The Western New England University College of Arts and Sciences recently hosted the 35th Regional Social Work Conference with nearly 500 attendees. More than 50 workshops focused on issues confronting clinical social workers, from how to deal with family conflicts, the elderly, mental health, substance abuse, multicultural issues, personal development, and more. The annual gathering serves to enhance the knowledge and skills of social workers and human services professionals of all experience levels, and allows professionals in the field to share and learn from each other.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and President and CEO of Dare Family Services Inc. Shaheer Mustafa, delivered the keynote speaker address titled, “Working Across Difference.” In the keynote address, Shaheer discussed his own personal journey through the field of social work, being of mixed race, as well as Muslim. Shaheer also offered some advice on how to make sustainable plans that will help clinicians navigate through the underfunded field of social work.
The conference program also featured the presentation of the 21st annual Jim Quinn Human Service Award to Ms. Deborah Hollingworth for her more than 25-year career working in the human services field. The Jim Quinn Award honors a human service professional who made outstanding contributions to the social work profession and the community.
To view photos of the conference visit the University Flickr site.
