Advocating for Social Workers and Protecting the Future of Social Work

The Charlotte Jewish News, March 2025

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the essential contributions of social workers in strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Licensed social workers are the largest group of mental health providers in the U.S., and their impact extends far beyond counseling. They play critical roles in healthcare, education, elder care, veteran services, and programs that support vulnerable populations.

Social workers are often behind the scenes, ensuring that people receive the resources they need. If you’ve ever been hospitalized, a social worker likely helped coordinate your discharge care. In schools, social workers facilitate services for students with special needs, address behavioral challenges, and support school-wide initiatives. If you receive Medicare, Social Security, or veteran benefits, a social worker was likely involved in the process. And for those facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, homelessness, or food insecurity, social workers are on the front lines, connecting individuals to essential services.

The Impact of Policy and Funding Shifts

Throughout my 50 years as a social worker in the nonprofit sector, I have seen many shifts in government priorities that have impacted the availability of social services. Changes in leadership always bring new policies, adjustments in funding, and evolving approaches to social programs. These shifts, while challenging, are an expected part of the work.

However, one of the first actions taken by the new administration in Washington — a temporary freeze on all federal grants and funding—sent a particularly destabilizing message. Though the freeze was rescinded within 24 hours, it caused immediate uncertainty and disruption for nonprofit organizations and government agencies that rely on federal funds. For social workers and the people they serve, the brief pause raised concerns about the long-term security of essential programs. It was a reminder of how quickly the foundation of social services can be shaken.

The uncertainty created by this action was not just about job security for social workers. More importantly, it was about the potentially life-threatening impact on their clients. Social workers enter this profession out of a commitment to helping others, and when funding instability threatens the services they provide, it creates stress and anxiety—not just for the professionals but for the communities that rely on them.

Stability Matters

This moment highlights a fundamental truth: stable and consistent funding for social services is crucial. Programs that provide mental health support, housing assistance, and child welfare services cannot function effectively if they are constantly at risk of sudden funding cuts or administrative changes. Uncertainty leads to delays in service, disruptions in care, and increased hardship for those in need.

As we recognize National Social Work Month, it is important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of social workers and to advocate for the stability of the programs they administer. Ensuring reliable support for social services is not a partisan issue—it is about maintaining the safety net that so many individuals and families depend on.

By understanding the impact of funding instability and supporting policies that provide consistency, we can help ensure that social workers can continue doing what they do best: serving their communities with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication.