Local Social Work Organization Aims to Inspire Future Generations in Williamsport
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – A local initiative is targeting high school students in Lycoming County, promoting social work as a viable and impactful career path. The Families United Network recently held a presentation at Williamsport Area High School aimed at enlightening students about the pivotal role social workers play in supporting children and families throughout Pennsylvania.
The Families United Network is dedicated to aiding children and families confronted with trauma, which is an all-too-common experience for many. Ron Simon, the CEO of Families United Network, emphasized the organization’s commitment to certified trauma-informed care, highlighting that they specialize in assisting children who have experienced significant adversity. “All the kids that we serve have had trauma… we help children that have experienced trauma to get stabilized with families and support them in making successful life choices,” Simon stated.
The importance of social work is not confined to Williamsport; Simon noted a pressing need for professionals in this field across the United States. “We could overcome trauma, we could overcome adversities in life… It’s critical that we live up to our fullest potential, and social work is key to that. We need more individuals dedicated to this vital work,” he asserted.
Among those inspired by Simon’s presentation was Meya Williams, a senior at Williamsport Area High School, who plans to pursue a psychology major at Bloomsburg University this fall. Williams expressed her personal motivation for seeking a career in this field. “I go through mental health issues often, and I want to help others who might be experiencing similar struggles,” she explained.
Williams attended the “Careers in Social Work” presentation with the hope of understanding more about various career trajectories within the field. In reflecting on the impact of the discussion, she noted, “The way Mr. Simon connected his personal experiences to the work he does resonated with me deeply. His sincerity almost moved me to tears.”
Simon concludes with a hopeful message: he aims to ignite a passion for social work among students like Williams, emphasizing the invaluable contributions they can make to their communities. As the demand for dedicated social workers continues to grow, this initiative may serve as a catalyst for a new generation committed to fostering resilience and healing within vulnerable populations.
As the dialogue around mental health and social services evolves, raising awareness among the youth about such important careers stands as a significant step toward addressing the ongoing challenges faced by families across the region.
