Today is World Social Work Day! Across the globe, every third Tuesday in March is dedicated to showing appreciation for the important role social workers play in helping families and children facing adversity.

The nonprofit organization Harvest House hosted a gathering early Tuesday at the Harvest House Resource Center to recognize our hardworking social workers.

“Today we’re here to thank our case workers to show them that we feel the burden that they carry and we appreciate the work that they do and the tireless hours and efforts that they give,” said foster parent Ashley Lemley.

Another foster parent, Suzanne Jean Techaira also thanks her case worker for their tireless work and passion.
“I would like to say thank you so much for putting your life on the line. For doing your job and not just trying to get a paycheck, because without you, we wouldn’t be able to do our part in the community.”

Social worker and Child Protective Services investigator Peter Santos, Jr. said realistically, it’s a job not a lot of people want to do. But despite the highly stressful career, he said in the end it’s all about the kids.

“It really is the love for the kids and wanting to make sure that they’re in a safe and loving environment,” he said.

A former reporter with KUAM, Santos said he witnessed firsthand that more social workers were needed.

“I was sitting at your end of the table. I was hearing about all these shortfalls at CPS, the fact that they didn’t have enough staff, the fact that there were child abuse and neglect referrals that needed to be addressed.”

It’s what pushed him to be a part of helping the island’s children.

“I didn't want to just report on the fire, I wanted to be there and help put it out. And so that’s really what drove me to enter this field of work.”