Social Work News
Olguine Colin Honored by Social Work Professional Association
Olguine Colin ’24, a double major in social work and health policy and management, has received the 2023 Promising Practitioner Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI).
NASW-RI recognizes “promising practitioners” among students enrolled in BSW and MSW programs who meet several criteria, including applying social work ethical principles to professional practice, engaging diversity and difference in practice, and advancing human rights, social and economic justice.
Colin, who is a first-generation student born and raised in Haiti, came to the United States with her family seven years ago.
“My background has given me a deep sense of purpose as I navigate the intersection of social work and health care,” Colin said. “One of the most significant aspects of my journey is the opportunity to break the cycle of limited access to higher education within my family. I understand firsthand the inequities that exist, including the socio-economic and education disparities, and this understanding fuels my passion for helping marginalized groups and work toward a more equitable society.”
In addition to her studies at PC, Colin serves as a nursing assistant and has an internship at PACE Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults age in place. “My work at PACE aligns with my overarching goal of empowering vulnerable populations, advocating for equity and justice, and promoting the overall well-being and quality of older adults.”
“Olguine is a unique and special young woman who has skills and talents beyond her years.” said Katherine Kranz, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Social Work at PC. “She will be an asset to the social work profession working and caring for older adults.”
Social Work Department Research Trip
Dr. Hasson along with two Social Work Majors (Bianca LaBella and Clara Oliva) traveled to Chicago to conduct focus groups with case managers who work for Heartland Alliance and provide case management services for unaccompanied children in the US. The focus groups are part of a larger study that seeks to clarify mental health symptoms unaccompanied children experience and also strengthen assessment techniques clinicians use in practice settings.
They also visited the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Jane Addams is one of the founders of social work in the United States, and this museum provided them an opportunity to learn more about how social work started and the role Jane Addams played (see picture #2). They visited the Heartland Alliance headquarters and conducted two focus groups, and met with managers and case managers from Heartland Alliance. Both Bianca and Clara supported with data collection during the focus groups by asking follow up questions.
They returned to Heartland’s headquarters and Dr. Hasson presented some of the research with the Heartland team. During the presentation, Bianca and Clara both contributed comments regarding their roles with data collection, as well as their impressions of the findings (see picture #1).
Dr. Robert Hasson recently had a new article published in the Journal of Social Service Research. The article examines educational services for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children in the United States.
