The Strengths Perspective In Action

by Jayme Walters, BSW, MSW

     She walked in tired, haggard, and hot from the sweltering July heat. She looked around momentarily, assessing her surroundings. The middle-aged African American woman noticed me behind the counter. I smiled and asked, “Hello. How can I help you?”

     “Can I get a food bag please?” she asked quietly. Our organization housed the city’s homeless outreach team, providing basic essentials such as water, food, hygiene products, and blankets. These items were also a mechanism for the case managers to build rapport in an effort to get people safely sheltered.

     “Of course,” I replied. I sent a volunteer to retrieve a food bag, giving me a minute to inquire about her situation. “Are you currently homeless?” I asked. She put her hands on her face and leaned on the counter. “Yes, I am staying in my car...,” she hesitated, “...with my family.” Her trembling voice was evidence of her reluctance to share that detail.

     I learned she and her two children had been staying in their vehicle for a few weeks. As it was summer, the children went to the Boys and Girls Club, where they had two meals each day and proper supervision while she worked. They had no money and had run out of food, but she had heard about our agency from a co-worker. And, could she also have a hygiene bag? They took showers at a friend’s, but she did not want to use all of their toiletries. This moment was not about me, but I remember fighting back tears. I was amazed at her poise. Even in a traumatic situation, she was able to problem solve as best as she knew how.

     I called the lead social worker, Susan, to speak with her. Unable to hear the conversation, I watched their body language intently. The woman went from intense sadness to encouraged. And Susan – she was a welcoming, nonjudgmental spirit who established a connection almost instantly. Within 30 minutes, Susan was able to find funds from a church for the family to stay in a motel and connected the client with a subsidized apartment complex with an open family unit. This woman came in for a food bag and left with hope.

     Susan later told me that no one had taken the time to see what strengths the woman had. She was truly a victim of unfortunate circumstances who just needed information and support. Susan denied that she was a miracle worker – she was simply able to bring clarity to a difficult situation. But I witnessed on dozens of occasions Susan’s – and the entire social work team’s – ability to change the course of people’s lives by meeting the clients where they were, recognizing their strengths, and empowering them with the knowledge and resources to move forward.

     As the Director of Development, it was a privilege for me to share the success stories with our donors and the community. Moreover, working with the social work staff made me proud of our profession and the values, ethics, and principles we uphold in all levels of practice.

Jayme Walters is a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her MSW from University of Georgia in 2008 and BSW from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in 2007. She also earned a certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2015. Walters’ primary professional focus has been in macro practice, including nonprofit management, program development, fundraising, grant writing, and administration. Her current research interests include social workers as leaders, human service organizations, and macro practice education.