March MVPs!

It’s time for March Madness! This past year has felt like madness to many of us. In recent months, most foster families have experienced unprecedented challenges related to systems, resources, and trauma. They need support team players like YOU now more than ever! There are many players on your foster family’s team, and their social worker/case manager is an MVP (Most Valuable Player) we want to recognize in March!

​March is Social Worker Appreciation Month and a great time to get involved to support and encourage the social workers in your community!

Social workers are the “point guards” found in child welfare, non-profits, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Here are some fun & COVID-19 conscious ideas to show appreciation for the social workers working hard to care for the vulnerable in your community:

• Take a local social services agency a box or bag of bright colored or patterned office supplies (some social workers must provide their own office supplies): post-it notes, pens, paper clips, etc. If you know a social worker individually, consider a small token of appreciation such as a coffee gift card or a mug with an uplifting saying stuffed with goodies.
• Send positive and encouraging cards. It is always nice to be reminded of the good and positive things in the world while working through difficult situations. Send along something that a social worker could pin up at their desk or tape to the front of a notebook to remind them they are valued. A child’s hand drawn picture or coloring page tucked inside is an added bonus! Download a FREE card template here.
• Assemble small self-care gifts, such as hand sanitizers, face masks, & lotions. Social workers are often very busy and small self-care items can go a long way in staying healthy throughout the day. An extra scented hand sanitizer to quickly rid of pesky germs can be used up very quickly! 
• Get involved. Make a quick call to a local agency of your choice and ask how you might lend your time to a local agency or if they are in need of any specific items to help care for their clients. Perhaps you could start a social media rally with others in your community to run a small donation drive to benefit the agency. Many agencies have a consistent need for emergency care products such as hygiene items, diapers, or clothing.  
• Pray for the social workers in your community. Every social worker could use prayer for energy, discernment, strength, and safety.