Area Agency on Aging Recognizes
Social Work Month
In every community, there are people who go above and beyond their usual work to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands. In observance of Social Work Month in March, your Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7), recognizes these special individuals who work together to achieve the Agency’s Mission: “Assisting individuals to maintain independence and personal choice by providing resource options and services.
Social Workers often work in positions and organizations that allow them to see the full impact of a larger social problem in a community. Many are driven to launch and lead efforts that address the root of such problems. These dedicated individuals are who the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) seeks to honor this March with the theme - “Social Workers Inspire Community Action.”
Most social workers serve individuals and families, providing resources and guidance that support social functioning. Through the Area Agency on Aging District 7, social workers cover a wide range of services to individuals in the Agency’s 10-county District which includes Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
Social Workers with the AAA7 wear many different hats and take on a variety of roles including advocate, assessor, case manager, consultant, information sharer, and referrer. Social workers conduct these functions for the many programs available through the Agency that provide individuals with assistance to support independent living in their own home. Social workers recommend and refer these individuals to services like personal care/homemaking, adult day care, assisted living, home repair, transportation, home-delivered meals, and client advocacy in order for them to remain safely and independently as possible in their home. Residents in the District’s 10-county area who call the Agency’s toll-free number at 1-800-582-7277 can talk directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. Social workers in the Agency assist with this process by serving as a facilitator to assist seniors with these services, determining what is best for their situation while assuring follow-through and follow-up.
NASW Executive Director Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, says that the 2010 Social Work Month theme underscores the Association’s focus this year on leadership development. “We have so many inspiring leaders to look to in our profession’s history as we plan for the future. Others may think and talk about problems, but social workers do something to change the systems that perpetuate them. Social workers help Americans succeed,” she says.
“We applaud and salute our social workers throughout our Agency during National Social Work Month in March,” stated Pamela K. Matura, Executive Director for the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. “Through their hard work and dedication, seniors in our region have the resources that make it possible for them to live safely and securely in their own homes.”
Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7. Inc. serves the following counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Services are rendered on a non-discriminatory basis. Those interested in learning more about the services provided through the Area Agency on Aging District 7, can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277.
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