Congratulations, Grads!
Congratulations to our Champions for Children staff who recently earned their Master’s in Social Work. We are very proud of our staff’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive changes they will continue to bring to the field of social work.
Jellisha – Case Manager (Family Champion)
Celebrating Jellisha’s Achievements: A Passion for Social Work and Making a Difference
Jellisha has been a valuable member of our team at Champions for Children, currently serving case manager at our Positive Parenting & Partnership (P3) program. Her dedication and passion for helping others have made a significant impact on the families we serve.
Jellisha’s journey into social work was driven by her passion for helping others. She shared, “I’ve always had a passion for helping those in need, and I feel that this career path lets me do that. I love helping others and social work allows me to truly make a difference in people’s lives. I get to be there for them when they need guidance with everyday struggles, and I strive to act as a channel of support to help them live a full, independent life.”
Reflecting on her time with us, Jellisha recalls a particularly memorable experience that reinforced her passion for social work. “One of the most memorable experiences during my career at Champions for Children is being able to be part of one of my client’s domestic violence survival story. It was being able to be part of their village and help advocate for their family. Now the family is stable and living out of state. They still write to me every now and again. It is moments like this one that continue to reinforce my passion to be a social worker.”
Looking ahead, Jellisha envisions her future career in social work as a powerful force for community improvement. “I want to advocate and be an ally in addressing important issues facing our communities. I want to be an advocate for social justice, maternal health disparities, economic inequality, and the digital divide in our community. With that being said, I hope to work in both micro and macro levels of social work to be able to hear the individuals’ needs and be a voice to the people who often go unheard.”
Mecca – Lead Child Development Specialist
Celebrating Mecca’s Achievements: A Dedicated Advocate for Children and Families
As the Lead Child Development Specialist at Layla’s House, Mecca has been an essential part of our team at Champions for Children. Her dedication and passion for advocating for children and families have left a lasting impact on our community.
Mecca’s decision to further her education with a Master’s Degree was driven by her desire to be a strong advocate for mental health services. “I was inspired to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work because I want to be a fierce advocate for all people and provide accessible mental health services. I understand the impact that quality mental health care can have on individuals. By pursuing my MSW, I knew I could deepen my education and better equip myself to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Looking ahead, Mecca says, “I envision my future career in social work impacting the community by empowering individuals, promoting social justice, and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society by providing accessible mental health services.”
Mecca recalls “there are many memories that reinforce my passion for social work, but attending the PACES and One Goal conferences, encouraged by Champions for Children, were awesome memories for me. Being around amazing social workers and listening to inspiring speakers who share my passion and mission was incredibly motivating.”
At Layla’s House, Mecca has been instrumental in supporting parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 through playgroups, workshops, developmental checkups, community activities, and more.
Samantha – Case Manager (Family Champion)
Celebrating Samantha’s Achievements: A Compassionate Advocate for Families
Samantha is a case manager with CFC’s Positive Parenting & Partnership (P3) program. Samantha has been a valuable member of our team at Champions for Children. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping families thrive have made a lasting impact on our community.
Samantha describes her journey into social work. “My passion for helping others has always driven me, and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work presents a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community. The field’s continuous growth, and the potential for personal and professional development further motivate me to contribute positively to the lives of individuals and families,” she explains.
Reflecting on her time at Champions for Children, Samantha shares a particularly memorable experience: “Every day can be considered a memorable experience at Champions for Children, mainly witnessing a parent’s transformation after participating in our program. Through our workshops, the parents gained practical tools and support, ultimately fostering a stronger bond with their children. This is what makes this job so rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Samantha envisions her future career in social work as a catalyst for positive change within the community. “I can advocate for vulnerable populations, providing essential support services, and fostering resilience. The key is actively listening to the needs of individuals and families and aiming to provide access to resources,” she says.
When asked about her favorite part of her current role, Samantha said, “My favorite part about being a Family Champion is the interaction that I have every day with parents and being able to assist them in any way that I can.”
Advice for Aspiring Social Workers
Samantha: For those considering a career in social work, Samantha offers her advice. “It’s essential to have empathy for others but also understanding that you do not have to have all the answers and that it is okay to ask for help. Communication is key and asking questions is a must to best understand the situation. One should also prioritize self-care, as maintaining your well-being is vital in a career that centers around helping others. As I say very frequently, you cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Mecca: For those considering a career in social work, Mecca offers valuable advice: “My advice to others considering a career in social work is to pursue your MSW when you’re ready. Your journey to the field of social work or grad school is not a race, it’s a journey. This decision will open many doors for you. An MSW is one of the most versatile degrees you can have. It will provide a wide range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact.”
Jellisha: For those considering a career in social work, Jellisha offers advice, “The job demands a great deal of empathy, patience, and resilience, as you’ll frequently be working with individuals who are in crisis or dealing with significant challenges. The role can be emotionally intense, so it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and seek professional support when needed. It is sometimes such a cliché answer but to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout, it needs to be incorporated into your daily routine.”
Learn more about our programs by visiting cfctb.org/programs.