Social workers care deeply about people and have the skills to make a real difference in their lives.
Rand Aid Association’s many social workers – some who work in the field and others who have been promoted to managerial positions, gathered for a breakfast on March 18, World Social Work Day, to honour this important career.
“Social work is more than a job. It is a mission, a never-ending attempt to end the misfortune in the world,” says Karen Griessel, the social worker at Thornhill Manor retirement village, one of Rand Aid’s four retirement villages. The 122-year-old NPO also runs two care centres for older persons and a substance disorder rehabilitation centre. All of these are in and around the Edenvale area.
“That some people who started as social workers and are now managers or deputy managers tells the story of the diverse abilities a social worker has, and how they can handle complex situations,” says Karen.
She says the morning was invigorating, providing an opportunity for colleagues to mingle, something they don’t often get to do.
“We may not work together or have the same job descriptions, but it is evident that each person has a big heart. We are all committed to changing the lives of the individuals we work with for the better. World Social Work Day is important because it brings people together as a reminder to do good,” Karen says.
Elize Raath, the deputy manager of Thembalami Care Centre, took the lead in organising the event, which was held at Inyoni Creek retirement village’s clubhouse. She and Thembalami social worker Lara Hurwitz put together personalised goodie bags for their colleagues.
Ayanda Matthews, Rand Aid’s GM of Care and Human Resources, contributed bottles of sparkling wine so that the social workers could raise a glass in celebration of their profession.
“We do not show our appreciation enough to our colleagues and we forget that without them, we would not be able to shine,” says Ayanda, who also bought Easter eggs to be enjoyed on the day.
Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens, gave a notebook to each person and shared this poem, which resonated with those present:
Being a social worker means … (author unknown)
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will always be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility
and very little authority.
You will step into people’s lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst
and their best.
You will never cease to be amazed
at people’s capacity for
love, courage, and endurance.
You will see life begin and end.
You will experience resounding triumphs
and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human
and to be humane.
“A heartfelt thank you to each social worker who gets up every day to fight the good fight,” says Karen.
Rand Aid’s social workers and managers who are qualified social workers: Lynn-Marie Barrow (Tarentaal social worker), Lara Hurwitz (Thembalami social worker), Ulricka Beukman (Tarentaal deputy manager), Elize Raath (Thembalami deputy manager), Karen Griessel (Thornhill Manor), Michelle Matsolo (Inyoni Creek social worker), Adèl Grobbelaar (SANCA Wedge Gardens manager), Amanda van Staden (SANCA Wedge Gardens social worker), Laetitia Goosen (SANCA Wedge Gardens social worker), Debbie Beech (Elphin Lodge manager), and Shaun Victor (Thornhill Manor manager).
