Social Work Awards - National Association of Social Workers Michigan

ANNUAL REPORT
2013—2014
NASW Michigan At A Glance
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest
membership organization of professional social workers in the
world, with 130,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects
the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to
enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities
through its advocacy.
Social Work is the profession of hope—fueled by resilience and
advocacy. Social Workers matter because they help millions of
struggling people every day dream differently.
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced
by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique
purpose and perspective:
• service
• social justice
• dignity and worth of the person

importance of human relationships
 Integrity
 competence
The Michigan Chapter At A Glance
6000+
MEMBERS
3472
MEMBERS OF NASW FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS
2596
MEMBERS THAT HOLD THE ACSW ADVANCED CREDENTIAL
2500+
FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
2200+
ADVOCACY MESSASGES SENT TO LEGISLATORS
1000
SOCIAL WORK STUDENT MEMBERS
550+
ATTENDEES AT 2013 LEAD CONFERENCE
300+
HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDED
43
U-LINK STUDENT ADVOCATES
35+
REGIONAL EVENTS HELD
11
REGIONS
1
UNIFIED VOICE FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION
Thank You Members
Thank you for the investment you have made in NASW-Michigan and the
commitment you have made to our great profession of social work. None of the
work could happen without our dedicated membership, so first and foremost,
thank you for your membership. Another year of hard work and strong
commitment has allowed us to continue to strengthen social work in Michigan.
As a dues-based membership association, NASW-Michigan exists to address
professional issues affecting the delivery of social work services. We have had a
successful year in that regard.
NASW is the only entity that exists that advocates for the social work profession
across the professional continuum. It is this advocacy that highlights the
importance of your continued membership, since you know what is important to
your specific practice and to the profession. Please know that the NASWMichigan staff and the Board of Directors is here to listen to your concerns when you have specific needs or
frustrations as well as to rejoice and share in your successes.
Over the past year, the Chapter has been working on two major efforts in combination with addressing many political
and policy issues that have come up in Michigan. As health care changes, so does the role of social work within its
various systems. NASW-Michigan has developed a white paper “Better Health, Better Health Care, and Reduced Costs:
Integrating Community Supports into Michigan’s Health Care System.” Our second project addresses “Gaps in Mental
Health Care for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Michigan”. Summaries of both projects can be found in the body of
this annual report.
Through our close ties with the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards, NASW-Michigan has been
working to address issues in mental health that have direct impact on the clients we serve. In the past two years NASW
-Michigan has formed an exciting partnership with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and works with them on
critical civil rights issues such as poverty, hunger, homelessness and hate crimes. Additionally, an exciting new training
program aimed at eliminating poverty called “Transition to Success” (TTS) will be offered by NASW Michigan beginning
later this year. If there are specific training needs in your areas please do not hesitate to contact the Chapter office.
We are working with schools of social work and have engaged students and faculty in Chapter activities like never
before. Our U-Link program (with over 45 student advocates) has been a phenomenal success and helps address
student needs. NASW-Michigan offers career services, student scholarships, regional networking, a licensure
preparation course, opportunities to get published, professional development and much more. Additionally, we
provide regular meetings with university/college policy staff to inform them of new policies in the Michigan legislature
that can be shared with the next generation of social workers.
Advocacy is a cornerstone of our profession and NASW-Michigan has been actively engaged in legislative and policy
concerns. Recently we started sending a bimonthly Michigan policy update that informs members of legislative
activities and highlights specific calls to action. One ongoing example of policy advocacy is our partnership with the
National office and other state chapters to raise the current Medicare reimbursement rates for social workers.
Without our members, NASW-Michigan would not be able to achieve the accomplishments on the pages of this annual
report. Regardless of your area of social work practice, NASW-Michigan is advocating on your behalf. As you read the
following pages, you will find the staff and Board of Directors continued to attain meaningful successes to advance our
profession. As always, if you have an issue you would like to see NASW-Michigan address, please contact us. We are
always listening to the feedback our members provide. We hope you see the ways your membership dues influence
the challenges many of us face every day as we practice social work.
In partnership,
Maxine A. Thome, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, MPH. Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers—Michigan Chapter
Pushing the Envelope
NASW Michigan actively seeks to change systemic
problems and help eliminate oppression and
discrimination whenever possible. Currently, the
chapter is working on two large projects addressing
social justice concerns.
Gaps in Mental Health Care for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing in Michigan
This project outlines the gaps in mental health and
physical health care to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing population often have
inadequate access to care in Michigan. This can lead
to the isolation, increased trauma and an overall
deterioration of health.
Additionally, the lack of interpreters (ASL)
knowledgeable in the area of mental health results
in misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospitalizations, and
errors in prescribing appropriate medications.
Psychiatrists are often reluctant to see people who
are Deaf and Hard of Hearing because of the
potential liability issues. NASW-Michigan is
suggesting a series of changes to help better the
services provided throughout the state.
Financial Update
Chapter Revenue (for the year ending June 30, 2013)
Membership Dues
$427,708
Newsletter Advertising
$24,599
Programs/Events
$127,124
Continuing Education
$137,100
Interest Income
$265
Collaboration Income
$12,000
Tracking Fees/Misc.
$8664
Net Assets End of Year
$87,887
Better Health, Better Health Care, and Reduced Costs:
Integrating Community Supports into Michigan’s
Health Care System
The existing system of primary care delivery in Michigan
fails to deliver services where people are located and
does not currently employ a workforce that can reach
people in underserved or vulnerable communities
impacted by the social determinants of health.
Michigan has the opportunity to achieve the Triple Aim
by operationalizing primary care as an integrated
community-based system of health and human service
delivery, to define the workforce providing services for
vulnerable populations, to include social workers and
community health workers, and to make the case for a
sustainable payment policy that reimburses community
support professionals for their contributions to the
health and social service delivery team. By focusing on
the functionality of primary care providers instead of
the rigid clinical roles dictated by existing medical
credentialing processes, existing primary care systems
have the opportunity to integrate community support
roles in their practices that can yield better health,
better health care, and reduced costs among Michigan’s
populations.
Chapter Leadership
Executive Committee
Student Representatives
Janice Elliot, LMSW, CADR
President – 2014
Amber Hendrick
BSW Representative - 2014
Dr. Elvia Krajewski, MSW, PhD, LMSW
Vice President of Standards & Services – 2016
Jason Cross
MSW Representative – 2014
Peter Ruark, LMSW
Vice President of Social Policy – 2015
Committee Chairs
Anita Clos, MA, LMSW, ACSW
Secretary – 2016
Catherine Macomber, LMSW
Chapter Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification
Stephen Rassi, PhD, LMSW
Treasurer – 2015
Ellen Craine JD, LMSW, ACSW
Chapter Ethics Committee
Cindy Ahmad, LMSW
President Elect – 2017
Peter Ruark, LMSW
Legislative/Social Policy Committee
Regional Representatives
Region I Representative
Shelley Ovink, LMSW, ACSW, CAADC – 2015
Region II Representative
Mary Gergel, LMSW, ACSW – 2014
Region III Representative
Jacqueline Sink, LLBSW – 2016
Region IV Representative
Lisa Townsend, DMin, LMSW, ACSW – 2015
Region V Representative
Kim Johnson, LLMSW – 2014
Region VI Representative
Sara Stech, ACSW, LMSW – 2015
Region VII Representative
Frederick Schade, MSW, ACSW, LMSW – 2016
Region VIII Representative
Abby Segal, LMSW, LCSW, MJLS – 2016
Region IX Representative
Julie Weckel, LMSW – 2014
Region XI Representative
Abigail Eiler, LMSW – 2014
Bill Long, LMSW, Attorney-at-Law
MPACE Steering Committee
Dr. Elvia Krajewski, MSW, PhD, LMSW
Program Committee
Legislative, Education & Advocacy Day
Each year, National Association of Social Workers—Michigan
Chapter puts on an event focused on advocacy and
legislation – Legislative Education Advocacy Day (LEAD).
LEAD 2013 saw more than five hundred and fifty attendees
storm the state capital to learn about various hot button
legislative issues. The morning keynote speaker,
Dr. Marcella Wilson, spoke about her Transition to Success
model that works to eliminate poverty and cases where
people fall through “cracks in services.” Ingham County Clerk
Barb Byrum, the afternoon keynote speaker, offered counsel
regarding how social workers can become more active in a
wealthy, white, male-dominated arena such as government.
Among the workshop themes were human trafficking,
immigration reform, LGBTQ rights, minimum wage concerns,
veterans’ affairs, youth and school leadership, and treatment
barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing. LEAD yet again
stressed to us that we have chosen a profession whose
primary mission is defined as “to enhance human well­being”
through dual focus.
Program Services
Ethics Consultation
Licensure Preparation
A tangible and important benefit NASW-Michigan staff
offers members is legal and ethical consultation. NASW
-Michigan staff members and the Chapter Ethics
Committee (CEC) spend a significant amount of time
helping members navigate through difficult ethical
dilemmas each week. The CEC is also responsible for
providing education and training to NASW members in
coordination with the National Ethics Committee and
Office of Ethics & Professional Review. The CEC is
composed of volunteer NASW members from across
Michigan.
In 2013, NASW-Michigan began offering an online
licensure preparatory classes. The goal is to make
licensure attainable, reduce test anxiety and to
provide new professionals with easily accessible
resources when taking their exam.
Request for Professional Review
Professional review is a collaborative process between
chapters and the national office to provide a peer
review of members’ alleged unethical conduct. The
process is designed to correct and improve the practice
of individual social workers as needed.
Online Career Center
NASW-Michigan’s job bank allows agencies to
advertise employment opportunities directly to
social workers in Michigan. Despite the
challenging economic climate, NASW-Michigan
has been able to secure an increase number of job
advertisements from year to year. Over 250 jobs
were posted in the last year on the Career Center.
This is a members-only service available at
www.nasw-michigan.org. Members may also now
subscribe to receive email alerts when new
positions are added.
Social Work Awards
Each year, NASW-Michigan honors the unique
contributions of our members towards advancing
the social work profession. Five awards are
presented annually to recognize outstanding social
work practice in areas including direct practice,
administration, child welfare, school social work,
community organizing, and political and legislative
advocacy. Additionally, this year former
Congressman Ron Dellums will received the
Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for his commitment to
social justice on a national and global level.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award for
Advocacy in the Spirit of Social
Justice
Ronald V. Dellums, MSW
Lifetime Achievement Award
Marjorie Ziefert, LMSW, ACSW
NASW Michigan 2014 Social Work Students
of the Year
North/Central Michigan: Cara Cole (SVSU – BSW),
Kristen Steiner (MSU – MSW), Katherine Stuehrk
(MSU– BSW), Shelby Arnold (CMU – BSW), Kristin
McBride (U of M - Flint – BSW), Julie McAllisterLeazier (FSU – BSW). Not pictured: Rebecca Allers
(NMU – BSW)
Social Worker of the Year
Thalia Ferenc, LMSW, DCSW
Stabenow Award for Political
Leadership
Ellen Hoekstra, PhD
Public Citizen of the Year
Bettie Kay McGowan, PhD
Southeast Michigan: Ashley Pallarito (OOU– BSW),
Diane Back (U of M – MSW), Tracy Gallardo (U of D
Mercy – BSW), Dylan Secord (Madonna – BSW),
Rosetta Anderson (Marygrove – BSW), Julia Denig
(EMU – MSW), Emily Hoffman (Adrian – BSW),
Deanna Hall (EMU – BSW), Tung (Tom) Lam (WSU –
MSW). Not pictured: Derek Johnson (WSU – BSW)
West Michigan: Cassandra Gilbert (Andrews–
BSW), Javier Melindez (Andrews – MSW), Janna
Strodtman (Calvin – BSW), James McCormick
Cornerstone – BSW), Amber Hendrick (GVSU–
BSW), Erik Fermin (GVSU – MSW), Montay Lee
Lisa Putman Award for Excellence in Child Welfare (Kuyper– BSW), Leslie Hutchins (WMU – BSW),
Cindy Newberry (WMU – MSW)
Gary R. Anderson, PhD, LMSW & Catherine Irene Stuart, MSW
Advancing for the Profession
The Annual Conference: A Meeting of the Profession is a special event each year where NASW members
gather with other social workers from around Michigan for their official annual meeting. The 2013 Conference
took place at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing over three days and featured: a phenomenal preconference
event with performances by Ellis, Michael & Muxlow, two inspirational keynote speakers (Marcella Wilson &
Jim Wotring), the awarding of the Michigan social workers awards and a legislative reception featuring
Rep. Sam Singh.
At A Glance
375+ Attendees
$300+ Funds Donated to Charity
95+
Presenters
60+
Workshops
15
CE Credits Offered
5
Awards Presented
1
Amazing Conference
In the News
Improving the public’s perception of the social work profession is a priority for NASW-Michigan. Public
opinion of the profession greatly affects the work social workers do, from securing federal and state funding
to opening the door to services. NASW-Michigan continues to invest significant time and resources in a
public relations campaign to confront misperceptions about social workers. Each month we spotlight news
articles featuring members on the ‘News and Press’ section of the Chapter website. Some articles include:
October 2013
"Breakfast of Nations" Highlights Benefits Of Immigration
December 2013.
Michigan Social Workers Wear Many New Hats with Health-Care Reform
Remembering those that have passed on: Holiday messages coat windows at U-M hospital
How to Become an Effective Ally
January 2014
University of Michigan Forms New Policy for Staff Working with Youth
Pigeon man seeks Pavlov's Senate seat
February 2014
Michigan Social Workers Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilians
Huge Week Ahead for Michigan Marriage Equality Advocates
Student petitions EMU to teach sign language
CMU professor hopes to challenge Rogers
March 2014
Social Workers Make Change Possible For Michigan Residents
Member Communication
New & Improved Website!
This year NASW-Michigan transitioned to a new, more user-friendly website (www.nasw-michigan.org).
New features include an advanced career center, updated legislative action center, student resources,
social work news & press and much more.
The Bridge Newsletter
NASW-Michigan continues to publish The Bridge newsletter. Members
receive The Bridge each month electronically, as well as receive four print
issues. NASW-Michigan will continue to use The Bridge to inform members
of the work the chapter is doing, spotlight social work achievement,
highlight legislative priorities and provide opportunities for involvement.
Social Networking
Social media is becoming a powerful component of NASW-Michigan’s
visibility campaign. By using technology, social workers from across the
State can network, share and learn from one another. Visit our social
networking sites and join the conversation!
Facebook:
NASW-Michigan’s Facebook page provides up-to-date information about upcoming events,
current legislation, and CE workshops; as well as facts about social work and inspiring
questions to promote dialogue. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NASWMichigan.
**The Chapter Facebook following is up over 300% in the last year!
Twitter:
NASW-Michigan is now on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NASWMI.
LinkedIn:
NASW-Michigan’s LinkedIn profile provides a way to connect with the organization while
building your professional network
Blog: The Social Worker Perspective
The Social Worker Perspective is a blog dedicated to the opinions and stories of Michigan
social workers. Follow the blog at http://nasw-michiganblog.weebly.com/
E-Mail Communications
Email correspondence often supplement The Bridge content by providing tools, research, news and other
important or interesting information. Each month members will receive:
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Michigan Job Bulletin
Legislative/Action Alerts
Social Work Practice Updates
Policy Updates
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Bi-Monthly Community Post
Regional Events/Updates
Members in the News
National Advocacy Initiatives
Social Workers in Action
Indo-US Development Issues Workshop with Dr. Dutta
EMU Students with Dr. Stephen Rassi (NASW MI Treasurer)
Ferris State University’s over 95 student and staff at LEAD
Chapter members in Cuba on an experiential learning trip
Veterans workshop put on by Hospice of Michigan
U-Link Advocates prepare for a year of advocacy and action
Ethics Committee members present at the 2013 Conference
Legislative/Policy Advocacy
NASW-Michigan works tirelessly to help advance sound social
policy that positively affects the health, welfare and
education of all people. We continuously strive to carry out
our mission to support, promote, and advocate for
professional social work practice, practitioners, and the social
work profession.
There have been numerous accomplishments over the past
year. Some highlights are:
Passing Medicaid expansion
Almost 1,400 letters, emails, and phone calls were made to
legislators in support of expanding Medicaid under the
Affordable Care Act. Thanks, in part, to NASW-Michigan and
member efforts, last year the Michigan Legislature passed
the Healthy Michigan Plan, which is Michigan’s version of the
Medicaid expansion. The Healthy Michigan Plan extends vital
physical and behavioral health services to nearly 400,000
Michiganders and is 100% federally funded for the first 3
years.
Medicaid Billing Issues for MSW Interns Resolved
Late last year, the Michigan Department of Community
Health (MDCH) revised the Healthcare Common Procedure
Coding System (HCPCS/CPT) requirements. The initial revision
made detrimental changes to the provision of Medicaid
services by social work interns in clinical settings. NASWMichigan, in partnership with MSW universities and field
placement agencies, took immediate action. Due to our swift
action and the tremendous support of membership, the
MDCH agreed to clarify and revise the HCPCS requirements.
The specific requirement for MSW interns now reads as
follows:
“Student interns pursuing a master’s degree in social work
and supervised by a Licensed Masters Social Worker in a
manner that meets the requirements of a Council on Social
Work Education (CSWE) accredited education program
curriculum preparing an individual for licensure may provide
services.”
Full policy: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/PIHP
-MHSP_Provider_Qualifications_219874_7.pdf
Employing Ex-Offenders
NASW-Michigan supports new legislation that provides
incentive for businesses to hire people who have a felony
record by offering legal protection for employers. It also
creates a certification system that attempts to verify a former
offender’s employability and therefore increase a potential
employer’s willingness to hire. House Bill 5217 takes a step in
the right direction for giving ex-offenders a second chance at
rejoining their communities.
Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act
NASW-Michigan is working closely with the ACLU,
Equality Michigan and other partner organizations to
urge the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to
include the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual
orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It is
a common misunderstanding that it is illegal to
discriminate against LGBT workers and individuals or
that such discrimination hardly ever happens in the 21st
century. However, this type of discrimination is
widespread, occurs every day, and each year dozens of
cases of employment discrimination take place based on
perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
expression. Those affected have no viable legal option
for challenging their termination and NASW-Michigan is
working to change that.
Community Mental Health Budget Shortfalls
Due to the delayed implementation and design flaws of
the Healthy Michigan Plan and budget cuts to the
Michigan Department of Community Health, Community
Mental Health centers statewide are facing drastic cuts
to their funding streams. NASW-Michigan has been
working with the Michigan Association of Community
Mental Health Boards and other partner agencies to
urge legislators to rectify CMH budget shortfalls. Some
relief was provided by the recent passage of Senate Bill
608, thanks in part to the swift action of members who
responded to our call to action by reaching out to their
legislators. Be assured that NASW-Michigan is at the
table fighting to keep behavioral health services intact
for all Michigan citizens.
Right of Sepulcher
NASW Michigan is proud to announce the introduction
of Right of Sepulcher legislation with House Bill 5162.
With the help of many NASW members, including the
Aging Work Group, the Legislative and Social Policy
Committee, and NASW member Representative Marcia
Hovey-Wright, HB 5162 has been introduced into the
state legislature. Right of Sepulcher is a bill that will
permit a person to designate an individual of their choice
to make decisions about their funeral arrangements
following their death. Medical social workers and other
health care professionals are increasingly witnessing the
emotional trauma experienced by the growing number
of individuals experiencing end-of-life decisions and the
dilemma our current laws put people in.
Legislative/Policy Advocacy Cont.
Policy Faculty Meetings
NASW-Michigan works very closely with all of the schools of
social work in Michigan. Part of this effort includes Policy
Faculty Meetings, which take place at the beginning of each
academic semester. NASW-Michigan invites any and all
faculty and directors that are interested in staying up to date
on policy issues. The meetings also give NASW-Michigan a
chance to respond to student and university needs.
Any questions about policy related issues should be directed
to policy@nasw-michigan.org
NASW Michigan Staff receiving the 2014 Social Work Month Proclamation from Representatives Abed & Hovey-Wright
Election Year Campaigning
NASW-Michigan is working closely with the MPACE, our political action branch, to organize a coalition of social workers
to go door-to-door this election year. There are several legislators who support social work values and a couple who are
social workers themselves; including Theresa Abed, Terry Brown, and Marcia Hovey-Wright. Unfortunately, these allies
are in very vulnerable districts. While financial support is always encouraged, door knocking is a very effective
alternative that helps to spread the word about great candidates and can make the difference it takes to get our social
work allies elected to office. Please call or email the office for more information.
Contact the Chapter
Chapter Staff
Maxine Thome, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, MPH, Executive
Director
mthome@nasw-michigan.org
Duane Breijak, LLMSW, Director of Member Services
& Development
dbreijak@nasw-michigan.org
Tricia McCarthy, Office and Event Manager
tmccarthy@nasw-michigan.org
Rikki Kirchen, Administrative Assistant
rkirchen@nasw-michigan.org
Robin Simpson, RSST, Manager of the Michigan
Continuing Education Collaborative
rmingus@nasw-michigan.org
Allan Wachendorfer, BSW, Government Relations
Assistant
awachedorfer@nasw-michigan.org
741 N. Cedar St., Suite 100
Lansing, MI 48906
Tel 517-487-1548
Fax 517-487-0675
www.nasw-michigan.org