May 5, 2008

VCU School of Social Work honors community partners

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By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work Department of Field Instruction places more than 500 students each year in agencies throughout Virginia and the Greater Washington, D.C., area.  These partner agencies provide services in a variety of areas, including aging, child welfare, community planning, corrections, developmental disabilities, family services, health, homelessness, community mental health and school social work.  Community partners were recognized during the 4th annual appreciation luncheon on May 2.

School of Social Work faculty members are active in community engagement activities, including serving on community boards, providing consultation or training, volunteering, serving as a community researcher or participating in community organizations.  Faculty members also provide continuing education opportunities and lead international social work and study efforts. 

Celebrating the School of Social Work’s partnerships with the community: From left, School of Social Work Dean Frank Baskind; Randi Buerlin, M.S.W., assistant director of field instruction, School of Social Work; keynote speaker Paul D. McWhinney, A.C.S.W., interim deputy chief administrative officer for human services and director of social services for the City of Richmond; and Timothy L. Davey,Ph.D., associate dean of community engagement, School of Social Work.
Celebrating the School of Social Work’s partnerships with the community: From left, School of Social Work Dean Frank Baskind; Randi Buerlin, M.S.W., assistant director of field instruction, School of Social Work; keynote speaker Paul D. McWhinney, A.C.S.W., interim deputy chief administrative officer for human services and director of social services for the City of Richmond; and Timothy L. Davey,Ph.D., associate dean of community engagement, School of Social Work.


Roberta (Bobbie) O’Donnell received the Amy Rosenblum Award. O’Donnell has been employed with the Henrico County Department of Social Services for the past 25 years and has served as a field instructor for master of social work students at VCU. Rosenblum was a faculty member with the School of Social Work for 25 years and when she retired in May 2005, she worked with the school to establish an endowment for field instructors. The School of Social Work also honored Julie Maitland of William Byrd Community House, Helena Deligt of the Daily Planet and the Chris Carson of the Greater Richmond YWCA.
Roberta (Bobbie) O’Donnell received the Amy Rosenblum Award. O’Donnell has been employed with the Henrico County Department of Social Services for the past 25 years and has served as a field instructor for master of social work students at VCU. Rosenblum was a faculty member with the School of Social Work for 25 years and when she retired in May 2005, she worked with the school to establish an endowment for field instructors. The School of Social Work also honored Julie Maitland of William Byrd Community House, Helena Deligt of the Daily Planet and the Chris Carson of the Greater Richmond YWCA.