Positive Social Change

When Jeff Yarvis began his studies in social work, he had never even heard of the role that would form the core of his 34-year Army career.

Growing up, Allison Dunnigan worked with vulnerable children and families as a volunteer and later as a foster care case manager. Today, Dunnigan has traded volunteer work and direct practice for the classroom, ensuring the next generation of social workers is prepared to help vulnerable populations.

The classification submission highlighted examples ranging from expanding access to health care to growing community economic development. The Clarke Middle Health Center offers an innovative service-learning and practicum clinic site for medical, law and social work students working collectively to close gaps in health care for school district students, families and staff. Another example is the UGA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, in which student volunteers in financial planning, accounting and social work provide income tax assistance and financial education and resources to adults in low-income and rural communities.