North Carolina Public Schools - School Social Work March Update

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March is Social Work Month

Empowering Social Workers!

Our nation needs social workers more than ever.

Homelessness is on the rise. The opioid addiction crisis has hit the United States hard, impacting all races, regions, and economic levels. Suicide, too has risen, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Social workers are uniquely qualified to handle these societal 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.

Social workers are also trained to help individuals, families, communities, and even the larger society if regulations and laws must be changed in order to help people who need it. 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 as well.

The demand for social workers is reflected in the statistics. Did you know that by 2030 there will be more than 782,00 social workers in the United States? This makes social work one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.

However, social workers need support to meet the high demand for their vital work. That is why the Social Work Month theme for 2024 is Empowering Social Workers!

 

More from NASW Governor Proclaims Social Work Month

 

Link to infographic

More from SSWAA for SSW Week

 

 

From Your State SSW Consultant

As we kick off School Social Work Week, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our students and families every single day.

This week, as we celebrate your vital role in our school community, I want to reflect on the profound impact you have. From providing essential mental health support to advocating for students' needs, from crisis intervention to fostering inclusive school environments, your contributions are nothing short of extraordinary.

Your compassion, empathy, and resilience shine through in everything you do. You are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often facing challenges with grace and determination. Your ability to connect with students and families on a personal level is truly remarkable, and it is evident that you make a difference in their lives.

I am continuously inspired by your commitment to excellence, despite the many obstacles. Your advocacy for equity and inclusion sets a powerful example for our entire school community. You are champions for those who need it most, and your advocacy work transforms lives.

As we celebrate School Social Work Week, let us take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible impact of your work. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional team.

Thank you for all that you do, today and every day. Your compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students make our school communities a better place for all.

With deepest appreciation,

Pachovia Lovett

 

 

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USDA has new, flexible strategies for providing children with food and nutrition support in the summertime. This enhanced suite of tools is called SUN Programs: USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids. 

In summer 2024, North Carolina will launch SUN Bucks, a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most families will get these benefits automatically (if they participate in Food and Nutrition Services known as food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families known as cash assistance, or Medicaid programs) but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.  This is different from P-EBT and has different eligibility.  

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is hosting a webinar series to provide an overview of the SUN Bucks program, share what this new program means for educational stakeholders, and answer any questions in advance of the summer months. Please join us for one of these webinar offerings on March 5^th, 6^th, or 8^th at 2PM EST by registering via the links below:

• March 5^th at 2PM EST
• March 6^th at 2PM EST
• March 8^th at 2PM EST

 

 

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Legislative Updates

View the K-12 Education Office of Government and Community Affairs Update from Friday, March 1, 2024.  View here.

 

 

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Receiving this as a forward? 

Subscribe to this NCDPI School Social Work newsletter here.

Enter your email, then advance to the next screen that will give you a list of subjects and scroll down to find School Social Work. 

 

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