Social Work Week is celebrated across Canada every March to showcase the hard working men and women who dedicate their time to help those that need it most. From March 1st to the 7th, Portage College honours those that are taking their Community Social Work Program (CSW).
“No matter what, there will always be a need for social workers,” says Michele McDougall, a program spokesperson. “Social workers help single people, couples, families, people of all ages work their way through difficult times and good times.”
Social workers can be found in addiction centres, court rooms, emergency shelters, schools, residential treatment centres, seniors centres, and more.
RELATED: Social Work students raise funds and awareness for homelessness
To help prepare students for the many demands becoming a social worker brings, the CSW program at Portage involves a practicum so students can get real world experience.
“We find the placements for the students, so they get 450 hours of practicum in a year, and that gives them on-the-job training and classroom training. It’s really beneficial and that’s where the students get the experience,” says McDougall.
Social work students in the community
Along with the practicum, second year students need to organize an event to help raise funds for a local charity or organization. This year there have been four groups of students all raising money for the charity of their choosing. The four charities are Bonnyville Food Bank, Homeless Task Force Initiative, Out of the Elements Men’s Shelter, and for the residents in Continuing Care at the William J. Cadzow Healthcare Centre. Each group has found their own unique way to raise money. Through food drives, bake sales, fundraising lunches, and spin-a-thon’s, the CSW students are already doing their part to help the people in their community.
“There always has been, and always will be, a need for people who want to help others,” says McDougall. “As our populations grow, change, and age, the demand will increase for professionals who want to be social workers because they are found in almost every facility and workplace.”
More information on the Portage College program and activities connected to Social Work Week, can be found here.
