In the heart of our society lies a profession that embodies compassion, resilience, and dedication – social work. With August 17 being National Nonprofit Day, we want to recognize a big part of One Hope United and the vital role social workers play in shaping our community. At One Hope United, our mission is to serve and advocate for the thriving of children, youth, and families through quality early childhood education, residential care, child welfare, and mental health services. The significance of social work resonates deeply in every aspect of our work.
What is Social Work?
Social work is a calling to create positive change in the lives of children, youth, and families. Rooted in psychology and sociology, social work professionals utilize their expertise to address social issues and improve individual well-being. Social workers are trained professionals who devote their time to helping people through challenges of everyday life. They practice in a wide variety of settings to advocate and improve the lives of individuals, families, groups, and societies.
Seeing the impact we make and the number of cases we close successfully is always such a wonderful feeling. Working together to ensure the safety of children is the main motivation behind everything.
– Samantha Rozema, Intact Program Supervisor at OHU
The History of Social Work
Originating in 19th century England during the Industrial Revolution, social work emerged as a response to the societal challenges of the time, including urbanization, poverty, child labor, and poor living conditions. Since the start of the first social work class at Columbia University in 1898, social workers have established private and charitable organizations to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations, paving the way for significant advancements in social justice and human rights.
Social workers have led monumental changes in our society, many of which we often take for granted today. From advocating for civil rights regardless of gender, race, faith, or sexual orientation to ensuring access to essential services like healthcare and social security, social workers have helped shape a more equitable and inclusive world.
Notable figures in the history of social work, such as Jane Addams and Frances Perkins, have left indelible marks on our collective consciousness through their pioneering work. Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, dedicated her life to establishing settlement houses for immigrants and promoting peace activism. Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. President’s cabinet, helped draft New Deal legislation that transformed the social welfare landscape. These are a few of many that continue to inspire generations of social workers to advocate for justice and equality.
We believe in a ‘no eject, no reject’ approach in our residential homes because we must connect with the youth to correct. If we kicked out a youth for one mistake, that doesn’t give us enough time to know them, understand their traumas, learn their triggers, or help them get better.
– Charles Metellus, Hope House Assistant Director of Programs at OHU
Social Work at One Hope United
At OHU, we continue our mission to break the cycles of poverty, trauma, and neglect, guided by the principles of compassion, resilience, and social justice.
Last year, OHU served 9,242 children, youth, and families, providing essential services to support their well-being. Through initiatives like our Screening, Assessment, and Support Services, we’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of social work in preventing re-hospitalizations and promoting stability for vulnerable youth. Moreover, our adoption programs have facilitated over 200 life-changing adoptions, offering children the love and stability they deserve.
One of our programs in Waukegan, Illinois, Rebound Transitional Living Facility, helps young men aged 17-21 years old who do not have conventional family support. Rebound provides a safe space where young men are reminded of their strengths, provided educational and vocational opportunities, and can achieve independence. Over the last year, 100% of the youth enrolled in Rebound have secured employment opportunities. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and effectiveness of our social workers in empowering young individuals to overcome adversity and build promising futures.
Marzell entered Rebound in November 2022, after residing in two residential programs and a local group home since 2017. By May 2024, he graduated from Youth Build of Lake County, secured a job at the Great Lakes Navy Base, and moved to Independent Living, all while being a role model for his peers.
– Lacey Black, Residential Case Manager at OHU
As we continue to celebrate National Nonprofit Day, let’s not only honor the past achievements of social workers, but stay committed to advancing social justice, equality, and inclusivity for all. Together, with our dedicated social workers at OHU, we will continue to support the well-being of children, youth, and families, to ensure that every individual can thrive.
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Grow Your why at OHU
We encourage our Hope Members to reflect on the core of their work – their ‘why’. This serves as a symbol, purpose, and commitment to the work we do at OHU. Fulfill your ‘why’ at OHU today!