Social workers from Inova Alexandria Hospital gather for a photo March 12 to celebrate Social workers Awareness Month. Pictured are: Tara Quinn, Asia Pleasants, Courtney Brown, Shawne Golson, Colbie Lewis, Michelle Olewa Thornhill, Jensena Petersen and Anner Terry-Mock.
It is a quieter celebration but no less important as March honors social workers in National Social Work month.
“I loved my job,” said Suzanne Kratzok, who retired after 25 years with the City of Alexandria. “I made connections between people in the community and those in the community needing services. I helped teenagers make decisions about going to college and choosing a career. It was very rewarding.”
Kratzok noted the importance of social work in the community.
“Social workers are trained to look at how well people function in our community,” Kratzok said. “We are able to see what can be done to help them function better and to bring resources to them.”
Merzedes Leon has worked for the City of Alexandria for six years.
“I love my job and feel as if I don’t do it, nobody else will,” Leon said. “It is especially important for me being a minority. I speak Spanish and can help a lot of Latino families and bring them into the culture. This culture is different and coming into foster care many parents do not understand what that means.”
Lauren Semanchick of Woodbine Rehabilitation
Leon said technology is often a barrier to families needing resources.
“The language and access to resources and technology can sometimes be a challenge,” Leon said. “People do not know how to use the system online to request resources. And a lot of parents need to understand the culture here. One example is car seats. Many Latino communities do not use car seats but here it’s the law and that is something that some do not understand or make a priority.”
Christine Levine is the coordinator for the Fund for Alexandria’s Child.
“I always really loved children and wanted to work with children and families,” said Levine, who has been with the city for 20 years. “We try to provide normal experiences for children in foster care, whether that is summer camp or dance lessons. But we do so much more. We have our holiday sharing program and fill requests on a daily basis, whether it be food, financial, medical, clothing – anything to help low-income families in the city of Alexandria.
“It’s social work month right now but I don’t think people realize what social workers do.”
— Lauren Semanchick of Woodbine Rehabilitation.
Levine said the challenge is always going to be funding.
“Sadly the needs in Alexandria will always be great,” Levine said. “Families need financial help and assistance with food, rental, and medical assistance. Maintaining a work life balance in this career can be challenging.”
Jennifer Simmons has been a family services specialist for 10 years.
“I love to work with people,” Simmons said. “I work with child protective services, which handles calls of abuse or neglect. I provide services to link families to resources in the community and put together a plan for a family to be successful in the future without services.”
Lauren Semanchick is the Director of Social Services at Woodbine Rehabilitation.
“I like people and being able to help,” Semanchick said. “Social work is anywhere and everywhere you can think of. In places like Woodbine you are advocating for patients, you are on their team supporting them but also making sure they understand what the best options are for them. My work is all about making sure everyone is set up for success when they leave this facility. It’s social work month right now but I don’t think people realize what social workers do. We don’t sit behind a desk all day.”