Newman University is proud to celebrate National Social Work Month, recognizing the contributions of students, alumni and the broader community to the profession.
On March 6, students, staff, faculty and community members gathered for a city proclamation on campus. District 6 Council Member and Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard made an appearance at the event and recognized the important work social workers provide to the Wichita community and beyond.
“A lot of the issues that we’re dealing with in regards to mental health and housing, a lot of it we need social workers to help provide those wraparound services,” Ballard explained. “Social work is the root that helps make all of it work.”
The proclamation emphasized that social work is one of the fastest growing occupations of the decade.
Yelando Johnson, program director of Newman’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program and the division chair of social work and associate professor, was pleased to help recognize the “tireless work of social workers in the community” with the city proclamation.
“It meant a lot for our program especially,” Johnson said. “This inaugural proclamation speaks volumes to our community and partners, and I’m just so grateful to see everyone here to support.”
Podcast
In celebration of National Social Work Month, Johnson and Vanessa Rials, instructor of social work and director of field education, were recently featured on an episode of The Newman Bond podcast.
The episode explores more about National Social Work Month, the value of the field and details about Newman’s social work program.
Newman students, graduates respond to the call of social work
These 10 students and alumni of Newman have proven a commitment to social work, making a difference in educational settings, city positions, as first responders, caseworkers and within private practice.
Crystal Khan, student
As a MSW student, Khan’s desire to enter the field is deeply rooted in her passion for breaking generational curses and advocating for those who may not have a voice.
“I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to share their story and receive the help and understanding they need.”
Maggie Papalia, student
In October, Newman University Master of Social Work student Maggie Papalia, who’s also a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, was awarded a prestigious $10,000 fellowship from the Council on Social Work Education. Her work met the mental health needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities as a culturally competent behavioral health professional.
“Everything I have in my life today is the result of the work I’ve put into my recovery. It was really powerful to start from nothing.”
Malachi Winters ’23
After 25 years as a paramedic, Winters decided to pursue his Master of Social Work degree to help people even further.
“Working for EMS, I certainly saw that I had a blind window I needed to fill with knowledge in order to better understand those who are hurting in the community so that we can help them out better.”
Heather Burke ’12
Burke, a member of AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Local 3972, works as a social caseworker with Adams County.
“We’re always taught to help others out, but I don’t think we’re ever really taught to advocate for ourselves, so this has been a different form of social work, which I enjoy.”
Valiore Corral ’22
Since graduating with her MSW degree, Corral has been volunteering with Silver Key Senior Services in Colorado Springs as a veteran companion.
“The professors and the literature can only teach a student so much, but the heart of the individual is what makes us the best in the helping business.”
Serena Hanson ’10
Hanson is the director of the BSW program and assistant professor at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas.
“If we do good work with kids and families today, we’ll potentially create new opportunities for future generations of that family to not have to deal with some of the same trauma.”
Jennifer Horn ’20
Horn, a Master of Social Work graduate, works at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging — Family Caregiver Support Center, the same organization where she had her field placement as a Newman student.
“Social work is probably the most versatile degree a person can get, especially if your desire is to help advance equity and social justice.”
Jose Trejo ’22
Trejo works as the impact specialist for Wichita nonprofit Empower, an organization whose goal is to provide educational resources to Wichita’s North End to increase the quality of life for the community.
“The best way to encourage others to participate and lend a hand is by showing them that there is a bigger picture than what they are able to see at first glance.”
Eva Nolasco ’20
Nolasco ’20 is the owner of Feeling & Healing Therapy, which provides services to children, pre-teens, adolescents and adults within clinical and educational systems across southeast Kansas.
“My goal is to help those that are wanting the help, provide them an outlet for growth.”
Sister Sarah Harbaugh, ASC ’23
In 2022, Harbaugh worked with Wichita’s Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Homeless Outreach Team.
“I have been able to do all levels of social work in this position. I work on the micro-level when working with individuals to obtain and maintain housing; the mezzo-level by working with other partner agencies to be able to achieve the best outcomes with clients. Macro work has included collaborations with the wider community.”
Idalia Gomez
Gomez, a Master of Social Work student, worked alongside Harbaugh with the Homeless Outreach Team.
“It has truly been a pleasure learning at Newman and working with the Homeless Outreach Team,” Gomez said. “They care about their job and even if they can’t help with the resources they have, they will try and reach out to others who might be able to help.”
Explore Newman bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work
Our program offers an empowering experience that prepares students with skills for broad, entry-level, generalist social work practice.
