National Social Work Week 2023

This National Social Work Week, we celebrate all they do for us in the community and beyond! Registered Social Workers (RSW) take up many roles in our community - working in mental health, community initiatives, family support & connect, therapy, and much more. 

We asked some RSW’s at The Family Centre to share their highlights and experiences working in their roles, and here is what they had to say:

Profile 1: Coral Johansson, RSW, BSW

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What is your position at TFC?

I am a Community Initiatives Supervisor.

What's the most rewarding part about being a social worker?

How dynamic and resourceful the field of social work is. I love learning every day and bringing new theories, and methods of practice to my team and to the folks we serve. 

What do you wish the public knew more about in regard to what a social worker does? (Aside from the general understanding of the profession).

I wish the public knew that social workers have huge hearts and want to see families and communities thrive! Social workers are everywhere and you can find us in many different roles across the province! 

What is a highlight/favourite event about your work that you can share?

A highlight that sticks out for me is when we are invited to the table for large discussions and we can serve as an advocate for our families and help amplify their voices. Recently I have been able to work alongside the Neighborhood Empowerment Team and additional partners to help increase youth safety in a community with youth who are engaging in high-risk behaviors. 

What are some ways that we can support social workers more? 

Break the stigmas and biases about the social work field, there are so many passionate people who are out here doing the best they can to support families, children, youth, and communities, and their impact is beyond measure! 

 
 

Profile 2: Charles Chenard, CCC-S, CATA

 
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What is your position at TFC? 

Mental health therapist 

What's the most rewarding part about being a social worker? 

Despite working with people that are facing (at times) horrific situations, I learn so much from them about courage, determination, and resiliency. Such a privilege to witness growth, hope, and compassion.

What do you wish the public knew more about in regard to what a social worker does? (Aside from the general understanding of the profession).

I take the term "social" in our work very seriously, as we know how much healthy relationships are vital to healing from trauma and any other unfortunate events.

What is a highlight/favourite event about your work that you can share?

One experience that stands out was being told that I saved someone's life. That was due to what I believe was an honest simple connection and having a few good conversations;  a young adult made the decision to continue living his life. 

What are some ways that we can support social workers more? 

Being grateful for the work that is being done by social workers and letting them know that they are making a difference; is a great way of supporting us.