Introduction
Every day, social workers change lives by providing essential support to individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Whether they are advocating for vulnerable populations, offering mental health support or connecting clients to vital resources, their work transforms lives in meaningful ways.
March is National Social Workers Month, a time to recognize the dedication and compassion of those who work tirelessly to uplift others. At Goodman Jewish Family Services (Goodman JFS) of Broward County, our social workers are at the heart of our mission—ensuring that no one in our community is in need, alone or without hope.
“Social workers are the foundation of strong communities, bringing hope, support and advocacy to those facing challenges, and creating pathways to a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
— Sandy Ala, Chief Operating and Programs Officer, Goodman JFS
The Many Roles of a Social Worker
Social workers serve in various capacities, often behind the scenes, to help individuals navigate complex challenges. Here are just a few of the ways they make a difference:
Advocates for Those in Need
From assisting clients with accessing benefits to ensuring they receive proper legal protections, social workers serve as fierce advocates. They help individuals and families understand their rights and connect them with the resources they need.
A veteran and single mom of three was on the verge of homelessness after losing her job. With nowhere to turn, she was placed in a hotel by United Way and referred to Goodman JFS for support. Through her efforts, she was able to quickly secure new employment and find an apartment. Goodman JFS staff worked tirelessly to inspect the unit, secure funding for the deposit, rent and moving costs and even arranged a move-in just in time for Christmas Eve. Thanks to this support, she and her children were able to celebrate the holiday in their new home, marking a fresh start filled with hope and stability.
Mental Health & Crisis Support
Social workers provide essential mental health support, helping individuals manage stress, trauma and life transitions. Many serve as counselors, offering a compassionate space for healing and resilience-building.
Rachel, a 35-year-old mother of two, endured years of emotional, psychological and physical abuse. Initially seeking therapy to “be a better wife,” she soon realized—through consistent support and education from her clinician—that she was a survivor, not the cause, of the abuse. With the help of Goodman JFS, Rachel accessed therapy, case management and financial assistance, empowering her to leave her abusive marriage and build a safe, independent life. She credits Goodman JFS with saving her life.
Connecting Clients to Essential Resources
Social workers play a critical role in linking clients to services such as food assistance, housing support, financial aid and employment resources. Their ability to coordinate care ensures individuals receive holistic, wraparound support.
Janelle, once a six-figure earner, found herself homeless and struggling with severe food insecurity after an unexpected financial crisis. She arrived at the Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard of Goodman JFS after not eating for two days. With the support of Goodman JFS, she was able to access nutritious food while securing new employment. The assistance allowed her to rebuild her life, eventually moving into her own apartment and regaining stability.
Educators and Community Builders
Through workshops, training sessions and one-on-one support, social workers educate individuals and families about available resources and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
During an Epilepsy Training workshop hosted by Joshua’s Path Disability Services of Goodman JFS, a young neurodivergent adult with lifelong seizures expressed gratitude for learning more about her condition. She shared that she now feels more confident in managing her seizures and helping her brother, who also experiences them. After earning her epilepsy training certificate, she proudly showed it off to her loved ones and is now advocating for epilepsy awareness.
Real Impact: Stories from the Field
The impact of social work is best seen through the lives changed by their dedication. Here are just a few examples of how Goodman JFS social workers make a difference:
Helping a Senior Facing Food Insecurity
When a local senior struggled to put food on the table, a Goodman JFS social worker stepped in to connect them with the Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard, ensuring access to nutritious meals.
A staggering 8.6% of Broward County residents experience food insecurity (FL Health Charts, 2021), including seniors who face significant barriers to accessing nutritious meals. Goodman JFS helps bridge this gap by providing food assistance and social support to vulnerable older adults, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for a healthier, more stable future.
Supporting a Survivor of Domestic Abuse
Escaping an abusive situation is never easy, but with the guidance of a Goodman JFS social worker, one survivor found the support needed to rebuild a safe and stable life. Through counseling, legal assistance and financial aid, they were able to take the next step toward healing.
Rachel’s story (above) illustrates the power of social work in helping survivors regain control and rebuild their lives.
Assisting a Person Facing a Health Crisis
An anonymous client, diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, lost her job due to her illness and faced eviction. With no family or friends to turn to, she found support through Goodman JFS, receiving rental assistance, grocery gift cards and help navigating the disability approval process. Thanks to this support, she was able to focus on her health without the immediate fear of losing her home.
Why Social Workers Matter More Than Ever
The demand for social work services continues to grow as more individuals face financial hardships, housing instability and mental health challenges. Social workers provide essential support, but they often work in high-stress environments with limited resources. Recognizing their impact and advocating for their profession is more important than ever.
Florida ranks third in the nation for chronic homelessness (Data USA, Coral Springs, 2024), and 13.3% of Broward County residents live in poverty (Data USA, 2023), with nearly 20% of these individuals being children and 14.5% being adults aged 65 and older. The need for social services continues to rise, making the role of social workers more crucial than ever.
Conclusion
Social workers are the backbone of compassionate care in our communities. Their work often goes unseen, but their impact is felt by every individual they help.
This National Social Workers Month, we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the dedication of these professionals. Whether through a donation, advocacy or simply learning more about their work, your support helps ensure that social workers can continue transforming lives.