Social Work Month highlights how profession benefits Olmsted County

Olmsted County is helping celebrate this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “Social Workers are Essential” to highlight the invaluable contributions social workers make in our community. 

Social work has been around for more than a century and has made significant contributions to our nation. You will find social workers throughout society – protecting children from abuse and neglect; providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment; assisting active duty military, veterans, and their families; in schools; helping corporations better serve their communities; and in community organizations as well as local government. 

Our Olmsted County government organization employs social workers as well. These individuals provide critical services to children, adults, and families to help them through very challenging life circumstances. 

Below are examples of the support services provided by Olmsted County Victim Services social workers in our community.  

“I was on call the day the heart-wrenching triple homicide occurred last September. The family members of the victims were devastated. On that tragic day, I was able to meet the family's immediate needs for emotional support and a co-worker and I were able to help the family through the agonizing days and weeks that followed.”

“I answered a call to a victim of domestic violence at the hospital. She was so in shock, she couldn’t speak. She’d been stabbed, strangled, and beaten and desperately needed medical attention. But she was also afraid. I was able to support her emotionally so she could agree to and receive the medical care she needed.”

“In December, law enforcement called us with a special request to meet them at the home of a sexual abuse victim. This victim had been abused by her parent for over 10 years. But this courageous victim finally was willing to report her abuse to the police and needed our assistance. I told her about her rights as a victim, gave her emotional support, and explained our program. Days later, I returned to her home to help her with an order for protection.” 

Olmsted County Public Health nurses also work with county social workers when clients require those services.

“One of my public health nurses shared her experience working with Olmsted County social workers in the Disabilities Services Unit. She had a client whose toddler suddenly stopped communicating and was diagnosed with autism. With no family in Minnesota, this client was completely overwhelmed. She felt deeply alone and unable to cope. At each visit, she would sob. This all changed after just one meeting with a social worker who patiently explained the step-by-step process by which the family could access resources. Following that meeting, my client said she no longer felt alone and thought that perhaps after all, she could now cope. Many months later, this client and her partner are jointly and happily engaged in the care of their son. Another social worker was able to access financial support for the family and also transferred the child to medical assistance making him eligible for schools for autistic children.”

“I want to thank all of the Olmsted County social workers who profoundly improve the lives of people in our community and help them reach their potential,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Stephanie Podulke. “There are so many people who need the help of social workers in our community. These experienced, talented individuals are able to help children, adults, and families through some very challenging situations. It really makes a difference.” 

“I think our Olmsted County social workers are truly lifesavers. They help children, youth, and adults have a better future and also help our community to be a healthier, safer place,” noted Olmsted County Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden. “Our social workers are living examples of compassion and caring for others. They provide heartfelt empathy and compassion to our residents. I thank them for not giving up despite the many challenges of the world we’re living in.” 

During Social Work Month, Olmsted County encourages the community to learn more about this amazing profession, say a kind word to the social workers in your lives, and advocate for policies and legislation that benefit the social work profession and the populations they serve. For more information, visit the National Association of Social Workers website. 

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Media Contact: Gretchen Williamson, Communications Coordinator, 507-328-6024