For National Social Work Month, we’re highlighting the profound impact social work has on our organization.

We asked SDYS staff about what inspired them to step into a social working role and to let us know an experience where they were able to uplift, defend or transform the life of someone they served.

Here are some of their answers:

What inspired you to pursue a career in social services?

"I was inspired to pursue a career in social services because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on young people in a way that is restorative, healing, and empowers their resilience."

"Joining the social work community in 2011 was more than a career decision it was the continuation of a legacy I had witnessed firsthand through my grandmother, Judy. Watching her work as a hospice social worker showed me what compassion in action truly looks like ...Through my role in this field, I strive to honor the same mission she lived by: to support others with empathy, dignity, and hope when they need it most."

"Seeing members of my family receive support."

"Witnessing and experiencing many systems and institutions enacting harm on marginalized communities, I felt a sense of responsibility to be part of the dismantling of these systems. I also feel a great responsibility to be a contributor to the healing and safety of my communities."

"My mom was a staff at the previous Storefront Youth Emergency Shelter location by City College. She and my brother both also worked for the park and recreation centers throughout SD. I had always been inspired and in awe with the work they did ... Almost 10 years later and I'm still here at SDYS supporting programs that work with justice involved and unhoused youth transitioning into the workforce."

"I was actually a teaching major but after doing my student teaching I knew that it was not for me. But I fell in love with small group and connecting with kids and youth on a deeper level."

"I grew up involved in my community, seeing community needs and doing what I could to help those with needs. These values were instilled in me at a young age and I always knew that I wanted to do work that I was passionate about. For me, that work is social services. I enjoy lifting others up with empathy, connecting them to resources, and giving them the support that they deserve."

"Wanting to help people"

"I think inspiring others is what made me get involved with social work. I have realized not everyone has the support, resources, or energy to do better. Having someone by your side where you build honest and trauma informed rapport really does make a difference. I have heard this from youth I work with, and I can say hearing that from them has made it worth pursuing this career. Showing others, anything can be possible with community, is inspiring."

"When I realized I could support others on their journey through life and make money doing so, something clicked and I have not looked back! I always found myself even as early as upper elementary school through high school, being the 'go to' person others told their secrets to and felt honored others shared vulnerability with me. From there it seemed intuitive for me to pursue a career in therapy/social work."

“I was inspired to pursue a career in social services because I believe deeply in the ability for people to change, learn, and grow. I am motivated to empower our youth to reach their goals and become great human beings. I enjoy being a clinician because I appreciate the opportunity to connect with people and create a safe space to listen to youth as they share their stories.”

 

Share a moment when you were able to uplift, defend, or transform the life of someone you served.

"At SDYS, I’ve been able to advocate for, uplift and support so many youth, and do it in such a wide variety of meaningful and powerful ways.”

“One of the most meaningful moments in my work in prevention and early intervention school-based services came when I worked with a student who was quietly struggling but largely unseen. I worked closely with the student, their teachers and school staff to help shift the perspective from discipline to understanding. Over time, the change was visible. The student began participating more in class, their confidence grew, and their teachers started to recognize their strengths instead of focusing only on the struggles. What stood out the most was when the student said they finally felt like someone at school was “on their side.” ... When we step in early, listen closely, and advocate for young people, we can change the direction of their story before challenges grow into crises."

"I feel that during my Coping Skills groups, I am able to uplift youth through our activities and our check-ins. Taking a moment to authentically engage with youth to showcase my unconditional positive regard goes a long way."

"I think I hold or create a space for individuals and families to take their power and lives back from the systems or experiences that harmed them. I can think of many times where I got to bear witness to clients taking back their power in many facets: implementing boundaries with people in their lives, getting a new job, moving into a safe home, developing a safe relationship, etc. I wish I could name one singular moment, but the truth is that I see beautiful healing and powerful moments all the time with clients and families every day."

“I worked with a single mom of two boys. When we started services, the mom was overworked and overwhelmed. Over the course of a year, I was able to step in and help in a multitude of ways, providing the family with support to meet basic needs and offering additional opportunities for fun experiences. I grew close with the mom and the boys. The oldest son once told me that I was one of the only people he felt that he could really be himself around. They were able to gain a lot through being connected to SDYS services and I was able to gain a lot by being connected to them."

"I have a specific youth I work with ... Even though not every day is a good day, or most can be down for them, I have seen them grow, try, and push themselves for their mental health. It's truly inspiring that I can be there to see & support that growth."

"This is general - providing access to basic needs for youth in schools and watching how impactful a fresh set of clothes, food to share with their family, a winter coat, etc. felt transformative and meaningful."

“Working with the I CARE program has brought me opportunities to become a safe and trusted adult to the youth I serve. Sometimes the kiddos that we work with just need someone to listen to them and advocate for them. I think that by showing up as a consistent and predictable adult, we can build trusting relationships with youth that can impact them beyond their time in services with us.”