Pennsylvania DHS Honors March as Social Workers' Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Human Services honors March as Social Workers' month and looks to educate the public on the efforts of social workers to bring about major positive social changes and to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.

"Social workers are the foundation of this department and provide life-saving services to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable," Acting Secretary Ted Dallas said. "It's critical that we recognize the dedication and commitment it takes to do this challenging work."

This year's national theme, "Social Work Paves the Way for Change," conveys what the social work profession has done to bring about positive changes in society and for individuals.

Social workers, both within DHS and in private or community-based programs, have pushed to strengthen the social safety net through programs such as child welfare services, and advocated for social justice initiatives like the Community Mental Health Act.

"Our employees make a difference in the day-to-day lives of millions of Pennsylvanians in so many ways. They support and empower positive family and community relationships, protect our children and adults from abuse, and assist people in obtaining benefits when needed. And I thank them for that," said Dallas. "At some point in each of our lives, everyone, no matter our circumstance, may need the expertise of a skilled social worker."

For more information on the programs impacted by Pennsylvania's social workers, visit www.dhs.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Kait Gillis, 717-425-7606

Editor's Note:

PROCLAMATION

SOCIAL WORKERS' MONTH

March 2015

WHEREAS, The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance the wellbeing of all people and help meet their basic needs, especially the most vulnerable in society; and

WHEREAS, social workers are on the front lines in Pennsylvania communities every day; and

WHEREAS, social workers continue to work to improve the rights of women, African Americans and other ethnic minorities, and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender community; and

WHEREAS, social workers use their education, professional training, and commitment to help in situations that others cannot or choose not to help with; and

WHEREAS, social workers know from experience that poverty and trauma can create lifelong social and economic disadvantages; and

WHEREAS, social workers help people in every stage of life function better in their environments, improve their relationships with others, and solve personal and family problems; and

WHEREAS, all children have the right to safe environments and quality education; and

WHEREAS, research shows that all people, no matter their circumstance, at some time in their lives, may need the expertise of a skilled social worker; and

WHEREAS, social workers celebrate the courage, hope and strength of the human spirit throughout their careers.

THEREFORE, In recognition of professional social workers and their commitment to individuals, families, and communities everywhere through legislative advocacy, service delivery, research, and education, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 2015 as SOCIAL WORKERS' MONTH.  I encourage all citizens in the Commonwealth to recognize and support Pennsylvania's social workers for all of their efforts.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

TOM WOLF                                                                                                                            Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Related Links

http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/