Art and Social Work: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Healing
How do art and social work help people heal? Explore how a master’s in social work prepares social workers to use art as a therapeutic tool for healing.
Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work
How do professionals confront ethical dilemmas in social work while supporting human rights? To discover more, explore VCU’s Online Master of Social Work.
Trauma and Substance Abuse: How Social Workers Can Help
People experiencing substance abuse often have histories of trauma. Learn how social workers can help those struggling with trauma and substance abuse.
Edge Media Network: Shelter Not in Place: Solving the LGBTQ Homeless Epidemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates conditions for LGBTQ youth who are homeless, proposed solutions often fall short, according to Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor. “I think more shelters and affordable housing will be created, but it likely won't be enough and there is still no agreed-upon definition of affordable housing. … Public housing is currently being demolished in cities across America without being replaced, which decreases the affordable housing stock.”
What Is Compassion Fatigue in Social Work?
Explore how you can help prevent compassion fatigue in social work and pursue your Online Master of Social Work degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dallas Voice: Easing anxiety in LGBTQ youth
Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor, addresses how the pandemic, politics and social movements are affecting LGBTQ+ youth. “Youth are leading the way in shaping the current political climate. The calls for equality, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights and climate justice all have strong youth involvement and leadership.”
School Bullying: How Social Workers Are Providing Solutions
Social workers play key roles in confronting school bullying. Discover how Virginia Commonwealth University’s MSW can train graduates to solve this problem.
NBC News: 'Powerful in its Simplicity' - As the pandemic endures, mayors call for guaranteed income
A coalition of mayors from around the country is exploring the model of guaranteed income – monthly funds to help fight poverty and close the racial wealth gap. But, says Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor, monthly checks may not help those like homeless or housing-insecure youth who don’t have permanent addresses or banking accounts.
VCU Social Work: Nicole O-Pries Advocates for Trauma-Informed Care
At the VCU School of Social Work, Nicole O-Pries advocates for trauma-informed care and telemental health. Explore her journey as an M.S.W. student and professor.
Progressive Farmer: After the Pandemic - Meat Shortages Building More Market Connections
COVID-19 has changed all the rules about how food gets from farm to table, and increasingly farmers will be selling more beef directly to consumers, says Dr. Basil Gooden, a visiting scholar at the VCU School of Social Work, specializing in sustainable food access. ”If you can sell directly to the people who will cook and consume your product, that is ideal. You develop a relationship with that end consumer,” says Gooden, a former Virginia Secretary of Agriculture, who owns 80 head of cattle on his family farm.