Olmsted County celebrates Social Work month

Olmsted County is celebrating Social Work Month this March with the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work.” Social workers have enriched our society for more than a century and their critical services continue be needed today.

For decades, the social work profession has been dedicated to improving human well-being and enhancing the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable, particularly during the global pandemic. 

Despite dealing with some of the most pressing challenges of our lifetimes (the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism, economic inequality, and other crises), Olmsted County social workers continue to demonstrate resiliency, advocacy, and compassion, while providing essential services for the community. 

“With a dedicated staff of social workers, public health nurses, and support staff, Adult and Family Services provides services and supports to more than 6,000 individuals each year,” said Olmsted County Director of Adult and Family Services Amy Thompson. "Our goal is to help people live independently in our community. Serving individuals from birth to 100, we provide a variety of services and supports around mental health, physical health, employment supports, and housing needs. We do all of this by meeting individuals where they are at and focusing on what is important to them. While the past two years have been like no other, I continue to appreciate our social workers’ commitment to this work. Thank you, social workers, for what you give to the people we serve, your team, and the county. Your work matters!”

“Olmsted County social workers work tirelessly to meet the needs of their clients. Their work matters and the services they provide are invaluable,” noted Olmsted County Director of Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections Nikki Niles.

“Social workers in Olmsted County’s Child and Family Services department demonstrate great passion and dedication to the work they do with families in our community. Their commitment and creativity in navigating the various challenges brought on by the pandemic has been impressive,” said Olmsted County Director of Child and Family Services Amy Rauchwarter. “I am thankful for their willingness and innovative thinking needed to meet the needs of families in this time of change and uncertainty. Thank you!”   

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.