Social Work Month 2024: Empowering Social Workers

Our nation needs social workers more than ever.
 
Homeless is on the rise. The opioid addiction crisis has hit the United States hard, impacting all races, religions and economic levels. Suicide too has risen according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Pennyrile AAAIL has taken on the task of participating in a 3 year National Suicide Prevention Grant focusing on individuals 60 and over.
 
Social Workers are uniquely qualified to handle these troubles. Social Workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. They go through years of education, training and supervision so they can do the delicate but important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals. They are trained to help individuals, families and communities. You will find social workers everywhere, in schools, hospitals, and at the federal, state and local levels in government, corporations, social service agencies and veterans centers.
 
The demand for social workers is reflected in statistics. Did you know that by 2030 there be more than 782,000 social workers in the United States? This makes social work one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. However, social workers also need support to meet the high demand for their vital work. That is why the Social Work theme for 2024 is Empowering Social Workers!
 
Pennyrile Area Development District would like to recognize our social work staff and their unique and positive contributions to our clients, agency and communities. Thank you to all social workers in our communities, especially to the social workers at PeADD!

On behalf of Pennyrile Area Development District/Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, I would like to personally recognize our Social Work staff and the invaluable contributions they provide to our clients and communities.
An alumni of Morehead State University and certified by the Kentucky Board of Social Work, I have been a Licensed Social Worker over 30 years.  For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving our clients in the Pennyrile District. I have a passion for helping others, a desire for social change, and a true heart for advocacy for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Social Work is one of the fastest growing professions in the US and those who enter the field do so for many reasons. Social work requires an understanding of human behavior, emotions, relationships and a curiosity about human psychology and a desire to support others through challenging situations.
Thank you to Social Workers everywhere! You are doing great work and truly making a difference!
Jill Collins, BSW, LSW
Director, Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living