Community

BCSSW receives $2.5M grant from Mass. Department of Mental Health

The grant will fund a paid internship program that will match students with Boston community-based providers offering behavioral health services to Black and Latinx populations.

Student awarded scholarship from NASW Foundation

Josue Velasquez Higueros, MSW’24, recently received the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship for his longstanding commitment to working with Latinx communities.

Newly minted social workers urged to speak truth to power, champion equal rights for everyone

Rev. Gregory Groover, Sr. advised graduates to heed these nuggets of wisdom in BCSSW’s diploma ceremony, telling them to use their training to serve the common good.

Fellowship program trains BCSSW students to support the health and well-being of older adults

The deadline to apply to the Spier Fellows in Aging program for the 2023-2024 academic year is June 30.

Dual degree student receives 2023 Ever to Excel Award

Colin Droney, who is pursuing the BA/MSW dual degree program, won the Brian D.A. Hall Legacy Award for coaching students to improve their health and wellness.

BCSSW student receives 2023 Ever to Excel Award

Marina Rakhilin, MSW’23, is one of 17 members of the BC community who have been recognized for making outstanding contributions to campus life.

Rev. Gregory Groover, Sr. to deliver keynote address at diploma ceremony for BCSSW

Groover, the senior pastor of the Historic Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, said his talk will focus on the “indispensable” role of social workers in addressing the world’s most pressing social problems.

Rocío Calvo appointed to Massachusetts Behavioral Health Advisory Commission

As part of her new role, the founding director of the Latinx Leadership Initiative will work to address barriers to the delivery of equitable, culturally-competent, and clinically-appropriate behavioral healthcare.

Join BCSSW to accompany Latinx communities in solving pressing social problems

The Latinx Leadership Initiative prepares bilingual and bicultural social workers to collaborate with Latinx communities to create solutions to complex social problems.

Four new full-time faculty members to work closely with Black and Latinx communities

The professors bring a combined total of more than 50 years of experience to teaching, research, and clinical practice.

How do rates of exposure to police violence that is perceived to be motivated by racism vary among young Black and Latinx people?

Researchers in the School of Social Work have received a two-year, $395,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Evidence for Action program to find out.

BCSSW student makes history, becoming the first woman to hold the title of chief of police for Brookline

Jennifer Paster, MSW’24, says that her training as a social worker has prepared her for her new role in “so many unanticipated ways.”

How this graduate became a nomadic social worker

Clara O’Leary, MSW’18, has already worked in three different countries on three different continents—and she can’t wait to see where she’ll end up next.

One Advanced Standing student had her pick of some of the best graduate programs in social work. Here’s why BCSSW was the easy choice.

“BC had the only program where I would be able to take so many different electives,” says Brigid Belger, who plans to become a school social worker after earning her MSW in May.

Study explores threats to safety of emerging adults

Violence is the most significant threat to the personal safety of those 18-29 years old in Massachusetts, according to the study's principal investigator, BC School of Social Work Assistant Professor Robert R. Motley, Jr.

New program gives students the skills to help clients cope with substance use disorders

As part of a two-year grant, BCSSW is creating a pipeline of social workers who are trained to help reduce the negative consequences of drug use.

BCSSW expands partnership with FamilyAid Boston to improve services for children facing homelessness

Dean Gautam N. Yadama will advise the project, which is being spearheaded by FamilyAid in conjunction with a consortium of partners including the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Boston Public Schools, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

This social worker never imagined that he would be counseling clients for a national audience. Then a film crew showed up to shoot a documentary series.

BCSSW graduate Ian Roeber, a senior clinician at a jail in Virginia, is featured in “Jailhouse Redemption,” a new docuseries that follows staff and inmates who are part of the facility’s heroin-addiction recovery program.

Four BCSSW students receive fellowships from the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston

Melissa Bustillo, Musa Kamara, Aanandita Shrestha, and Vincent Sweeney will work for state and local agencies in Boston this summer, helping public officials tackle key issues such as education, immigration, and substance use disorder.

New BC School of Social Work graduate named a Public Health Catalyst Award winner

New BC School of Social Work graduate Quynh Xuan Nguyen Truong has been named a 40 Under 40 Public Health Catalyst Award winner by the Boston Congress of Public Health.

BCSSW graduates urged to ‘inspire,’ ‘listen,’ and ‘disrupt’

“We need you now more than ever,” keynote speaker Desmond Upton Patton told the newly minted social workers in their diploma ceremony. “The time for justice is always right now.”

Resilience, generosity, and hope

Afghan refugee Farhad Sharifi escaped violence in his home country, and, through the School of Social Work, found a team of supporters at Boston College.

She empowers historically marginalized communities to tell their own stories

Leslie Dominguez-Santos, MSW’01, has spent her career working to amplify the voices of marginalized people around the world. “I don’t like to tell other people’s stories,” she says. “I like to hold people up so they can tell their stories.”

Social Work Library doesn’t say ‘shhh’ to important issues

Over the past several years, the library has hosted art exhibits that have shined a light on pressing social problems. “We like to complement whatever is happening in the School of Social Work,” says Hannah Ha, the head librarian.

Four MSW students received prestigious fellowships to work at community health centers. Here’s what they learned.

The students say that their experiences have shaped their career paths, sharpened their skills as social workers, and provided a platform to practice what they have learned in the classroom.

Undergraduate student researchers confront ‘messy reality’ of the real world

Dozens of undergrads at BC have conducted research with faculty in the School of Social Work over the past few years. What they have learned, they say, has given them a leg up in class, reconfigured their career paths, and shaped their perspectives of pressing social problems.

'Portraits of Dementia'

An evocative exhibit now on view, organized by the School of Social Work, delves into multifaceted aspects of dementia, including physical, emotional, community, and health care issues.

How to defeat white nationalism

Daniel Lombroso, a filmmaker who chronicled the rise of the “alt-right” movement in his documentary White Noise, told students, faculty, and staff at Boston College that people who champion diversity have the potential to counteract the power of white nationalism.

This graduate is running for Boston City Council. She says her career as a social worker has prepared her for public office.

Carla Monteiro, MSW’19, says the traits that make her a good social worker—listening to clients, identifying their needs, and connecting them to vital services—will make her a successful city councilor.

A public housing complex in South Boston is being redeveloped into a mixed-income community. How will the makeover affect the health of its residents?

A team of researchers, led by faculty in the School of Social Work and the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, has received a $3 million grant to survey residents, collect physiological samples, and measure environmental conditions such as air quality.

She works at a public library. But her job has nothing to do with books.

As the first social worker at the Cambridge Public Library, Marie Mathieu connects patrons to community resources. “I really try to provide as much support as I can,” says Mathieu, who doubles as a field adviser for the school.

‘I think programs like the Black Leadership Initiative should be everywhere’

Students reflect on why they chose to join the BLI, a new program that prepares social workers to tackle some of the biggest problems facing Black communities.

This graduate turned the oldest nonprofit in Boston into a thriving agency that fights homelessness

As the executive director of City Mission Boston for the past 20 years, Rev. June Cooper has developed programs to teach people how to improve their lives and tackle complex social issues like racism and poverty.

BCSSW receives grant to train social workers to reduce the harm caused by opioids

The funding will enable a select group of students to complete paid internships at organizations that promote a well-known public health strategy that aims to decrease the negative effects of opioid use.

BCSSW graduates urged to heal racial, economic divisions

“Your commitment to social work is a resounding declaration to be of use for a better society and to foster the common good,” Dean Gautam N. Yadama told graduates in a diploma ceremony on Sunday.

Three BCSSW students receive fellowships from the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston

Marcela Familiar-Bolaños, Katherine Marcincuk, and Nancy Sandoval will spend the summer working in public service at state and local agencies in the region.

BCSSW creates certificate program to prepare social workers to improve equality in the workplace

The program, called “Leaders for Equity and Justice in the Workplace,” will launch in fall 2021.

How to understand racial trauma

In a virtual talk at BC in March, Resmaa Menakem, a social worker and trauma specialist, advised Black college students to “develop communal ways of dealing with communal terror.” If you missed the event, you can watch it now.

Understanding racial trauma

Resmaa Menakem, a social worker and leading voice on racial trauma, will speak to the BC community virtually on March 25 at 6 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the School of Social Work.

BCSSW creates program to prepare social workers to tackle issues faced by people in Black communities

The Black Leadership Initiative, cofounded by assistant professor Samuel Bradley, Jr., will launch this fall. It aligns with the school’s mission to promote equity, justice, and inclusion on campus, in the community, and around the world.

She serves victims of trauma and violence in Boston

Charlene Luma, who graduated from the School of Social Work in 2005, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award on Feb. 1. Luma will be honored at the annual Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Lecture and Distinguished Alumni Award Celebration.

A group of undergrads wanted to reduce homelessness in Boston. The School of Social Work created a class to help.

The class, “Designing Interventions to Address Complex Social Problems,” aligns with the school’s ongoing effort to improve the lives of vulnerable people around the world.

COVID-19 made the hunger crisis worse. She’s working to keep people fed.

Project Bread, a nonprofit that works to end hunger in Massachusetts, has served millions of meals to children during the pandemic. Its president, BCSSW graduate Erin McAleer, has been named a Bostonian of the Year by Boston Globe Magazine.

Here’s why this student wants to work with children and families

“I want to speak up for them,” says Angela Lopez Luis. “I want to fight with them. I want them to believe that they can do the impossible.”

BCSSW announces plan for the spring semester

The school will continue to provide online classes for the spring semester as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly 20 percent of children in the US have obesity. She wants to decrease that number.

Kirsten Davison, the Donahue and DiFelice Endowed Professor in the School of Social Work, recently received a fellowship from the Institute for Implementation Science Scholars, a program at Washington University in St. Louis that trains researchers to improve the adoption of evidence-based practices that reduce chronic diseases such as obesity.

Contact tracing helps contain the coronavirus. Two recent graduates joined the effort.

For the past few months, recent graduates Kevin O’Brien and Dory Dinoto have helped hundreds of people cope with the effects of the novel coronavirus.

School of Social Work Student Forum and updates

The school will host an online forum on Thursday, July 23 to address plans to dismantle white supremacy and anti-Black racism, the structure of the fall semester, and strategies that have been put in place to support domestic and international students.

The coronavirus has hit older workers hard. Gerontologists at BC want to help.

Christina Matz, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, recently urged the state of Massachusetts to require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to older workers to keep them healthy, safe, and productive in the workplace.

Our response and demand for a racially just and inclusive society

"I encourage all of us to come together and engage in the mission of creating a community in which our black brothers and sisters can thrive," says Gautam N. Yadama, dean of the School of Social Work. "We should take the opportunity to address racial injustice systemically, at every turn and interaction, in the context of our courses, initiatives, and add new facets to our social work curriculum."

Congratulations BCSSW graduates!

“All of us in the social work profession must channel our efforts to secure human dignity with imagination, courage, and grit and make every life meaningful and worth living,” Dean Gautam N. Yadama told the newly minted graduates in a video created to mark the culmination of their academic journey.

These videos in Nepali teach Bhutanese refugees about the coronavirus

The videos, created in part by the Research Program on Children and Adversity, provide tips to prevent COVID-19, dispel myths about the disease, and present strategies for parents to help their children cope with the pandemic.

BCSSW is working to infuse equity, justice, and inclusion into learning, teaching, and scholarship

The Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Committee wants to tackle inequalities that contribute to unfair outcomes in the classroom, better prepare students to work with diverse populations around the world, and create a culture steeped in mutual respect and lifelong learning.

‘Where you grow up matters’

Samantha Teixeira, an assistant professor, works with teenagers in Boston to examine how the neighborhoods in which they grow up can shape their future.

What you need to know about COVID-19

As cases of COVID-19 continue to climb, the School of Social Work is making contingency plans to respond to disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Read notices sent to the Boston College community and explore these resources to stay informed.

Soto Receives Greatest Contribution to Social Work Award

Assistant Director of the Latinx Leadership Initiative, Ximena Soto, MSW ’98, is the 2020 recipient of the Greatest Contribution to Social Work Award given by the National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter.

BCSSW and the Foundation for Ecological Security sign Memorandum of Understanding

BCSSW and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) have formalized a long-standing relationship by outlining new academic initiatives over the next five years, including joint research projects, classes, conferences, symposia, and workshops.

Maestral International and BCSSW Renew Partnership

International child protection consultancy discusses global trends in child protection and how social workers are helping to advance new care models.

Boston College School of Social Work and Jesuit Refugee Service Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The two institutions formalize a long-standing collaboration to advance projects and research aimed at improving refugees’ prospects throughout the world.

Connecting Generations of Vietnamese Americans

Professor Thanh Tran, who studies mental health in minority populations, and Sandy Saenbounmy, MSW ’19, share a commitment to the Vietnamese community.

MSW Students Learn About Unique Approach to Addiction Recovery

Associate Professor of Clinical Practice Kerry Mitchell recently welcomed the Boston Bulldogs Running Club President and Founder Mike Ferullo, MSW ’82, to his class to correspond with his unit on substance abuse.

Boston College Interdisciplinary Model Continues to Inspire Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

School of Social Work and Law School host international partner for three-week visit, offering clinic tours, roundtable sessions, and best practices for interdisciplinary partnerships.

From the Dean’s Desk

I am pleased to share the new strategic directions of the Boston College School of Social Work (BCSSW), which are in direct response to our vision to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the context of their complex realities. Our strategic directions also signal our distinct approach to social work practice, research, and scholarship to advance the common good.

State Auditor Suzanne Bump Listens to Concerns on Elder Care

In a recent visit to BCSSW, MA State Auditor Suzanne Bump, MCAS ’78, heard about red tape tangles and other hurdles that stymie social workers seeking to provide services to aging individuals on the margins of society.

From the Dean’s Desk

As 2018 draws to a close, I wish you all the best this holiday season and in the new year. During this time of year, many of us are also thinking of those facing challenges in their lives. I am very grateful for all members of the BCSSW community who are dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities here in Boston and around the globe.

Jesuit Refugee Service and BCSSW: A Longstanding Partnership

Through field placements, faculty research, and alumni employment, BCSSW students, faculty, and alumni have been on the front lines of Jesuit Refugee Service’s campaign to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of the displaced around the world.

BCSSW alumni improve Latinx lives in East Boston

Six alumni from BCSSW’s Latinx Leadership Initiative are putting their skills to work at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, one of the largest community health centers in the country.

Meet Second-Year Student Sonie Johnson

Self-described non-traditional student Sonie Johnson talks about her path to social work, her summer as a Rappaport Institute Public Policy Fellow, and her plans to change how we think about wellness.

From the Dean’s Desk

At the Boston College School of Social Work, we are fortunate to have many partners who share our goal of improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Among the latest: the recently established Boston College Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. Together with the Schiller Institute, we are exploring innovative ways to solve complex social problems.

From the Dean’s Desk

The trauma and vulnerability of detained families and separated children are not as easily undone as a policy change.

Learning Through Community Engagement

Eight MSW candidates are engaged in a novel Community-Based Participatory Research course designed and taught by Assistant Professor Samantha Teixeira that provides hands-on experience in the context of an existing community-engaged research partnership.

Tohn to Pilot Solution-Focused Therapy Workshops in Spanish

Associate Professor Susan Tohn and Boston College School of Social Work alumna Suelen Yancor, MSW ’05, will be offering a free two-day training on Solution-Focused Therapy techniques with a focus on Spanish language interventions, a project designed to help practitioners understand some of the unique cultural competencies associated with best serving Latinx populations.

From the Dean’s Desk

The Grand Challenges for Social Work highlight important societal dilemmas that demand innovation and the creation of new knowledge networks.

Yadama and Walsh Visit with Governor Baker to Address Opioid Addiction

BCSSW Dean Gautam Yadama and Associate Dean Tom Walsh met with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker as his administration announces a first-in-the-nation set of educational core principles for social workers designed to address opioid addiction and treatment.

From Boston to Santiago: BCSSW Students Collaborate with Chilean Peers on Innovative Community Development Project

This summer, 20 students from the Boston College School of Social Work and the Pontifica Universidad Catόlica de Chile (UC) convened in Santiago, Chile for a novel course on community development.

IF Challenge Winning Projects Come to Fruition

Boston College School of Social Work, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and Merrimack Valley presented IF Challenge awards to HomeStart, Children’s HealthWatch, and the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership to identify innovative, cost-effective, and feasible ideas to reduce family homelessness in the state.
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