Everyday Heroes, Extraordinary Impact.
Our social workers are often the first call when families need help. They are the steady voice in moments of crisis, the advocate in the courtroom, and the consistent presence children and caregivers rely on when navigating life’s hardest seasons. Their superpowers aren’t found in comic books — they’re found in compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to children.
In honor of Social Worker Appreciation Month, we asked our very own heroes four questions:
- What led you to this work?
- What motivates you to keep showing up after a hard day?
- What does being a Hero for Children mean to you?
- What is your superpower?
Throughout March, we will be sharing their reflections, stories, and moments that highlight the profound impact they make across our programs and communities.
Join us as we celebrate the heart, strength and dedication behind this vital work — and the everyday heroes who make it possible.
That journey became my purpose. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and now serve as a Family Home Developer, guiding families through the process of becoming licensed to foster and adopt. I help ensure that the homes where children are placed are safe, nurturing, and prepared to support healing.
I once needed a home. Now I get to help create them for others.
I was looking for work after college and interviewed at a group home. I knew nothing about child welfare or foster care. I thought, “I like kids,” and took the job. It was demanding and exciting and I loved the work. It was the social workers there that inspired and encouraged me to become a social worker.
Social work became my way of turning empathy into action. It’s where advocacy meets heart, where systems change begins with human connection, and where small wins can mean everything.
I didn’t choose this work because it’s easy — I chose it because it matters. And every day, I’m reminded that showing up with compassion, boundaries, and hope is its own kind of superpower.
I’m still discovering exactly where my Social Work degree will take me, but I know I am heading in the right direction. Early on, I believed I could “change people.” Over time, I’ve grown to understand that our role isn’t to change anyone—we plant seeds, we water them, and allow space for growth to happen. Every day, by God’s strength, I strive to show up for families as a source of encouragement, comfort, compassion, and support. Whether it’s offering guidance or simply being a listening ear, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside others in their journeys.
This may not be the superhero story I once imagined, but in its own way, it’s exactly that.
I’ve always been a listening ear for the people in my life. I naturally wanted others to feel important and loved, especially when they’re going through something difficult. Social work felt like a meaningful way to turn that into something purposeful.
I always knew that I wanted to help people but I never could define what that looked like for me. When I was in college I was steered towards the social work program and had the chance to meet with the Dean, Dr. Jerry Matthews. He got exactly what I was looking for and with his guidance I was able to find my way. I have been working in the foster care field since 1999 and simply cannot imagine doing anything else!
Although I don’t have a superhero origin story, what led me to doing this work is I’ve always loved being around children and as I grew older I knew that I wanted to work with children. As i researched more I knew that social work was the route for me because of the ability to maneuver within different fields but still being able to focus on working with children.
What helps me show up after hard days is knowing that most of these kids really enjoy seeing me and are able to open up to me and know that I am a safe person they can go to.
I believe so much of our pain lives in the unseen places. In the child who feels unheard. In the parent who feels overwhelmed. In the person who carries shame, abandonment, or fear but doesn’t always have the words for it. And I know that when someone feels seen, validated, and safe — something shifts.
My spirituality has shaped the way I show up. I believe God meets us through people. I believe that when we create space for someone to feel their emotions without judgment, we are participating in something bigger than ourselves. We are interrupting cycles. We are healing generational wounds. We are restoring dignity.
For me, social work isn’t just a profession — it’s sacred work.
Every time I sit with someone in their vulnerability, I know I’m tending to something that may not be visible to the world, but is deeply impactful. When we help someone regulate, feel worthy, or believe in their future again, that ripple extends far beyond that one moment.
I keep showing up because I believe unseen healing creates visible change.
And it is an honor to be part of that process.
Hard days are a part of life, but what motivates me to keep showing up and keep pressing forward is the responsibility I have to be an advocate for, and a representative of, a child’s life. This work really comes down to that- we have the honor of being the eyes and ears and voice for a child for however long they are with us.
I believe Arrow is the best at what we do, and I want to be here to motivate and encourage others when they start to lose sight of the important work they’re doing every day. It’s our responsibility to stand up and advocate for these children, so we must keep showing up, even when it’s hard!
To me it just means being able to help them with their problems and helping them see that things are not hopeless and that life does have good things to offer.
Being a Hero for Children to me means advocating for them in areas their voice can be taken away. I also believe it means being someone they can rely on and trust because they struggle so hard to make those relationships. My favorite days are when a client runs up to me when I arrive and nearly knocks me over with a hug.
It means advocacy and not giving up even when a situations feels impossible. We are typically just a small part of a child’s story, but you can’t underestimate how a small part can change the trajectory of someone’s life. I have to remind myself of that!
It means that I gave that child safety, security, and a voice.
My super power would compassion, understanding and making sure all those in need are safe and loved.
Replication; as a permanency specialist, I sometimes feel as though I am in many different situations at once.
Healing; as a permanency specialist, we heal children in ways that aren’t a physical bodily injury but heal their minds and souls.