently, the state of Oregon, offer a glimpse of the benefits the decriminalization of drugs and application of a public health perspective can provide. Portugal launched a decriminalization social experiment in 2001 that resulted in a 60% increase in treatment engagement (none compulsory, no forced abstinence), decreased drug use, decreased overdose, and decreased drug-related infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hep-C. Oregon, our most local effort at decriminalization, projects a 95% decrease in the racial disparity in drug arrests.

Compulsory treatment too often begins with a clinician’s or agency’s assumption there is a substance misuse disorder with each referral. Quite the opposite, research reveals 90% of people who use illicit drugs do not have problems with their use—it is recreational. A key component of the substance abuse diagnostic criteria is that the drug use leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. As a practicing social worker, I often discover much of the reported impairment and distress is related to the consequences of involvement with the criminal justice system, rather than the actual drug use itself.

A recently released report from New Jersey Policy Perspective on the impact of the War on Drugs in New Jersey sets forth several policy recommendations to divest New Jersey from a drug war mindset and invest in rational drug policies of decriminalization, decarceration, and investment in the health and well-being of people who use drugs and the communities most harmed by 50 years of a failed drug war. Advocates are organizing as the coalition Abolish the Drug War New Jersey. You can find them active on Facebook.

A 2019 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national study revealed that 90% of people with substance use disorders did not receive treatment in the past year.

The top reason was that they were unwilling to quit using substances in order to meet the requirements of treatment. This is an enormous contributing factor to the treatment gap between those who need treatment and those who receive it—we are quite literally standing in the way.

Substance misuse treatment should be low-barrier and low-threshold, which means we must use a harm reduction approach and meet clients where they are until they are ready to make a change.

That change should not be defined by the social worker or agency, but by and with each individual client. There is extensive longitudinal research that shows most people who meet the DSM criteria for substance misuse later change their behaviors and no longer meet the criteria, most without ever engaging in treatment, many without becoming abstinent, a concept referred to as natural recovery.

This concept leads us to the often misunderstood concept of recovery, which has no universally accepted definition, although providers and agencies commonly equate it with abstinence.

16 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

References: 1 https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/ucr.asp?table_ in=2 2 https://www.aclu-nj.org/news/2020/04/20/racialdisparities-marijuana-arrests-across-new-jersey-worse 3 https://www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2020compulsory-drug-detention-and-rehabilitation-centres 4 https://www.who.int/news/item/27-06-2017-jointunited-nations-statement-on-ending-discriminationin-health-care-settings 5 https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/f iles/ reports/ rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML /2019NSDUHFFR1PDFW090120.pdf

About the Author: Sandy Gibson, Ph.D., LCSW is a Professor and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey ( TCNJ). Prior to her time with TCNJ she was a community-based addiction counselor in the Washington, DC area, followed by seven years writing addiction-related grants and directing research studies for Temple University, and four years directing her own social research company.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 17

Student Center

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS

by Hina Rehman, MSW

A

s a student—whether you are in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program— you are pulled in so many different directions: classes, coursework, fieldwork, jobs, and familial and other responsibilities. Often, you may be left wondering what you can do for yourself to further your own career aspirations or professional goals. Although NASWNJ is well known throughout the state as the go-to for professionals in the field—for anything from clinical questions to ethical dilemmas—students often wonder why they should become paying members of this organization.

I initially wondered the same thing when I was a student and was pleasantly surprised at the opportunities student membership presented me. I have maintained my membership over the years since I graduated, and I continue to be impressed by the services NASW-NJ offers to its members.

When I was an MSW student, it was one of my professors who encouraged me to become a member of NASW-NJ. I am still so thankful to her for introducing me to this amazing organization. As an online student (long before COVID made this the norm), I was often faced with two dilemmas: 1) how do I interact more with the leaders within my community to affect change, and 2) how can I feel more connected with fellow social workers, despite being an online learner? NASW-NJ helped bridge those gaps for me, both personally and professionally.

Becoming a volunteer leader with NASW-NJ was a huge first step. My first foray into a leadership role was,

18 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

rather amazingly, via the Board of Directors as a student representative. As a student, it was awesome to fathom that I could be on a Board of anything! But NASW-NJ provides students the opportunity to have a seat at the table and represent their fellow classmates as either the BSW or MSW student representative. Through my Board experience, I was able to learn how a board works collaboratively to further the interests of their members/communities and learned that the success of an organization truly begins within the passion of its board members—all while I was still a student!

This initial opportunity led me to serve on several of the Chapter’s committees, as well. Although vastly different from one another, these committees all share the goal of further advancing the profession and advocating for those in need. Being a part of these committees over the years has not only allowed me to stay connected, but also be aware of all the new and exciting changes in the field, as well as areas that need increased advocacy efforts.

The Chapter also hosts an Annual Conference—which I have attended since I was a student—where social workers across the state can meet and network. I have met and continue to stay in touch with some great people through these conferences and am thankful to have had this opportunity (P.S.: student members get a discount on the registration fee!). Although the last two conferences have been virtual, I look forward to an in-person conference again soon, to re-connect with previous acquaintances and meet new people!

Student Center

NASW-NJ has remained a constant in my life since I first joined as a student and has also benefited my work professionally. My team and I were recently in need of hiring some Field Liaisons and were not quite sure where to begin. I was able to tap into NASW-NJ as a resource and the staff immediately introduced me to multiple interested parties, whom we ended up hiring!

Although I am no longer a student, I am so glad that I can remain involved in committee work and enjoy networking with other professionals in the field during meetings and events. As a macro social worker, sometimes I lose sight of the clinical side of our work.

Through NASW-NJ, I am able to meet and work with clinical and macro workers alike, ensuring I maintain a well-rounded view of the profession. I also attend events as often as I am able (which has been made easier via virtual programming), allowing me to feel like a part of a broad social work community, especially during the difficult times we have been facing. I can honestly say that NASW-NJ’s staff and fellow members truly feel like an extension of my family. You will always be met with warmth and positivity, both of which you can never have enough of!

About the Author: Hina Rehman, MSW, is a Senior Program Coordinator at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She has served on the NASWNJ Board of Directors as the MSW Student Representative, as well as on the Executive Committee, Membership Committee, Legislative & Social Action Committee, and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 19

Student Center

WORK VS. EDUCATION:

How the Pandemic Influenced my Career Plans

by Jamie Terrone, BSW

L

ooking back at the end of my four years as an undergraduate, I strongly believe my BSW program has well prepared me to continue my studies as an MSW student. My undergraduate education gave me a foundation in social work, including the basic skills and knowledge to be an ethical worker in the field. However, my BSW studies also seem almost like a cliffhanger—I don’t yet feel as though I have learned all of the clinical skills needed to start my career. So, while I gave some thought to entering the workforce immediately following graduation, I want to continue to challenge myself educationally. I’m not ready to end my studies knowing I can still learn more.

The decision to continue directly into an MSW program was not one that came easily. Throughout my undergraduate career at Monmouth University, I was consistently challenged to consider events and situations through a human rights and social justice perspective. This outlook helped me to become a well-rounded and compassionate social worker. It also made me very eager to jump right into the field and apply all the skills I had been learning to help

20 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

real people in real-life situations. However, in order to be the best human rights and social justice focused social worker I can be, I also feel compelled to continue on to my MSW studies. The ability to deliver superior client experiences has been my goal for the past four years—and to do so, I have decided I need to complete my Master’s degree at this time. This may not be the path for every social work student, especially considering the challenges we experienced as students during the pandemic, but for me it feels like the correct one.

Despite the barriers to learning presented by the pandemic—particularly in field education—I do believe the experience of being a student during the pandemic opened up opportunities I may not otherwise have had. The slowed-down pace of life pushed me to connect with and focus on my studies in a way I had not been able to in some time, due to the hectic balancing act of work, internships, and classes. The reliance on online course work, either asynchronously or synchronously, provided the time and motivation to delve deeper into the material.

Additionally, before the pandemic, I was rarely able to attend professional development events that interested me because I did not have the time, or it was too far to travel. The pandemic allowed me the chance to attend virtual webinars on topics ranging from the housing system in New Jersey, to trauma-informed care in multiple settings, to best communications practices in nonprofit organizations.

no other cohort of social work students have experienced, and we should applaud ourselves for powering through!

Lastly, the pandemic underscored the importance of self-care for social workers. I like to remember “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” Social workers, even as students, need to remember to turn off the computer, save the homework for another day, and spend time doing something for ourselves. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to consider what type of social worker I truly want to be—how much training and education I wanted and when, my understanding of professional values, ethics, and service, and my renewed dedication to becoming a change agent and helping others. It showed me that I need to keep learning to be the kind of social worker I am striving to be. As it turns out, my BSW studies were only the beginning of my career. I am looking forward to my MSW studies starting this summer!

“There is never a dull moment in social work”

About the Author: Jamie Terrone, received her BSW from Monmouth University in May 2021. She begins her MSW studies in summer 2021 at Monmouth University in the Families and Children specialization. In addition to her work and studies, Jamie was the Undergraduate Student Representative to the NASW-NJ Board of Directors for the 202021 board year. She plans to work in the child welfare f ield following the completion of her graduate studies.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 21

Student Center

The pandemic also showed me how important flexibility, agility, and adjustments are in social work. Professors and field agencies demonstrated this in their rapid and creative responses to the challenges of the pandemic.

Many of my professors have said “there is never a dull moment in social work,” and the pandemic showed how true this statement can be. My senior year internship, which took place in a case management program and in a community resource center program, challenged me to strategize how to best connect with my clients while maintaining physical safety for everyone. We learned how to operate multiple online platforms, fill out paperwork without being next to each other, and provide support from a distance. It was an experience that

How the Struggle of Elder Adults During COVID-19 Helped Steer Me to the Field of Gerontology

by Samantha Yaccarino

A

s a social work student, I knew from the beginning that the field would have its setbacks and triumphs. However, I was not expecting to be faced with one of the largest worldwide challenges we as humans have faced in centuries, COVID-19. As a junior at Seton Hall University when the pandemic started, I gathered my belongings from my house in South Orange and said goodbye to my friends and professors. I was under the impression we would be back at school in two weeks. Now, over a year later, I have completed my bachelor’s in social work (BSW) online via Microsoft TEAMS. I am now enrolled in an MSW program and anticipate graduating in May of 2022. Social workers are called to rebuild and restore communities and organizations after the effects of COVID-19, and I feel prepared to be a part of the conversations and implementation of efforts to eradicate the social problems that have accumulated.

My interests always lay with those in the field of gerontology. At Seton Hall University, I obtained a certificate in gerontology, which allowed me to attend classes

22 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

focused on the effects and research pertaining to older adults in America and other countries, as well. With the onset of COVID-19, older adults have experienced extreme levels of isolation and lack of resources. In the early months of the pandemic, older adults were advised not to leave their homes, see their family members, or put themselves at any risk of exposure to COVID-19. The rates of isolation, depression, and anxiety, especially in older adults, skyrocketed during this time. As such, I plan to continue my studies in aging and health at Rutgers University, and I will be researching more into the effects COVID-19 has had on older adults in America and what restoration of “normal” services will look like for medical facilities and other senior service centers.

The experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some of my peers to reconsider pursuing a Masters degree immediately following the completion of our Baccalaureate degrees. The experience of virtual learning and virtual field placement was draining and stretched many of us beyond our routines, expectations, and comfort zones. It’s certainly understandable how taking a break from education and entering the work force may be an attractive option for recent graduates.

I took multiple factors into consideration when making my decision to continue my social work education immediately following my undergraduate studies. Despite the complications of the pandemic, I have become accustomed to balancing my school, work, and personal life. I feel confident that continuing with this lifestyle is what is best suited for me right now.

When I do enter the field as a social worker following the completion of my MSW, I will have a more concentrated area of emphasis that will ultimately benefit the clients and agencies with whom I will be working. While the path of entering the workforce directly after obtaining an undergraduate degree is just as valuable as the route I am taking, I cannot deny that I love being a student. Gaining an understanding of more advanced theories and concepts and adding an extra year of field education are in my best career interests, and most importantly to the older adults I’ll be serving. I continue to be a lifelong learner, and the field of social work makes this possible with everyday tasks, challenges, and triumphs.

About the Authors: Samantha Yaccarino is an Advanced Standing student in the MSW program at Rutgers University New Brunswick campus.

She received her BSW from Seton Hall University in May 2021.

Student Center

How a Global Pandemic Enhanced my Passion for Mental Health Work

by Toni Kauffman, BSW

W

hen I transferred to Georgian Court University in the Fall of 2019 and declared social work as my major, there was not a doubt in my mind I would eventually pursue a career as a clinician in the mental health field. Since I had intentions of becoming an LCSW, I knew a Master’s level education would be required. However, I had not yet decided whether I would go straight to graduate school after I received my BSW, or if I would take time off to work in the field to gain some experience before applying to MSW programs.

When my school announced we would be attending class remotely due to the rising COVID-19 cases in March 2020, most students were eager to leave campus for “an extra week of spring vacation.”

We were all so unperturbed, expecting to see our classmates and professors in just two short weeks once we “flattened the curve.” However, two weeks of remote learning turned into the rest of the Spring semester, and then also the Fall 2020 semester, and finally, we were told we would finish our senior year remotely for Spring 2021.

Back before COVID—what seems like a lifetime ago—I sat down with my academic advisor to discuss what courses I would be taking during my two years at Georgian Court. I was particularly excited for the Human Behavior and Mental Health classes and, in the course of time, working as an intern. However, I could never have imagined in-person learning would come to a halt during the Spring 2020 semester and I would have to finish my last two bachelor’s level semesters remotely.

When we first left school due to the coronavirus in March 2020, I was planning to use the extra time away from campus as an opportunity to spend more hours at my field placement. At the time, I was interning at a nursing home not too far from my school. My time there included shadowing the social worker and the activities director. I never imagined working with the elderly population, yet in the short time I was there I began to feel a connection to the residents. Then, our internships were cut short, and our

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 23

Student Center

field hour requirements reduced by half by the CSWE. On top of that, the nursing home began to restrict visitors and anyone else who was not a healthcare employee. My hands-on learning opportunity seemed lost.

Fortunately, I stayed in contact with the activity director at the nursing home. One day during the summer of 2020 she called to tell me that as a result of the pandemic, they were in need of employees in the activities department. I took the job, glad to be able to enhance the lives of the seniors who were experiencing social isolation due to restrictions on visitation. My work as an employee in the activities department not only benefitted the mental and physical well-being of the residents, but it also offered me the hands-on experience I craved.

For my Senior year, I was fortunate to find an internship at a behavioral health facility, working both remotely and in person. I quickly realized clients seeking treatment at this agency had also been greatly impacted by the pandemic. They reported heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. It became clear to me during this internship that even after the pandemic ends, we will be dealing with a mental health epidemic in the aftermath of COVID. The combination of experiences during my BSW studies, internships, and employment, coupled with my thoughts about the future of our world—and the role social workers will play—has inspired me to pursue my MSW degree at Fordham University in the Fall. I believe this course of action will best prepare me for the challenges that lie ahead and provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to help those who are struggling with their mental health in the wake of the pandemic. Moreover, my experiences during the pandemic will allow me to empathize with and understand many of the issues clients will be experiencing in the coming months and years—not just depression and anxiety, but also trauma, adjustment issues, anger, and grief.

The pandemic was a life-altering event for most people and for our entire society. It will be up to social workers—including new MSWs like me—to help in the recovery.

24 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

About the Author: Toni Kauffman graduated from Georgian Court University with her BSW in May 2021.

She will begin her MSW studies at Fordham University this Fall.

PA R T N E R

SPOTLIGHT

NASW ASSURANCE SERVICES: PROTECTING SOCIAL WORKERS IS OUR MISSION

A

t NASW Assurance Services, Inc. (ASI) we understand the abundant rewards of a career dedicated to helping others. We also understand the importance of assessing and minimizing risk when working in today’s litigious society.

The NASW Risk Retention Group (RRG) exists to provide comprehensive liability and malpractice protection for social workers like you. We work hard to be a socially responsible organization dedicated to improving the lives of NASW member social workers and behavioral health professionals in New Jersey and across the nation.

You may be familiar with us through our participation and sponsorship at the NASW-NJ Annual Conference over the years, or through the workshops and webinars we offer.

We have been providing professional liability insurance coverage to NASW members for more than 50 years.

In 1969, NASW first created a trust to manage professional liability insurance for social worker members of the National Association of Social Workers. By 2007, NASW Assurance Services, Inc. began operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASW, managing the

program and performance of the insurance carrier and third-party administrator. In 2012, the NASW Risk Retention Group (RRG) took over the liability insurance operations for social worker members of the association, enhancing the professional liability policy coverage, and providing more flexibility in underwriting as a way to advocate for policyholders.

As social workers and other behavioral health professionals become increasingly subject to malpractice lawsuits, defense against such claims, even when they are groundless or fraudulent, can be extremely expensive.

Consequently, liability insurance is no longer simply an option; it’s a necessity.

The NASW RRG offers one of the largest, strongest, most stable programs in the world written expressly for social workers and behavioral health professionals.

“At NASW Assurance Services, we understand the value that social workers and health professionals provide to our communities, particularly when so many people are in need of the services social workers provide,” said Tony Benedetto, CEO of the NASW Assurance Services.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 25

“While social workers are working to ensure the wellbeing of their clients, we are working to protect the wellbeing of social workers and their practices.”

The NASW RRG insurance products offer excellent value: the best possible product to meet the specific needs of social workers at the most competitive group rates. We select a high-quality, affordable program tailored to the broad scope of practicing in the behavioral health field.

We manage the program to ensure policyholders receive excellent, caring customer service. And we provide up-todate and useful risk management education and tools to help avoid potential claims and lawsuits from happening.

You might ask, “How is your company different from traditional insurance companies?”

Unlike many insurance companies focusing on creating profits for corporate shareholders, our goal is to pay program expenses that invest in initiatives that benefit policyholders and advance the social work profession.

Also, all policyholders become owners, unlike traditional insurance companies who are independently owned and operated. We have complete control and flexibility to develop industry-specific products and coverage options, specifically tailored to benefit policyholders, compared to the general insurance market.

26 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

There are other companies that offer professional liability insurance to social workers. But it can be complicated to sort through all the details and make a decision. What does the fine print say? What does it mean? How do I know I’m paying a fair price for a policy that will protect me and my practice? Our customer service team is here to answer all those questions and assist you in selecting the best plan to match specific coverage needs.

Through NASW Assurance Services/NASW RRG, we’ve worked hard to provide excellent coverage, and we’ve held the line on premium costs as well – because we understand the financial challenges many practitioners face.

Equally important, we’ve made sure social workers have a strong voice in designing and overseeing our program, and we advocate fiercely for members unfairly denied coverage, because social workers know best what social workers need.

Let the NASW RRG protect you while you help others.

You’re here for them—we’re here for you.

Learn more about our services at: www.naswassurance.org

PA R T N E R

SPOTLIGHT

BROOKDALE COMMUNIT Y COLLEGE: PREPARING T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N OF S O C I A L WO R K E R S "The Brookdale Pre-Social Work program is unique in the level of support one receives from faculty and fellow students, coupled with educational opportunity in the classroom, as well as in the field."

- Elizabeth Barone, Brookdale A.S. 2021 graduate.

The Human Services, A.S., Pre-Social Work Option at Brookdale Community College, prepares students to transfer to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at a 4-year school. The required coursework is designed to help students understand human and social systems and the ethics and values that guide human services practitioners in general and social workers, in particular.

Our partnership with NASW-NJ helps to connect our students with their professional organization before they enter a BSW program. This offers our students additional grounding in the social work profession, as they have opportunities to learn about the Code of Ethics, career options in Social Work, professional identity,

and the social work licensing process, not to mention opportunities to network with professional social workers.

This fall, NASW-NJ will be providing our students with five guest speakers from the social work field—from clinical practice to administration to grant writing—to help expand students’ knowledge of the profession. Our students also have free access to NASW-NJ programs, allowing faculty the opportunity to incorporate NASWNJ webinars, programs, and conferences into their curriculum.

Students have used their Brookdale experience to springboard into BSW programs at both public and private colleges and universities. “My experience in Brookdale's Human Services Program provided and continued to create the most profound experiences, relationships, and opportunities," said Jade Longo, Brookdale graduate, class of 2019. "This program evolved all aspects of my life, both professionally and personally.

I can only hope others continue to utilize it for all of what

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 27

it encompasses," continued Longo, who is graduating from Rutgers University BSW class of 2021 and starting her MSW in the online advanced standing program this fall.

Students at Brookdale learn through a combination of classroom work and fieldwork, spending 285 hours in human services positions at hospitals, mental health centers, social service agencies, substance-abuse counseling sites, and other facilities. "Our students gain unparalleled experience in the field at the associate's level. They graduate Brookdale armed with the skills and knowledge—as well as the resume—needed to be successful in entry-level positions or transfer to strong four-year universities," said Sara Barnett Burrill, Ed.M., MS, MA, assistant professor, department of psychology.

Burrill also noted the program’s flexibility—there is an opportunity to obtain an A.S. degree in pre-social work through a newly added evening schedule option, and plans are being developed so students, both locally and from across the nation, can soon earn their entire Brookdale pre-social work degree online, using our remote live format.

Elizabeth Barone, a Brookdale A.S. 2021 graduate who will enter the Rutgers School of Social Work this fall, said, "I feel confident that I will always be able to draw from what I learned in the Brookdale program to further my education and career in Human Services." She added, “the Pre-Social Work program at Brookdale has well prepared me for the continuation of my degree at Rutgers, and also provided me with excellent tools and experiences in the field through my internships.”

28 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Accredited through the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE), Brookdale's graduates leave with a broad perspective on local to global issues that affect the people they serve. Our faculty is both fulltime and part-time and uses updated technological and methodological approaches to educational delivery and client services.

“When I decided to return to school at 27 years old, after just getting sober and ten years of destruction, Brookdale welcomed me with open arms, no judgment, just unconditional support,” said James Price, 2018 graduate of Brookdale. “The social work program is beyond spectacular. Brookdale’s professors are the best in the country. Professors Burrill, Greco, Frank—these women saved my life. Brookdale is the best decision I ever made.” Price graduated from Rutgers University this spring and will be pursuing his master’s degree in the fall.

Brookdale currently offers articulation agreements with Rutgers, Monmouth, Georgian Court and Stockton Universities, and the University of Delaware. Students who matriculate from Brookdale to the Social Work Bachelor's Programs at Rutgers and Monmouth can also qualify for advanced standing in the M.S.W. Degree Programs to complete the master's degree in one additional year.

For more information on the pre-social work program at Brookdale contact sburrill@brookdalecc.edu, or visit brookdalecc.edu.

Members Only Perks

W

ith over 6,500 members in our New Jersey family, you are part of a larger family of social workers, a network of friends and colleagues who share your commitment to the profession and strengthening our community. While the chapter has many opportunities to connect on a broader level—from educational programs to advocacy events, there are also many great ways for you to connect with your colleagues locally or on a specific area of interest. Read on to learn some ways in which you as a member can build your connections, network and grow in smaller, more intimate spaces—and virtually!

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 29

MEMBER CONNECT

YOUR NASW-NJ UNITS—

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNO W

by Jeanne Koller, PhD, MSW, LCSW & Caelin McCallum, LSW

N

ASW-NJ is the second largest chapter of NASW in the country, representing social workers in various settings and practice areas across the state. To keep members engaged at the local level, NASW-NJ divides the Chapter into 12 regional Units, covering all 21 NJ counties. Chapter Units are run by volunteer leaders (Chair and Co-Chair) who are on the ground and connected to resources in their regions. The Units serve to connect NASW-NJ’s more than 6,500 members with programming and opportunities in their region.

OK, Tell Me More!

Units are regionalized groups of NASW-NJ members.

When you join NASW in New Jersey you are automatically assigned to the Unit where you live or work (your choice, based on the primary address you provide upon joining). Units are designed to create space for social workers within their region to connect with one another, share ideas and concerns they may have, and focus attention to establish community around membership. Unit meetings for NASW members are held on at least a quarterly basis. Unit Chairs welcome new NASW-NJ members in their counties and serve as liaisons to the NASW-NJ Chapter office.

30 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

In addition, Unit Chairs plan and coordinate the Unit events, conduct outreach to Unit members, and meet with NASW-NJ staff regularly. Each Unit also has a voice on the NASW-NJ Board of Directors through one of four regional BOD representatives: Northeast, Northwest, Central, and Southern.

What is Happening With Units?

Prior to the pandemic, each Unit planned in-person meetings for their specific region. These In-person meetings required a venue and involved selecting locations and local speakers who could attend. With the advent of remote meetings, one silver lining has been that the Units have been able to extend their reach, regarding both speakers and audience, no longer limited by space availability and geography. For example, an event held in May 2021 by the Monmouth/ Ocean unit involved a speaker from Pennsylvania and attracted 160 attendees from across the state of New Jersey.

Each unit works directly with NASW-NJ staff to coordinate events for members to bring light to areas of interest, engage membership, and educate members about different treatment modalities, social justice issues, and networking opportunities.

How Do You Become a Unit Chairperson or Co-Chair?

There are a lot of benefits to participating in your local unit! Networking with other social workers in your area allows for greater collaboration and builds a referral network to support clients. In addition, Unit chairs work hand-in-hand with NASW-NJ staff and Board members who are able to address issues and concerns you may have; as well as share any ideas or insights you may have to enhance membership experience within the Chapter. Also, depending on content and speaker’s credentials, members can occasionally earn free CEUs for attending Unit events.

To become a Chair/Co-Chair, you must be an NASW member in good standing, eager to connect with fellow social work professionals, and have a desire to contribute to the field.

What Kind of Events Have Units Held Recently?

The pandemic hasn’t slowed down the Units. In fact, since COVID-19 reared its head and meetings became virtual, some Units have met more frequently to offer support to members. And the virtual platform has allowed Units to attract speakers from across New Jersey and beyond!

Some of the presentations held by the Monmouth/ Ocean Unit have included “Movement, Mindfulness, and Meditation” (August 2020); “Social Work Licensure in NJ” (November 2020); “The End of Social Work: A Defense of the Social Worker in Times of Transformation” (April 2021); and “Theorizing and Coping with Grief after the Losses of COVID-19, Racism, and our Way of Life” (May 2021).

How are Topics for Presentations Chosen?

The Chairperson/Co-Chairperson select topics of interest based on three primary factors: expressed interest from the membership itself (many Units send out annual surveys to understand member interests and priorities); expressed interest of speakers to present on their area of specialty; and a desire to cover a myriad of topics that may appeal to social workers in different practice settings. If you want to hear about a specific topic and/or want to have an opportunity to network with local social workers, reach out to us and let us know! Unit leaders want to plan meetings that are compelling! We can also host virtual social hours that can help you connect and expand your network!

Contact emails for all 12 Units can be found on the NASW-NJ website.

The Unit Chair and Co-Chair roles are not elected positions. Interested persons should contact the NASW-NJ Chapter office and indicate interest using the volunteer interest form: https://form.jotform.com/ naswnewjersey/volunteerwithus Interested persons will then be contacted by NASWNJ Chapter staff. If there is a match of interest and responsibilities, the volunteer can be appointed to serve as Chair or Co-Chair for a regional unit, assuming there is a current opening.

About the Authors: Jeanne Koller, PhD, MSW, LCSW is an Assistant Professor for the School of Social Work at Monmouth University. She is teaching both MSW and BSW courses and has become involved with Monmouth University’s LGBT+ Older Adult Project and with their Professional Education Program’s Gerontology Certif icate. Jeanne is the NASW-NJ Monmouth/Ocean Unit Chair.

Caelin McCallum, LSW, graduated from Monmouth University in 2019, with her MSW in Global and Community Practice. Since then, she has been working under the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey umbrella, currently working at the VNACJ Community Health Center as the Manager of Grants and Compliance. Caelin serves as the Central Regional Representative on the NASW-NJ Board of Directors, representing social workers from Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Burlington, and Mercer counties.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 31

MEMBER CONNECT

What Are the Benefits of Engaging With My Unit?

2021 NASW-NJ CHAPTER ELECTION WINNERS

1st Vice President

Regional Representatives

Carrie Conger, LSW

Veronica Grysko-Sporer

Student Representatives

John (Jack) Serzan

Hannah Loffman

Onyinye Nnenji, MSW

CCNLI

Anthony Francis, LSW

Dr. La'Tesha Sampson, LCSW

Delegate Assembly

Dr. Jeff Dickert, LCSW

Chris Heer, JD, LCSW

Pat Spencer, LCSW

Carrie Conger, LSW

Jennifer Sorensen

32 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Dr. Juan Rios, LCSW

Dr. Widian Nicola, LCSW

Charles Giraldo

Anthony Francis, LSW

MEMBER CONNECT

HO W N ASW H E L PED L AUN C H MY S O CI A L WO R K C ARE E R

by Sarah Miller, LSW

W

hen I first learned about NASW-NJ, I knew right away that I had to get involved. I was a BSW student at Seton Hall University. I began attending NASW-NJ events to learn more about the organization. I was already Vice President of the Student Social Work Association at my school when I learned that NASW-NJ was looking for candidates for the Undergraduate Representative position on the Board of Directors. I enjoyed advocating for social work students at Seton Hall and felt that the position of Undergraduate Representative would allow me to continue to develop my leadership skills as an advocate for social work students across the state of New Jersey.

As a candidate, I continued to attend NASW-NJ events, which allowed me to meet and have conversations with experienced social workers. Those conversations were a very helpful way to learn more about the various employment opportunities available to social workers and what day-to-day life was like for those social workers. The NASW-NJ Annual Conference was also an incredible event for me to experience as a student.

Through networking at the NASW-NJ conference and other events, I was able to learn more about the possibilities a social work degree can offer. Hearing first-hand the experiences of other social workers helped me gain important insight into what direction I would like to take in my career.

Winning the Board of Directors election to become the BSW Student Representative was one of the

most important days of my life. It began a journey of becoming more and more involved in NASW-NJ. I attended the Board retreat which allowed me to have a seat at the table with NASW-NJ Chapter leadership and staff. The Board retreat felt like a crash course in learning more about the organization as well as all the planning and work that goes into preparing for a new year for NASW-NJ. The dedication and passion the participants had for the organization was very inspirational. It was a great experience to be able to share my perspective as a social work student while assisting with strategizing and planning for the new year. My year of service as Undergraduate Representative allowed me to advocate at Board meetings for the interests of social work students within the Chapter.

While still serving as Undergraduate Representative I was appointed to the Diversity & Leadership Committee.

Several months later I was appointed to the Legislative & Social Action Committee. When my year of service came to an end as Undergraduate Representative, I continued serving on both Committees. I was able to stay involved in the planning, decision-making, and evaluation of our progress as a Chapter toward our goals. My work on these Committees has helped improve the membership experience for our members and has also led to important changes in legislation affecting social workers and the issues we care about. One of the most important reasons why I have continued to renew my NASW-NJ membership every year is to support the social justice

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 33

MEMBER CONNECT

and advocacy work of NASW-NJ staff and volunteers.

My work on these Committees, in particular, showed me the power we have as social workers when we work collaboratively to effect positive change.

I also had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C to volunteer at the NASW National Conference just after graduating with my BSW. I spent three days surrounded by incredible social workers from around the country.

The conversations we had served to sharpen my social work identity and experience the impact of a national gathering of social work advocates. I was also able to further my social work education by attending some continuing education workshops.

The relationships I have made are the ultimate benefit, though. The social workers I’ve met through my involvement with NASW-NJ helped me when I was trying to decide where to apply to graduate school, what track to pick, and what concentration I wanted to study. And once I received my MSW and it came time to apply for my first job post-graduation, an NASW-NJ staff member personally introduced me to someone at an event who ended up becoming my first employer!

I am grateful for the opportunity to be an active part of such an important organization. One of the things I was told as a student is that “you get as much out of something as you are willing to put in.” This is certainly the case with my NASW-NJ membership. My willingness to engage with the organization, first as a member and then as a volunteer leader, opened many doors for me.

I am excited to see what the future holds for NASW-NJ and what we can all accomplish together.

About the Author: Sarah Miller, MSW, LSW is a clinician at Living in Wellness Counseling Services in West Orange.

She graduated with her BSW from Seton Hall University in 2018 and her MSW from Columbia University in 2019.

34 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

MEMBER CONNECT

Welcome

YOUR NETWORK FOR SOCIAL WORK BEST PRACTICES & COMMUNITY We've welcomed 560 new NASW members to our Chapter since the start of 2021. Thanks to all of you, NASW-NJ has grown to become the second largest NASW Chapter in the country! Welcome aboard to our newest members!!

ATLANTIC/CAPE MAY/ CUMBERLAND UNIT Jasmina Ashley Kiemon Ulema Shawonne Taralynn Matthew Renee Samantha

Anandpara Francesco Henry Jones Patterson Peak Swan Tolliver Wilezol

BERGEN/PASSAIC UNIT Alexandra Alonso Allison Benites

Alessandra Laura Yudy Chelsea Gabrielle Emelyn Chava Elyse Susan Suzanne Justin Nabila Elizabeth Krystal Amy Sara Ethan

Berardi Buckley Cid Cordero Frankel Galvez Gamss Guli Hannawi Lefkowitz Macaluso Martinez Myers Ortiz Padilla Phillips Sapienza

Lisa Michelle Jill Skiyetta Aryadne Sydney Justin Renee

Stewart Tejada Torrente Torres Valadao Weber Winfrey Wint

CAMDEN/GLOUCESTER /SALEM UNIT Angela Wayne Kimberly Joshua Shannon

Allen Copeland Crawley Dillon Donnachie

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 35

MEMBER CONNECT

NEW MEMBERS (CONT.) CAMDEN/GLOUCESTER /SALEM UNIT (CONT.) Joanna Ingrid Krystiana Laura Ben Edith Brianna Shakera Holly Catherine Thao Laquita Emily Nathan

Dougherty Gooden Jalosjos Jimenez Kieserman Pagan Rafferty Rainner Rothfuss Schmidt Tran White Wren Young

ESSEX UNIT Margaret Madeline Shakaya Gianna Kelly Jessica Paula Mariel Vanessa Eunice Jessica Jovanna Abigail Alina Tiffany Andrea

Bautista Cassano Clarke Cole Hale Lighten Milord Montgomery Oyeneye Park Saramago Shaw Tirador Ulyanitska Walker Wren-Hardin

HUDSON UNIT Tamana Ariana TyNiesha Franchester Medha Angienet Jada

Bawa Calle Chambers Edwards Kudaisya Martinez Williams

MERCER/BURLINGTON UNIT Marline Belgrave Anna Brownschidle

36 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Brian Robert Nancy Courtney Michael Nicolette E-forh Jenna Joanne Roxane

Daily Hill McLemore Mehl Milizzo Vasco Weh Welch Wright Yonan

Sean Menashe Camren Clifton Heather Daniella Alexandra Carolyn Taylor

Carroll East Fitzsimmons Laughlin Littlejohn Maffei Meza Murray Ruszczyk

SOMERSET/HUNTERDON UNIT MIDDLESEX UNIT Arielle Deborah Alexander Nathalie Heta Khalia Alexandra Amber Carey MaritaElaine Lisa Adejoke Ana Brittany Aurelio Sean

Kyra Michelle Kathleen Jesse Laura Bianca

Berkley Cardillo-Cuddy Cerbone Cuadros Dalal Goodwin Iosim Jones Kloske LoCassio O'Donnell Ojo Res Rivera Torres Delgado Travis

SUSSEX/WARREN UNIT Gina Taleen Jessica Erika

Anthony-McClary Chernoff Chou Comerford Cruz Dawson Daye Gormley Greaney Hicks Meli

MORRIS UNIT Cassandra Lauren Alejandra Kristen

Arias Block Bozzolasco Carew

DiCristo Ohannessian Pizzo Walls

UNION UNIT

MONMOUTH/OCEAN UNIT Ruth Karen Emily Jessica Samantha Russell Jasmine Julia Alicia Alexandra Laura

Baumstark Bivas Coleman Lopez Zaugg Zullo

Marie Patricia Anika Lorenzo Katherine Meghan Sabrina Erica Marie Myvline Paige Khadijah Iyinoluwa Shannon Rene Pamela Mahasin

Adam Avelino Beckford Brown Celardo Courtney DeLuca Green-Fortenberry Jules King McCoy Oluwatola Pentz Silver Villacis Wilson

Thanks for Being a Member!

MEMBER CONNECT

Become a Shared Interest Group Facilitator There are no areas in the community that social work doesn’t touch. Our diverse profession and the highly skilled social workers that comprise it

Every day I speak with our members and learn of a new way that social workers have found to create positive change. As your professional organization, we strive to meet the needs of ALL social workers, whether macro, micro, private practice, government, school social work, or other areas.

Being the broad and diverse profession that we are, at NASW-NJ, we

ANNIE SIEGEL, MSW Director of Special Projects

another and create meaningful experiences. We do this in part through our Units, where members can connect based on where they live, but we have also expanded our Shared Interest Groups, to provide more options

for social workers with similar interests and in similar practice areas to connect and discuss unique

Share your Interests.

challenges and needs they face in the field.

Voice.

strive to create communities for our members to connect with one

Share your

are constantly reaching new industries, service areas, and communities.

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) bring social workers together in an organized way to advocate, educate, disseminate information, connect members with resources, and promote social action on behalf of clients, themselves, and others. These groups provide spaces to share your practice area experiences, talk through shared challenges and opportunities, and to network.

We currently offer six Shared Interest Groups: Black Social Workers, Criminal Justice & Corrections, Healthcare, Macro, School Social Work, and Private Practice. In the new fiscal year, our goal is to further grow and establish these SIGs by creating meaningful engagement opportunities for members within each group and identifying volunteer leaders who are poised to facilitate these important meetings and conversations.

Being a volunteer leader for our Shared Interest Groups is an opportunity for you to grow professionally, expand your network, and give back to the association by contributing your unique perspective. Our volunteer leaders are provided with training, resources, and Chapter support to assist in developing impactful experiences for our SIG members.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Shared Interest Groups or volunteer leadership, I welcome you to fill out our interest form or connect with me to see how we can get you more involved. Additionally, I invite you to join the conversation and upcoming programming by signing up for our groups here.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 37

MEMBER CONNECT

Share your Interests. Share your Voice.

Join Our SIGs: Find the groups that matter to you.

The beauty of our profession is that it is diverse. From academia to private practice, macro social work to healthcare, there is no area that social work does not touch in some way. While we often come together in larger groups—sharing our different perspectives and from different places—sometimes its good to find your smaller group of “people”—social workers with shared interests or areas of practice.

These smaller places are a great place to discuss unique

challenges and needs in the field, as well as brainstorm on programs and help shape specific learning events that the Chapter hosts.

Over the last several months our Chapter has expanded our Shared Interest Groups to meet your needs—giving you more opportunities to connect and collaborate. These dedicated spaces meet on various schedules (virtually for now) and are busy sharing best practices in school social work, healthcare, and more. We invite you to check out the Shared Interest Groups and join a conversation or program. You

38 | NJFOCUS •July 2021

can sign up for Shared Interest Group information here.

HARRIET BLOOMFIELD SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS The Harriet Bloomfield Memorial Scholarship Fund is

Assembly, and a member of the annual conference

dedicated to the memory of Social Worker Harriet

committee. In 1989 the Chapter honored her as

Bloomfield. Harriet was a charter member of NASW.

Social Worker of the Year. She also served on the

She worked for the Elizabeth Board of Education

board of Jewish Family Services of Central New

before retiring in 1984. She served as director of

Jersey, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for

social services at Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys,

Community Development Funds in Elizabeth, and

Millington from 1956 to 1960 and was with DYFS

the Clark Juvenile Conference Committee.

from 1944 to 1956. She taught at Kean College and Rutgers University and organized the Center for

Each year, up to four scholarships are awarded in

Infant Development and teen-parent program in

honor of the legacy that Harriet built. Recipients

conjunction with the Rutgers Graduate School of

must be an NASW-NJ member in good standing and

Social Work and the Elizabeth Board of Education.

enrolled in an accredited BSW or MSW program.

Harriet served the New Jersey Chapter in a variety

This year we had 26 applicants for the scholarship,

of positions. She was first vice-president, chair of

more than any previous year!

the PACE committee, a delegate to the Delegate

The recipients of the 2021 Harriet Bloomfield Scholarship are:

BSW Students

Jazmine Acevedo Rutgers University - Newark

I want to thank the NASW-NJ committee for the recognition of the Harriet Bloomfield Scholarship. When I found out I was selected amongst many other well-deserved applicants, I was astounded. I have to give a special acknowledgment to those who are with me, guide me, and protect me throughout my life journey. I could not have done it without the courage of my grandfather, a Korean War veteran, and my grandmother's determination and focus. I also want to thank my parents, who both in their early 20s, were the first to move to New Jersey in hopes of finding better jobs than what Puerto Rico had to offer. Both did their very best to provide my siblings and me with a better life, education, and opportunities.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 39

MEMBER CONNECT

TL

MEMBER CONNECT

BSW Students (continued)

Brandon Hickey

Centenary University

I am truly honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Harriet Bloomfield Scholarship! This fall, I will be entering my senior year in the BSW program at Centenary University. Being a recipient of this year's Harriet Bloomfield Scholarship is very important to me, as it will help me continue my education. Upon my graduation from Centenary University, I intend to enter an MSW program and would eventually like to work with children and families at the clinical level.

MSW students

Katherine Halpin Widener University

I am currently a MSW student at Widener University, graduating in May of 2023. My goal upon graduation is to work with children, either in child services or some other manner. I am new to the social work profession, having received my BSN from Villanova many years ago, and I worked as a renal and transplant nurse prior to marriage and parenthood. After having four children, becoming a resource parent, volunteering with CASA and other organizations, and running a local outreach program through my church, I realized my passion for helping people would best be served in social work. Going back to school at this time of my life has been a challenge, between balancing my family and regular job with school and field placement, but it is worth it! This scholarship means a lot to me, financially assisting my fall semester. My oldest son starts college at Rowan University this fall also, so finances will be tight in the upcoming year. I am so appreciative of the help from this Harriet Bloomfield scholarship!

Bethanie Johnson Seton Hall

I was raised in Newark, NJ and have always had a passion for social work. After high school, I went to Centenary University to obtain my bachelor’s degree with a concentration in human services. Two years later, I enrolled in Seton Hall University’s Master of Social Work program and will earn my MSW with a behavior concentration in December 2021! After graduation, I plan to work in the geriatric field as an advocate for the elderly. This scholarship means so much to me because it helps make my dream of getting a master’s degree come true. The scholarship is also important to me because it shows the rewards of hard work!

Thanks to our 2021 scholarship review committee for reviewing all of this year’s applicants.

Reviewers included a mix of seasoned professionals and recent graduates.

Jeff Dickert, PhD, LCSW Dawn Konrady, Ed.D., MSW, MBA Sarah Miller, LSW Rehman, MSW 40 | Hina NJFOCUS •July 2021

Welcome to Member News—the newest feature in NASW-NJ FOCUS. This space will be dedicated to celebrating the professional achievements of our members from around New Jersey. Have you recently received a promotion? Started a new job? Opened your own practice? Been appointed to a Board of Directors or other organizational leadership position? Had a study funded or received a grant for your work? Keynoting at a major conference? Been published in a peer reviewed journal, featured in major news media, or published a book? Declared candidacy for or won elected office?

Let us know! We want to highlight your professional accomplishments to underscore the great work being done by social workers in our state. Send submissions to jfeldman.naswnj@socialworkers.org.

BRIT TANY MACALUSO, BSW...

was awarded Monmouth University’s 2021 School of Social Work Deans Leadership Award for her work with the university’s Social Work Society and Phi Alpha Honors Society during her tenure in the BSW program. This summer she will begin her MSW studies in the Advanced Standing Program at the Columbia University School of Social Work in the Policy Practice track, with a concentration in contemporary social issues.

SARAH MANDEL, DSW, LCSW, RN ...

was awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice. She successfully defended her dissertation, a qualitative research study titled, Technology as the Third Spouse: The Impact of Smartphones on Newlywed Couples.

Dr. Mandel has a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work. Her post-graduate education includes a certification in EMDR therapy and additionally a certification in Imago relationship therapy. Before beginning her clinical social work career, she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as an RN in surgery and oncology. Dr. Mandel will continue seeing clients in her private practice and will additionally pursue a career in academics.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 41

MEMBER CONNECT

MEMBER NEWS

PROVIDING THE SKILLS TO GET AHEAD

42 | NJFOCUS • July 2021

Upcoming CE Programs

2021 Trauma Certificate Program (SOLD OUT) Meets on July 07, July 14, August 1, August 18 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT 20 CEUs Register Budgets and Finances for Non-Profits July 13, 5:00 - 7:00 PM EDT 2 General CEUs Register Grant Management for Non-Profits August 04, 5:00 - 7:00 PM EDT 2 General CEUs Register Bundle and Save! Buy Budgets and Finances for Non-Profits and Grants Management for Non-Profits for a Discount July 13 & August 04, 5:00 - 7:00 PM EDT 4 General CEUs Register for the Bundle Clinical Supervision Course (SOLD OUT) August 05 - August 13, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT 20 CEUs Next Course Starts October 08 (Learn More)

NEW JERSEY CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVAL COLLABORATIVE

Recognized by the NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners as an approving entity for social work CEUs in the State of NJ.

Clinical work with LGBT+ Older Adults: The Importance of Cultural Humility and Inclusive Services August 18, 6:00 - 8:00 PM EDT 2 Clinical or Social/Cultural CEUs Register Prescription Opioid Misuse and Dependence in New Jersey September 08, 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT 1 Prescription/Opioid CEU Register TeleMental Health Program September 10, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT 5 Ethics CEUs Register Ethics Institute with Dr. Frederic Reamer September 22, 6:00 - 8:00 PM EDT September 29 & October 06, 12:00 - 2:00 PM EDT 6 Ethics CEUs Register

Add CE credits to your professional development course.

To learn more & apply visit: naswnj.org/Professional-Development/CECourse-Approval

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 43

ADVERTISING

FOCUS AD/IMAGE RATES: NEW LARGER ADS, SAME RATES Over 6500 readers

Digital delivery

Frequency: 1 issue

Full-color, camera-ready image sent to NASW-NJ via electronic upload

Full page (no bleed): $1000

Advertorial: (story ad w/ image or logo) $1500

1/2 page: $700

1/3 page: $450

1/6 page: $300

Inside back cover: $2000

Back cover—limited availability, call for details

CONTACT: wwilliams.naswnj@socialworkers.org, call 732-296-8070, or visit naswnj.socialworkers.org/About/Advertise for more information.

44 44||NJFOCUS NJFOCUS• •July July2021 2021

NASW-NJ SWAG

REP YOUR NJ PRIDE

SHOP HERE

Gear for social workers, designed by social workers.

Live the values, loudly.

NJFOCUS • July 2021 | 45

EARN YOUR TRAUMA CERTIFICATE STARTS JULY 07

20 CEU PROGRAM REGISTER AT: NASWNJ.SOCIALWORKERS.ORG/EVENTS

NASW-NJ Ethics Institute WITH DR. FREDERIC REAMER 3 WEBINARS. 6 CEUS. 1 PRICE. Starts September 22 Adjusted Store Hours RAM e g-i3sPM ter at: 8

naswnj.socialworkers.org/Events

46 | NJFOCUS •July 2021