(Updated 8/28/18)
Big thanks to everyone who came out for NASW-Volusia/Flagler's workshop “The Triangle!” There was a great buffet, networking opportunities and raffle prizes for all who attended. And a special thank you to the panel speakers: James Lynam with DCF SAMH, Lisa Huser RNwith Addiction Treatment Advocates of Orange City, and Mark Geallis with First Step Shelter. Thank you all for the moving discussion about the growing Opioid epidemic, treatment options/facilities, alarming new synthetic drugs, and the impact to our communities.
The discussion concluded with a call to action from Mark, tying in the problem of homelessness, which can often go hand-in- hand with abuse and addiction. Volusia County has about 300 beds for women and children who are homeless, and other beds specifically designated for people with substance abuse and mental illness, and while these and more are desperately needed for those groups (especially since there can be a 4-6 month wait list for residential treatment beds in the county), there is a serious deficit for anyone who does not fall into those categories. After the loss of the 18 beds from the Salvation Army, there are currently 0 beds for single people who are homeless in Volusia County! This means the majority of the over 1,500 people who are homeless in Volusia County have 0 options! However, construction is underway for First Step Shelter, which will have 150 beds, and will hopefully be opening next June, across the street from Steward Marchman in Daytona, but more funds and support will be needed to make this a reality.
Let's keep the discussion moving and check out local resources dedicated to serving the neediest among us. Donations are needed to help care for Volusia/Flagler's population who is homeless. Check out firststepshelter.org to find out what you can do to help and for more information about what Mark is doing with First Step Shelter.
And support other local groups serving people who are homeless, like Family Renew Community and their 3 residential campuses that have served Volusia for the last 28 years, by spending $5 for all you can eat ice cream at the family friendly Ice Cream Social next month.
Check out the event page for more information, https://www.facebook.com/events/227999291315204/ .
UNIT LEADERSHIP
Kian Jacobs, LCSW, EMDR Certified - Unit Chair
volusiaflagler.naswfl@socialworkers.org
VOLUSIA/FLAGLER STEERING COMMITTEE
CCNLI
Marilyn DeLeura, LCSW
Marilyn.therapist@gmail.com
Unit Chair/CE
Elizabeth Engelman-Ferguson, LCSW
elizabethengelman@yahoo.com
Special Events Chair
Teresa Wright, MSW
horse47607@gmail.com
Membership Chair
Vacant
Unit Secretary
Jessica Hemesath, MSW
jessicahemesath@yahoo.com
Legislative/ PACE Chair
OPEN POSITION
Communications Chair
Leah Hampton, MSW
lchampto@knights.ucf.edu
Member –at-Large
Phyllis LaVigna, LCSW
magic32119@aol.com
Past Chair
Matt Gilmore, LCSW
mattygilmo@yahoo.com
VOLUSIA/FLAGLER UNIT
Join NASW today! 1-800-742-4089
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 29, 2018 • Daytona Beach,FL
*NASW-FL Volusia/Flagler Unit presents "Spirits in the Counseling Session" with Kian F. Jacobs, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Louie's Pizza House. Registration is $10 for NASW members and $15 for Non-members who are seeking CE credit. If you don't need CE credit, registration is free. Pre-registration is suggested, limited seating available.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!
Any questions text or call Kian 860-817-3175.
About the Venue:
https://www.facebook.com/Louies-Pizza-House-and-Catering-120836027929078/
What is CCNLI?
The year is marching along. Elections are done, but we are still looking for CCNLI Award nominations for our chapter. Please get those out, as the December deadline will be here before we know it! These are your favorite people in the community, in several categories. Check the NASW FL website. It is a way to give respect and recognition. This will be celebrated during March, which is social work month celebrating 45 years of the NASW.
New Unit Chair, Feel Free to Email
It takes a village, your volunteer steering committee members are Kian Jacobs, Elizabeth Ferguson, Teresa Wright, Phyllis Lavigna, Barbara Hope, and Itana Pinansky. But we still need volunteers to represent our chapter for the state ethics committee, just in case of a peer review process. This is not a big commitment and only involves a few meetings and short trainings, but it will provide a good opportunity to learn new things and gain experience, while also filling a mandated chapter need! Please contact Kian if you are able to volunteer some small amounts of time. Thank you for your consideration. Kian.
volusiaflagler.naswfl@socialworkers.org
2017 Volusia/Flagler Unit Award Winners
Social Worker of the Year: Randy Herman
Elected Official of the Year: Judge Dawn Fields
Elected Official of the Year: Andrew Spar
Public Citizen of the Year: Gary Wandelt
Public Citizen of the Year: Patricia A. Oaks
The October meeting will be tentatively October 29 from 6-8, location TBD.
We are planning a short CE event with a focus on the holiday and shared experiences: Counseling with the Unexplained.
Plan on having some fun, best costume and best story wins a prize! Any questions in advance, email Kian at: volusiaflagler.naswfl@socialworkers.org or call Kian at 860-817-3175.