Newman University is proud to celebrate National Social Work Month in March, recognizing the contributions of students, alumni and the broader community to the profession.
Students of Newman University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program are making a tangible impact in the Wichita community while gaining hands-on experience. Not only have they partnered with The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita (KU) and health care students on a real-world simulation, but also provided more than 500 hours of community service altogether each week in the Wichita community through internships.
Read on to discover how two students’ experiences are preparing them for difference-making future careers.
Grace Blair: Advocating for integrated care
With a lifelong passion for advocating for others, Grace Blair’s journey into social work was deeply personal.
“Social workers have been part of my life since I was little in many different ways,” Blair, who hails from Mesquite, Texas, said. “The moment I knew I wanted to go into social work was when I experienced my mom navigating treatment. That process can be so confusing and taxing when there is no one to help guide you through it.”
Because her undergraduate degree was in social work, Blair qualified for the advanced-standing MSW program at Newman. Now in her final semester, Blair has gained invaluable experience, particularly during her practicum at HealthCore Clinic, where she serves as a behavioral health consultant.
“I get to work alongside providers from diverse backgrounds in order to give patients the best care possible for every aspect of their lives,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work in a place that puts mental health at the same importance as physical health has been an incredible experience.”
Blair also participated in Newman’s interdisciplinary simulation with KU and health care students — an experience she described as “eye-opening.”
“It was a great experience to see people in other fields learn how valuable interdisciplinary communication is,” Blair said. “Especially when it comes to patients from at-risk communities.”
Having the opportunity to work in a place that puts mental health at the same importance as physical health has been an incredible experience.
Grace Blair, MSW student
After graduation, Blair hopes to work in a children’s or cancer hospital, supporting patients and families as they navigate through difficult times.
“Social work is not for everyone, and that’s okay,” she said. “But if it’s where you belong, it’s one of the most rewarding things you could ever do.”
Rachel Breaux: Empowering youth through social work
First-year MSW student Rachel Breaux grew up in Kansas, but spent much of her adult life moving across the country with her military family before settling in Derby. Her background in education led her to discover her calling in social work.
“I was in an academic support role and worked closely with the school social worker to help students access resources,” Breaux said. “We were constantly trying to navigate the world and available resources to best help my students. She encouraged me to take the leap, so I applied to Newman a week later.”
Breaux’s generalist internship at Juniper Arts Academy has allowed her to blend social work with creative expression. The nonprofit organization provides fine arts education with a social-emotional learning focus for youth in the foster care and judicial system.
“My role is to be a student advocate,” she said. “I use TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) while working alongside kids to foster the five pillars of social-emotional learning: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her internship has been witnessing the positive impact of social work firsthand.
“When we have gone into the Juvenile Detention Center, kids excitedly greet us because they’ve enjoyed Juniper activities before,” Breaux said. “And at the end of each lesson, they shout out or praise each other for good things. These kids come from hard backgrounds and are often dismissed with a negative stigma. Seeing them support each other and realize their worth is humbling.”
Like Blair, Breaux participated in the interdisciplinary health care simulation and found it transformative.
When we open ourselves up to seeing the world in all its brokenness, we become open to doing what we can to make it better.
Rachel Beaux, MSW studet
“The experience reminded me that we all bring different expertise to the table,” she said. “A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is powerful and truly makes a difference.”
While Breaux is still exploring where she wants to specialize after graduation, she knows that working with children and families in a clinical setting is her passion.
“Social work isn’t easy, but it’s powerful,” she said. “When we open ourselves up to seeing the world in all its brokenness, we become open to doing what we can to make it better. One person, one issue, one day at a time — that’s how we make a difference.”
A program that supports future social workers
Both Blair and Breaux credit Newman University’s MSW program for providing them with the support and education necessary to thrive in the field.
“I cannot even describe how much I value my experiences at Newman,” Blair said. “The professors have supported me at every turn.”
Breaux echoed this sentiment.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “The focus on taking care of us as students is refreshing. The group atmosphere with my peers has been uplifting and motivating. I don’t regret choosing Newman at all.”
With Social Work Month in March, their stories serve as a testament to the program’s impact and the essential role social workers play in the community. Through dedication, advocacy and hands-on experience, students like Blair and Breaux are shaping the future of social work — one life at a time.
Earn a Master of Social Work degree
The MSW program provides a personalized & supportive educational experience, both in the classroom and through field education.
