The Salvation Army Honors Its Social Workers for National Social Work Month

Mar 9, 2022

March is National Social Work Month, and now, more than ever, The Salvation Army and those we serve are deeply grateful for our social services staff in Omaha and across our three-state division for their resilience, their commitment to people in need and for the countless ways they have offered their skills, support and service, particularly over the last two difficult years.

Today and the next two Wednesdays, we’ll shine the spotlight on some of The Salvation Army’s many dedicated social services professionals.

Salvation Army social workers provide numerous support services, from connecting clients to community resources—including behavioral health support, substance abuse counseling and employment placement—to helping clients manage their medications, apply for Medicare or Medicaid and secure permanent housing. Above all, social workers offer a safe, supportive space and a listening ear for their clients to talk honestly about the challenges they are facing.

Today we salute Mary Sivels and Brooke Cribbs and thank them for their tireless support of those most in need in our community.

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program specifically aims to halt the cycle of intergenerational poverty by offering a strengths-based casework approach to families with children 18 years of age and younger. Mary and Brooke serve as consultants for case managers at our corps community centers across the Western Division, who assist those enrolled in Pathway of Hope with everything from financial planning, job training and employment referrals to securing permanent, stable housing.

Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families achieve their big-picture goals, one step at a time. Client data shows a marked increase in stability and earned income for participants enrolled in the program.

National Social Work Month was first organized in March of 1963 by the National Association of Social Workers as a way to encourage public support for the profession. In 1984, a joint resolution of Congress was passed and was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan under Proclamation 5167 on March 22 as National Professional Social Work Month.

Thank you, Mary and Brooke, for your commitment to those served by The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program.