"As I endeavor to become a Social Worker, I will never forget this experience." -Cheryl
In researching Aging Veterans and what resources are available to them, I visited a nearby VA Hospital with a veteran whom I will refer to as “Abe”. Before we went inside I was instructed not to show sympathy or pity. But to smile and say “hey there” with a smile on my face and keep walking. Abe told me that veterans do not want to be pitied nor do they want physical help of getting around the facility. They feel as if they have served their country and want to be honored.
When I first walked in I was welcomed by a Greeter who said, “Hi and welcome. How can I direct your visit today?” Because the VA Hospital is so large and has many resources in many different wings, the Greeter’s job is to assist veterans on where you may need to go.
On the first floor, there was the “gathering area” or much like a waiting room was a comfort zone designed for veterans to be tranquil and very subdued. There was also a Starbuck’s. The first stop was to the Kios. This was a machine used to check-in for your appointment no matter what resource you were there to use. The Kios also provided the veteran with travel pay. After your appointment you were compensated for the distance you traveled to get to hospital and then back to home. If you were using the hospital facility and had multiple appointments where you had to wait, you were granted a food voucher to use at the “commissary or mess hall” in veteran terms, which is a cafeteria.
One of the resources available was the homeless program, which provides a place to live for up to 6 months. The apartment building is located on the VA Hospital campus. Social workers from the VA and also veterans that have gone through the program are equipped to empower homeless veterans to be able to find more permanent housing. The social workers primary goal was to make appointments with veteran’s to have one on one discussions instead of just handing them another piece of paper to read. The program also provides first month’s rent and security deposit on a permanent place to live.
There were veterans with crutches, in wheelchairs, with no arms or legs. I tried my hardest to follow what Abe had said and not show sympathy, but rather just say “hey there”. Whether you were a World War II veteran or a recently discharged veteran, it was clear that the comradery and respect was all the same.
Although it was very emotional for me, I enjoyed this experience and also thanked Abe for letting me tag along for the tour. As I endeavor to become a Social Worker, I will never forget this experience.
-Cheryl Green
____________________
I recently met Ms. Sloan a Licensed Professional Counselor, who was recently hired through Veterans Affairs in Pittsburgh, Pa. While talking with Ms. Sloan I was inspired to broaden my outlook on how I can help our elderly. She expressed to me than many of our older generation are either stubborn or just feel there is no help out ther for them. Ms. Sloan explained to me that many of our elderly do not know all the benefits that are available to them. She explained to me that the Veterans Affairs Resources and the Army Strong Community Center 99 Soldiers Lane Coraopolis, Pa 15108 (412-507-3813) www.arfp.org are there to help but, many of our elderly are either unable to get to the facality or do not have access to Internet.
I have also had the advantage of watching Ms. Sloan counsel soldiers both young and older men and women in situations in which involves her profession while commanding her troops out of the Army Base she belongs to. I really wish I would have been able to spend more time with Ms. Sloan for she had some very strong points of the health field. With her being a commander and a younger Veteran she also explained to me that she too every day is learning of new benefits available to our Veterans.
I am hoping that this website will help our Veterans get the assistance that they need. Ms. Sloan expressed her love of helping others. Listening to her experiences as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 15 years was extremely invigorating to me and encouraged me to carry on with my journey in achieving my degree in the Social Work field.
-Erika L. Beach
________________________________
My personal interviews were so honest and rewarding. I'm grateful for the many agencies and employees who's mission in life are to help others. Social change is awesome, and what is even better is helping others. One particular agency and director touched me, and I'd like to share some parts of my interview.
On Friday March 2, 2013 I spoke with a one Eunice Boyd. Eunice Boyd works for the Hill House. Although My Boyd was unable to meet with me personally she did accept a conference call from me and spoke with me for about 40 minutes on several occasions. I loved it! I spoke with many different non-profit directors and organizers, in Allegheny County but speaking to Ms. Boyd was quite refreshing.
In 1971 It all began, that is the Hill House becoming a staple for the hill district and an outlet for the aging Community. Ms. Boyd spoke of the different communities that the Hill House primarily serves such as The Hill District, Oakland, and Lawrenceville. The Main goals of the senior center are to promote independence, socialization, and safe sex.
I did find it quite interesting and fundamental that the Hill House does pair seniors up to different social and caseworkers on a case-by-case basis. With that being said if there is an aging veteran among their group that particular veteran would have someone to be with him/her every step of the way to ensure that all benefits are accounted for, as well as any other necessary precautions steps or unanswered questions pertaining to benefits about health or home. Something tells me that all who come for referrals or help at the hill house will not be deterred or intimidated by any paper work, and needs will be met successfully.
My final interview questions were to Ms. Boyd were how long has she worked for the hill house, and the best part of her job? Ms. Boyd has worked for the Hill House for 32 years and counting and the best part of working in social service is the positive impact one receives from serving the community, and its people, sharing a love and passion for developing programs that help not hinder, and watching someone grow. Ms. Boyd says she can never work anywhere else, her hopes and dreams are to improve the lives and hopes of others and she believes there is still work to be done. All in all with that being said about finding a woman who loves her career and her career choices it brings a warm and inviting peace to me. While many of us are searching for inspiration or help, There are people who care, or at least in Allegheny county there are agencies around who dream of helping the next man or woman change their life and cope with life’s battle. Perhaps this is the life of a social worker, if it is this is the kind of organization I personally would like to run and walk with. When I hear a person share their life’s work and dreams with me with a fervent pride and passion, it sometimes has me on the edge of crying, not because I am sad but because I’m personally not there yet.
I do hope to work under a joyous licensed Social Worker who uplifts, and commends well because that’s what Social workers do! Our oath is to aid, and assist. I intend to do just that.
-Latresa Zak
_________________________________
While learning about war veterans, most of my group members talked to agencies about experiences, but I wanted to take a more personal approach. I talked to my grandmother who helped my uncle Hayward who was a war veteran.
I would have interviewed him, but he passed away in 2008 around the age of 60. After he came back from the war, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He was living on the streets for a while before he moved in with my grandparents.
He would have random episodes where he thought he was back fighting in the Vietnam war, and anything could trigger it. My grandparents would take him to hospitals so he could receive medications, but he didn’t believe he was sick, so he wouldn’t take it.
My grandmother said that most of the veterans who fought in the Vietnam war had to fight for their healthcare benefits. He was able to be treated for his frequent episodes, and they put him on medication. For the main part, he was on his own. Besides the medication he was given, nobody cared on how he ended up.
No one cared about the Vietnam war veterans, and they didn’t get as much recognition as they should have. So me contributing to this website was to honor my uncle. I learned a lot about where people could go to get help, and want to make sure other veterans knew as well.
-Shayla Wallace
________________________________
Veterans are heroes in our country because they put their life
on the line to fight for our freedom. Some veterans willingly accept help and
support offered from other people while other veterans refuse the services
because they want to do things on their own. During this social work project, I
had a chance to conduct an over the phone interview with Kurt Emmerling. Mr.
Emmerling is a social worker at the Area Agency on Aging in Pittsburgh, PA. The
mission of the agency is to keep the aging community as independent as possible.
During this interview, I got a glimpse of what he does to assist his clients.
Mr. Emmerling spends time with the aging community on a daily basis and assists them with some of their needs. From this experience, I know that the smallest things can help the most. Assisting the clients can range from straightforward methods such as listening to the veterans, talking to them, saying how thankful you are, etc. Mr. Emmerling told me about several volunteer activities and opportunities people can do to assist the aging, which varied from working with a senior for a number of hours to teaching senior citizens computer skills. Social workers work with all ages.
Mr. Emmerling works more on the micro level because he focuses
primarily on the clients and their needs. After a while, his work can shift to
mezzo level because he helps the family too. Regardless of the client, social workers need to interact with families to ensure, the families and social workers are all on the same page. Social workers work with the code of ethics. Mr. Emmerling took the virtue ethics to heart because he would make decisions for the senior that he would make for his own family members. In the agency, they call Mr. Emmerling’s approach “My Mother’s Action”. Social workers must set up boundaries because if they do not they can be walked all over.
During this interview, I got a feel of what it would be like to be a social worker working with the aging community. I learned how there were often challenging times. There would be times where he would want to help a client, but couldn’t because his client would deny services. If they refuse service, he cannot make them do it, he has to do things based off of their choices. Mr. Emmerling performs a monthly, quarterly, midyear, and annual checkup on the aftercare of his clients. Lastly, from the interview I learnedhow crucial it can be for a social worker to block things out or else you can be burnt out at the end of the day. A social worker needs to take time for him/ her at the end of the day, so they can begin the next day with a cleared mind.
-Lois Wade
When I first walked in I was welcomed by a Greeter who said, “Hi and welcome. How can I direct your visit today?” Because the VA Hospital is so large and has many resources in many different wings, the Greeter’s job is to assist veterans on where you may need to go.
On the first floor, there was the “gathering area” or much like a waiting room was a comfort zone designed for veterans to be tranquil and very subdued. There was also a Starbuck’s. The first stop was to the Kios. This was a machine used to check-in for your appointment no matter what resource you were there to use. The Kios also provided the veteran with travel pay. After your appointment you were compensated for the distance you traveled to get to hospital and then back to home. If you were using the hospital facility and had multiple appointments where you had to wait, you were granted a food voucher to use at the “commissary or mess hall” in veteran terms, which is a cafeteria.
One of the resources available was the homeless program, which provides a place to live for up to 6 months. The apartment building is located on the VA Hospital campus. Social workers from the VA and also veterans that have gone through the program are equipped to empower homeless veterans to be able to find more permanent housing. The social workers primary goal was to make appointments with veteran’s to have one on one discussions instead of just handing them another piece of paper to read. The program also provides first month’s rent and security deposit on a permanent place to live.
There were veterans with crutches, in wheelchairs, with no arms or legs. I tried my hardest to follow what Abe had said and not show sympathy, but rather just say “hey there”. Whether you were a World War II veteran or a recently discharged veteran, it was clear that the comradery and respect was all the same.
Although it was very emotional for me, I enjoyed this experience and also thanked Abe for letting me tag along for the tour. As I endeavor to become a Social Worker, I will never forget this experience.
-Cheryl Green
____________________
I recently met Ms. Sloan a Licensed Professional Counselor, who was recently hired through Veterans Affairs in Pittsburgh, Pa. While talking with Ms. Sloan I was inspired to broaden my outlook on how I can help our elderly. She expressed to me than many of our older generation are either stubborn or just feel there is no help out ther for them. Ms. Sloan explained to me that many of our elderly do not know all the benefits that are available to them. She explained to me that the Veterans Affairs Resources and the Army Strong Community Center 99 Soldiers Lane Coraopolis, Pa 15108 (412-507-3813) www.arfp.org are there to help but, many of our elderly are either unable to get to the facality or do not have access to Internet.
I have also had the advantage of watching Ms. Sloan counsel soldiers both young and older men and women in situations in which involves her profession while commanding her troops out of the Army Base she belongs to. I really wish I would have been able to spend more time with Ms. Sloan for she had some very strong points of the health field. With her being a commander and a younger Veteran she also explained to me that she too every day is learning of new benefits available to our Veterans.
I am hoping that this website will help our Veterans get the assistance that they need. Ms. Sloan expressed her love of helping others. Listening to her experiences as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 15 years was extremely invigorating to me and encouraged me to carry on with my journey in achieving my degree in the Social Work field.
-Erika L. Beach
________________________________
My personal interviews were so honest and rewarding. I'm grateful for the many agencies and employees who's mission in life are to help others. Social change is awesome, and what is even better is helping others. One particular agency and director touched me, and I'd like to share some parts of my interview.
On Friday March 2, 2013 I spoke with a one Eunice Boyd. Eunice Boyd works for the Hill House. Although My Boyd was unable to meet with me personally she did accept a conference call from me and spoke with me for about 40 minutes on several occasions. I loved it! I spoke with many different non-profit directors and organizers, in Allegheny County but speaking to Ms. Boyd was quite refreshing.
In 1971 It all began, that is the Hill House becoming a staple for the hill district and an outlet for the aging Community. Ms. Boyd spoke of the different communities that the Hill House primarily serves such as The Hill District, Oakland, and Lawrenceville. The Main goals of the senior center are to promote independence, socialization, and safe sex.
I did find it quite interesting and fundamental that the Hill House does pair seniors up to different social and caseworkers on a case-by-case basis. With that being said if there is an aging veteran among their group that particular veteran would have someone to be with him/her every step of the way to ensure that all benefits are accounted for, as well as any other necessary precautions steps or unanswered questions pertaining to benefits about health or home. Something tells me that all who come for referrals or help at the hill house will not be deterred or intimidated by any paper work, and needs will be met successfully.
My final interview questions were to Ms. Boyd were how long has she worked for the hill house, and the best part of her job? Ms. Boyd has worked for the Hill House for 32 years and counting and the best part of working in social service is the positive impact one receives from serving the community, and its people, sharing a love and passion for developing programs that help not hinder, and watching someone grow. Ms. Boyd says she can never work anywhere else, her hopes and dreams are to improve the lives and hopes of others and she believes there is still work to be done. All in all with that being said about finding a woman who loves her career and her career choices it brings a warm and inviting peace to me. While many of us are searching for inspiration or help, There are people who care, or at least in Allegheny county there are agencies around who dream of helping the next man or woman change their life and cope with life’s battle. Perhaps this is the life of a social worker, if it is this is the kind of organization I personally would like to run and walk with. When I hear a person share their life’s work and dreams with me with a fervent pride and passion, it sometimes has me on the edge of crying, not because I am sad but because I’m personally not there yet.
I do hope to work under a joyous licensed Social Worker who uplifts, and commends well because that’s what Social workers do! Our oath is to aid, and assist. I intend to do just that.
-Latresa Zak
_________________________________
While learning about war veterans, most of my group members talked to agencies about experiences, but I wanted to take a more personal approach. I talked to my grandmother who helped my uncle Hayward who was a war veteran.
I would have interviewed him, but he passed away in 2008 around the age of 60. After he came back from the war, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He was living on the streets for a while before he moved in with my grandparents.
He would have random episodes where he thought he was back fighting in the Vietnam war, and anything could trigger it. My grandparents would take him to hospitals so he could receive medications, but he didn’t believe he was sick, so he wouldn’t take it.
My grandmother said that most of the veterans who fought in the Vietnam war had to fight for their healthcare benefits. He was able to be treated for his frequent episodes, and they put him on medication. For the main part, he was on his own. Besides the medication he was given, nobody cared on how he ended up.
No one cared about the Vietnam war veterans, and they didn’t get as much recognition as they should have. So me contributing to this website was to honor my uncle. I learned a lot about where people could go to get help, and want to make sure other veterans knew as well.
-Shayla Wallace
________________________________
Veterans are heroes in our country because they put their life
on the line to fight for our freedom. Some veterans willingly accept help and
support offered from other people while other veterans refuse the services
because they want to do things on their own. During this social work project, I
had a chance to conduct an over the phone interview with Kurt Emmerling. Mr.
Emmerling is a social worker at the Area Agency on Aging in Pittsburgh, PA. The
mission of the agency is to keep the aging community as independent as possible.
During this interview, I got a glimpse of what he does to assist his clients.
Mr. Emmerling spends time with the aging community on a daily basis and assists them with some of their needs. From this experience, I know that the smallest things can help the most. Assisting the clients can range from straightforward methods such as listening to the veterans, talking to them, saying how thankful you are, etc. Mr. Emmerling told me about several volunteer activities and opportunities people can do to assist the aging, which varied from working with a senior for a number of hours to teaching senior citizens computer skills. Social workers work with all ages.
Mr. Emmerling works more on the micro level because he focuses
primarily on the clients and their needs. After a while, his work can shift to
mezzo level because he helps the family too. Regardless of the client, social workers need to interact with families to ensure, the families and social workers are all on the same page. Social workers work with the code of ethics. Mr. Emmerling took the virtue ethics to heart because he would make decisions for the senior that he would make for his own family members. In the agency, they call Mr. Emmerling’s approach “My Mother’s Action”. Social workers must set up boundaries because if they do not they can be walked all over.
During this interview, I got a feel of what it would be like to be a social worker working with the aging community. I learned how there were often challenging times. There would be times where he would want to help a client, but couldn’t because his client would deny services. If they refuse service, he cannot make them do it, he has to do things based off of their choices. Mr. Emmerling performs a monthly, quarterly, midyear, and annual checkup on the aftercare of his clients. Lastly, from the interview I learnedhow crucial it can be for a social worker to block things out or else you can be burnt out at the end of the day. A social worker needs to take time for him/ her at the end of the day, so they can begin the next day with a cleared mind.
-Lois Wade