Celebrating Social Work Month

From providing individualized case management to organizing community-building programs, our social work staff, including resident services team members and graduate-level interns, are instrumental in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all who live in our communities. 

 

Each year, Wesley Housing partners with local graduate-level social work programs at George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University and has even welcomed interns from across the country from Western New Mexico University. This semester, we are proud to introduce a new partnership with Virginia Union University and are excited to host interns from Catholic University during the upcoming Fall semester. These partnerships not only help us expand our capacity to serve residents but also provide invaluable learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in social work. 

 

As part of this year’s celebration of the dedication and impact of social workers across our organization, we asked our resident services team and interns to share their thoughts on what drives them in their work. 

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and how has your journey shaped your approach to the work you do at Wesley Housing? 

• “We are blessed to be a blessing” is a mantra I live by, as I believe our greatest calling as human beings is to show love and support for one another. Gratitude for life inspires me to serve in any capacity I can. As a future social worker, I am committed to using my life experiences, education, and professional background to grow into an impactful social worker and change maker.”  -Lula M., Intern, George Mason University 

 

• “My background in workers’ rights and legal advocacy has significantly shaped my approach to social work. I gained firsthand experience advocating for fair labor practices, navigating complex legal systems, and ensuring that workers had access to the rights and protections they deserved. This experience has strengthened my ability to assess policies, analyze systemic barriers, and advocate effectively for vulnerable populations. At Wesley Housing, I have applied these skills to support residents in knowing their rights and keep stable housing and essential resources. My understanding of workers’ rights has been particularly valuable in helping residents facing employment challenges, as I can guide them toward workforce development opportunities. This blend of advocacy and direct service work has reinforced my commitment to empowering individuals and families through both systemic change and personalized support.”
  -Chantel B., Intern, Virginia Union University 

 

• “Coming from a diverse and sometimes challenging environment, I have developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those facing economic and social hardships. Life experiences, including witnessing the struggles of my community and grappling with systemic issues, have driven my passion for advocating for vulnerable populations.”
  -Intern, Virginia Commonwealth University

 

• “Before joining Wesley Housing, I worked in nonprofit mental health facility, social services, etc. These experiences reinforced my belief that quality housing is not just about providing shelter but about creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.”
  -Cierra Falke, Senior Resident Services Coordinator 

 

• “I always knew I wanted to help people, but I was unsure what that would look like for my future. I found out about the social work field when researching various human services careers and instantly knew by the definition of social work that I was made to be a social worker. I enjoy working with individuals and families in assisting them with their needs as well as working alongside them in their journey to reaching their goals. I feel accomplished and delighted when I am able to help my clients with accessing resources and information that can improve their independence and quality of life.” -Emmanuel Roberts, Senior Resident Services Coordinator 

 

What has been the most rewarding part of your internship?   

• “One standout experience was assisting in the development of a resource fair for new tenants, where we connected families to essential services and community resources. Being able to see the direct benefits these resources brought to our clients made me feel that the work we do truly makes a difference in helping people rebuild their lives. Another highlight has been seeing the powerful combination of social work and policy in action. I’ve been involved in policy discussions that directly address affordable housing needs, and it’s been inspiring to see how the advocacy efforts at Wesley Housing are driving change at both the community and systemic levels.” –Intern, Virginia Commonwealth University 

 

• “The most rewarding part of my internship at Wesley Housing has been interacting with its wonderful and welcoming residents. Wesley Housing serves individuals from diverse backgrounds and fosters a strong sense of community through various programs. Being involved in these initiatives has given me valuable insight into the efforts required at both the micro and mezzo levels. Working alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about their roles, while also learning from those mentoring future social workers, has made my experience both smooth and exceptionally rewarding.”
  -Lula M., Intern, George Mason University 

 

• “One of the most rewarding moments of my internship was assisting a resident in navigating an employment-related dispute that directly impacted their housing stability. Being able to provide guidance, connect them with appropriate resources, and advocate for their needs was incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, facilitating a skills-building workshop has been a highlight, as I have seen residents gain confidence in advocating for themselves and taking proactive steps toward self-sufficiency. Witnessing the impact of education and empowerment on individuals and families has been both inspiring and motivating.”
  -Chantel B., Intern, Virginia Union University 

 

How do you believe your work contributes to the wellbeing of Wesley Housing residents?  

• “I have been able to get our residents connected with community resources to help pay their rent/utilities to keep their housing stable by preventing eviction and shut-off notices. I have been able to build community within the properties by hosting events where they have the opportunity to get to know one another and build friendships.”  -Emmanuel Roberts, Seniors Resident Services Coordinator 

 

• “One impactful example was helping a single mother access financial assistance and job training, which enabled her to secure stable employment and housing, fostering a brighter future for her children. Seeing such transformations reaffirms the importance of our role in building a stronger, more supportive community.” –Cierra Falke, Senior Resident Services Coordinator 

 

During your time at Wesley Housing, how have you grown or developed professionally and personally?  

• “During my internship at Wesley Housing, I have grown both professionally and personally. I have applied the skills learned in the classroom to real-world experiences, such as interacting with individuals and groups, conducting casework, attending town hall meetings, and participating in group engagement events. These experiences have given me valuable insight into which programs are effective and which need improvement. I have also developed the ability to engage with diverse populations and gather information to address their concerns. Additionally, my confidence in navigating unfamiliar situations has significantly improved as I continue to equip myself with the knowledge of how processes work within my internship.” -Lula M., Intern, George Mason University 

 

• “Personally, this internship has challenged me to confront and reflect on my own biases and assumptions. Working with such a diverse range of individuals has pushed me to recognize the importance of cultural humility and to appreciate the unique experiences and perspectives each person brings. It’s taught me the importance of being non-judgmental and open to learning from others’ experiences, especially in a field where every story is different. I have also grown in my ability to practice patience and resilience. Social work can be emotionally taxing, especially when progress feels slow, or I encounter systemic barriers that are difficult to break. But I’ve learned that sometimes growth is incremental, and small victories helping a client secure housing or seeing someone gain the confidence to advocate for themselves can have a profound impact. I have become more comfortable with the idea that change often takes time and requires persistence. One of the most significant challenges I have overcome during this internship is learning how to manage the emotional weight of this work. There are moments when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the gravity of the issues our clients face. Still, I’ve developed better coping mechanisms to manage stress, such as engaging in regular self-reflection and seeking support from my supervisor and colleagues. I have learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout, which will be crucial as I move forward in this field. Overall, this internship has sharpened my professional skills and deepened my personal commitment to social work.” –Intern, Virginia Commonwealth University 

 

• “This internship has allowed me to build on my advocacy skills while deepening my understanding of direct client services. Professionally, I have strengthened my case management abilities, improved my communication with diverse populations, and refined my ability to connect clients with essential resources. Personally, I have developed greater resilience, learning how to navigate challenging situations with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries. Overcoming barriers—such as advocating for clients facing systemic injustices—has reinforced my passion for social justice and strengthened my problem-solving skills.” -Chantel B., Intern, Virginia Union University 

 

• “I have faced challenges such as addressing housing insecurity and coordinating support services for diverse populations, which have strengthened my problem-solving skills and adaptability. These experiences have shaped my approach to social work by reinforcing the importance of active listening, advocacy, and collaboration in ensuring residents receive the support they need to thrive.” –Cierra Falke, Senior Resident Services Coordinator

 

• “I have experienced many challenges over the years that have helped me become a better social worker, for example, working through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping our residents housed. I have also witnessed many of our residents experiencing challenges like flawed legal systems, systemic racism and inadequate funding that affect their daily functioning and working through these challenges have changed my perspective on assisting our residents with their needs. These challenges have given me the drive to be a better advocate for our residents and be their voice when they cannot themselves.” -Emmanuel Roberts, Seniors Resident Services Coordinator 

 

Looking ahead, how do you hope to apply what you’ve learned during your internship to your future career? Are there any specific areas of social work you’re particularly passionate about pursuing? 

• “Working with the populations I am currently engaged with, particularly in housing assistance, has reinforced my passion for addressing housing insecurity and advocating for vulnerable communities. Moving forward, I hope to apply the skills I’ve gained—such as case management, community engagement, and program evaluation—to my future career in social work. I am particularly passionate about pursuing a career in housing assistance and homelessness prevention, ensuring that individuals and families have access to stable, supportive housing and the resources they need to thrive.”
  -Lula M. Intern, George Mason University 

 

• “Looking ahead, I hope to apply everything I’ve learned during my internship to my future career by continuing to advocate for vulnerable populations, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and community development. This internship has given me invaluable insight into the complexity of housing issues, and I plan to carry this knowledge forward by working on policies and programs that address both immediate needs and long-term stability for individuals and families. I’ve become particularly passionate about the intersection of housing, mental health, and economic security. The experience of working with families who face not only the challenge of securing stable housing but also navigating issues like job instability, health concerns, and educational barriers has made me realize how intertwined these issues are. In my future career, I hope to focus on creating more comprehensive, wraparound services that don’t just offer a place to live but also provide the support necessary for individuals to thrive.” –Intern, Virginia Commonwealth University 

 

• “I plan to apply the skills and experiences gained at Wesley Housing to my future career in clinical social work, particularly in trauma and crisis intervention therapy, and medical and psychiatric social work. My background in workers’ rights has given me a strong foundation in advocacy, which I will continue to use to support individuals facing economic hardships, workplace injustices, and housing instability. Whether working in community-based settings or clinical environments, I aim to integrate my legal and social work knowledge to create meaningful change for those in need.” -Chantel B., Intern, Virginia Union University