Choosing social work is one decision. Discovering where you can make the greatest impact within the field is another. With social workers serving individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of settings, finding that direction can take time, experience, and, sometimes, the right connection.
For Whitney Fitzpatrick, a Bachelor of Social Work student in NC State’s School of Social Work, one of those connections led her to SAFEchild, a Wake County organization dedicated to eliminating child abuse and empowering families. What began as a volunteer opportunity has since helped Fitzpatrick develop her interest in working with children and families and envision a future in child welfare.
Fitzpatrick first learned about SAFEchild through fellow social work student and now alumna Assunta Colettat. The two met during Fitzpatrick’s freshman BSW orientation while discussing volunteer opportunities for their Introduction to Social Work course.
At the time, Fitzpatrick had not yet found an organization that felt right for her. Colettat told her
about her own volunteer experience with SAFEchild and encouraged her to explore the organization. One conversation soon became an opportunity for Fitzpatrick to discover not only a place to serve, but an area of social work she could see herself pursuing.
“Children and families have always been a population I enjoy working with,” Fitzpatrick said. “Seeing an organization provide resources and programs to promote empowerment and long-term stability has allowed me to develop my interest in child welfare.”
Fitzpatrick’s dedication to SAFEchild has also been recognized by the organization, which selected her to be featured in a volunteer spotlight on its Instagram. The recognition shows her continued commitment to the children and families SAFEchild serves.
As a Children’s Program Volunteer, Fitzpatrick assists with activities and supervises children while their caregivers participate in parenting classes, support groups, and other SAFEchild programs. While her role centers on the children, some of her most meaningful experiences have come from witnessing the work their parents are doing alongside them.
“The most impactful part of my volunteer experience has been watching parents work tirelessly to be the best version of themselves for their children,” she said.
One experience in particular reshaped Fitzpatrick’s understanding of what supporting a family can look like. During MOVE, or Mothers Overcoming Violence through Empowerment and Education, Fitzpatrick listened as mothers nearing the end of the program read letters to their children that they had written when the program began.
Although MOVE is no longer offered by SAFEchild, the experience became foundational to Fitzpatrick’s understanding of trauma-informed care and the role community programs can play in helping families move forward.
Fitzpatrick’s experiences within NC State’s School of Social Work have also helped her prepare for her work at SAFEchild. Through her coursework and relationships with staff and fellow students, she has developed an understanding of trauma-informed care, family systems, and the different ways in which social workers provide support.
“The generalist framework of NC State’s program has given me a broad understanding of social work practice across individual, family, and community levels,” Fitzpatrick said.
As Fitzpatrick continued her studies at NC State, her experiences as SAFEchild gave new context to what she was learning in the classroom. Concepts surrounding various topics from trauma to the need for compassionate communication became increasingly relevant as she worked directly with children and families experiencing adversity.
“While we learn in our coursework that trauma impacts individuals differently, I believe that students can gain a deeper understanding of what that may look like through working with organizations like SAFEchild,” Fitzpatrick said. “Learning how to interact with families and children who are experiencing adversity allows students to practice empathy and compassionate communication skills that are needed in the field of social work.”
Those experiences have done more than supplement Fitzpatrick’s education. They have helped give it direction.
Before volunteering with SAFEchild, Fitzpatrick was unsure which population she hoped to serve as a future social worker. Working alongside children and families allowed her to explore that question, while subsequent coursework allowed her to continue developing an interest in child welfare.
“I would tell any social work student who is interested in becoming involved in volunteering or community-based work to step out of their comfort zone,” she said. “If I had let my fear stop me, I would never have known I wanted to go into child welfare.”
Her experience also brings her story back to where it began: another member of the Wolfpack willing to start a conversation.
“My biggest recommendation for students trying to identify opportunities that align with their personal values and professional goals is to seek out peers and mentors that may have connections with local organizations,” Fitzpatrick said. “Starting a conversation with a peer was what led me to SAFEchild. Creating personal and professional connections is so important in our line of work.”
For Fitzpatrick, one of those connections opened the door to a community she could serve, an opportunity to put her education into action, and a clearer vision of the social worker she hopes to become.
