UFC Hosts 2014 Social Work Month Luncheon
By Allison Rowe
More than 60 Henry Street social workers were treated to a recognition luncheon, held at the Urban Family Center on March 27, as part of the National Association of Social Workers’ Social Work Month. Social workers from every program attended.
Executive Director David Garza welcomed everyone to the ceremony and offered his gratitude to social workers for their service and dedication. He recognized the profound impact social workers could have on those around them and thanked three Henry Street social workers he felt had considerably influenced his own life – Volunteer Program Manager Christine Koenig who first hired him, former Executive Director Verona Middleton-Jeter who mentored him, and Chief Program Officer Diane Rubin who often serves as his right hand.
Geniria Armstrong, Henry Street’s Deputy Program Officer of Transitional and Supportive Housing, spoke about the stresses of social work and how to manage them. She said that a positive attitude is key. “They won’t remember what you say, they’ll remember how you make them feel,” she said. She also advised the devoted social workers not to forget their own needs. “You can’t give and you can’t help if you don’t take care of yourselves.”
