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UK College of Social Work

UK College of Social Work Student Shines in Mental Health Hack-A-Thon

This article was originally published in UKNow.

COVID-19 brought to the forefront the challenges of mental health around the world. During the Feb. 26, 2022 Global Mental Health Hack-A-Thon, University of Kentucky students and the Kentucky community proposed solutions to this global health challenge.

The event was sponsored by the UK Office of Global Health Initiatives, The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship and the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise.

Hack-A-Thon teams and individuals used their talents to devise ideas to improve mental health in a rapidly paced half-day event. Participants received training in entrepreneurial tactics to develop innovative ideas, with the day culminating in each team of one to four participants giving a five-minute presentation to a panel of judges. Team presentations focused on one of three areas:

  • Accessible and equitable mental health care
  • Reducing stigma of mental health
  • Refugee mental health

“Hack-A-Thon participants were able to take the first spark of an idea and in a remarkably short period of time, develop a viable business plan,” said Melody Ryan, assistant provost for global health initiatives. “I believe that people are more attuned to mental health issues and would like to be able to push back with their own great ideas. Mental health has such a broad scope and disorders include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia among many others. It was impressive to see the solutions participants put together and how quickly many of them formed highly functioning teams. I think it also allows people who don’t ordinarily see themselves as a global health stakeholder to realize they have a place at the table in combating one of the biggest challenges in the world.”

The top five teams, all featuring UK students, each won cash prizes of $1,000 and a spot in the Fall 2022 Von Allmen Center Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp 1.0 to further develop their ideas. The following teams and individuals were named winners at the event:

  • Jack Bell and Michael Morgan from the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Caitlynn Bryant from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and Keerthana Kumar from the College of Medicine and College of Public Health 
  • David Ffiske and Tai Zhou from the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Macey Johnson, Andrew Kennedy, Sarah Kosse and Carly Nunamaker from the College of Medicine
  • Brittney Pendergrass from the College of Social Work

“Participating in the Mental Health Hack-A-Thon allowed me to explore the idea of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurship within the social workspace,” said Pendergrass. “The mentorship, as well as the networking opportunities, were a prize within themselves, and I would recommend that anyone take the time to participate. You’ll be surprised what you can do.”

Pendergrass said she plans on donating her winnings from the event to an organization that teaches children to identify and manage their feelings.

“I feel that mental health is an issue that is plaguing our country and to counter this issue we need to start to destigmatize it at an early age,” she said.

UK College of Social Work

Social Workers Help Patients Find Light After Cancer Diagnosis

This article was originally published in UKNow.

Facing a cancer diagnosis under normal circumstances can be devastating. Facing a cancer diagnosis in the era of COVID, for many, is an isolating and traumatic experience beyond what any of us can imagine.

Lexington resident Mary Miller remembers sitting in shock after hearing those three dreaded words – ‘You have cancer.’

“It is so scary and, in my case, so unexpected,” Miller said. Her symptoms were mild and manageable – anemia and some shortness of breath. Overall, she felt healthy.

“My primary care physician ordered some blood tests,” Mary said. “When I went back, a resident came in first and told me, ‘I think you either have multiple myeloma or lymphoma.’ I said, ‘What?! No! I feel fine.’”

Miller first learned she had cancer in August 2020. It would be a few more weeks before she had an official diagnosis – Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma – and a treatment plan in place under the guidance of her UK Markey Cancer Center oncologist Gregory Monohan, M.D.

Armed with information overload about a disease she could barely pronounce, Miller did what she does best – hit the books.

A former librarian at the William T. Young Library on UK’s campus, Miller knew how and where to research. She burned the candle at both ends learning everything she could about lymphoma.

“As it turns out, I have a very rare type of blood cancer,” Miller said. “Lymphoma is not common, and I have a very, very rare kind of lymphoma. They estimate something like 1,500 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States.”

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is generally treatable, but not curable. The cancer cells make up an abnormal protein, which builds up in the body and can cause symptoms like excess bleeding, vision and nervous system problems. WM cells crowd the bone marrow, which can lead to anemia, or low levels of red blood cells.

Miller’s chemotherapy regimen started in January 2021 and ended in July. The drugs wiped out her immune system, and she was hospitalized with diverticulitis shortly after she finished her last round of treatment. In September, she contracted COVID-19, which put her back in the hospital for several days.

And her COVID journey did not end there. A few weeks later, she started to experience symptoms of long COVID, running a fever for nearly a month straight. She was in and out of the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Emergency Department and ultimately received a monoclonal antibody treatment, which helped turn things around.

“You can imagine the stress at that point. Not only was my body going through it, but my mental health was taking a hit, too,” Miller said. “In addition to the physical symptoms of a COVID infection, the isolation you experience having to be more careful than most people because of my immunocompromised state – it can become overwhelming.”

Dealing with a difficult diagnosis is something Miller has experienced before. Her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and struggled with depression and anxiety.

“I know how a depressed mental state can make dealing with a chronic illness so much worse,” she said. “My mom would feel so down that she couldn’t initiate much of anything. We had trouble getting her to do her exercises, much less get out of the house. I was going to make sure that this did not happen to me. I was determined.”

Finding counseling services was at the top of Miller’s to-do list. 

“I really wanted someone who works with cancer patients because when you talk with them about different situations, they understand,” Miller said. “They know about immunosuppression. They know about all the other things that go along with cancer. Another counselor may know some aspects, but not to the depth and nuance that someone who works exclusively with cancer patients would know.”

Luckily for Miller, and all other UK Markey Cancer Center patients, there is a group of professionals specially trained to help.

*****

The UK Markey Cancer Center’s Psych-Oncology Program includes a comprehensive support network to walk alongside patients and caregivers alike during a challenging cancer journey.

The team helps those affected by this disease manage the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical hurdles that patients can encounter after a diagnosis. Research shows that hospital patients who receive counseling and support for psychosocial distress have reduced hospitalizations, length of stays, physician visits, emergency department visits, and prescriptions.

“We are a niche group within UK HealthCare and our mission is to be with patients and their caregivers every step of the way throughout their continuum of care,” said Joan Scales, supervisor of Markey’s Psych-Oncology program. “We are here to address all of those ‘side effects’ of a cancer diagnosis that people don’t often consider. Patient barriers like transportation and lodging challenges, financial barriers, emotional and mental support – anything you can think of, our team is here to help.”

The office has seen a 235% growth in counseling services since the inception of the counseling program. The psych-oncology team includes two dietitians, 11 social workers and one patient services coordinator. Each member plays a vital role in the program’s success.

Miller believes it’s the small things that make a big difference. Whether it’s a phone call to talk on a hard day or help with more practical matters, she says Scales is always there.

“It is tough going through this, and while you can talk to friends and family, they don’t always get it. And there are other times that it just feels like your friends don’t want to really hear the nitty-gritty, the bad stuff,” Miller said. “To have somebody you can call any time and lay that out makes a big difference.”

It may not always be an easy job, but Scales said the work is rewarding.

“This job means so much to every single person who puts in the hours to make a difference in our patients’ lives,” Scales said. “Our patients become our family and we take great pride in helping them through this challenging journey.”

*****

While the Psych-Oncology Program is unique to Markey, social workers are deeply ingrained in every aspect of health care. Currently, there are nearly 120 social workers within the UK HealthCare enterprise.

However, there is a shortage of practitioners nationwide, which makes the future of social work in the medical field troubling.

According to a 2016 report by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, the shortage of mental, behavioral and health care social workers is slated to run through — at least — 2025.

In response to these troubling statistics, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a comprehensive plan to recruit and retain social workers for state agencies. 

Meanwhile, the UK College of Social Work is also working diligently to be part of the solution. 

The college has deployed a number of strategies to address workforce issues, including online programming, a streamlined curriculum and a variety of certification offerings. For UK College of Social Work Dean Jay Miller, incorporating social workers into the patient care experience is vital to providing the best health care.

“Far too often we don’t think of all the complexities that go into providing adept health care services. To be clear, it is impossible to envision a meaningful health care system without acknowledging the instrumental role those social workers have in that system,” said Miller. “Be it ensuring access, providing clinical services, or engaging in research and policy advocacy, social workers are at the forefront in ensuring a comprehensive health care system for all.” 

*****

An estimated 30,270 Kentucky residents will learn they have cancer this year. Miller hopes patients and their caregivers know they are not alone and seek help when they need it.

“Your physical symptoms are a lot easier to handle if you have a positive attitude,” Miller said. “It is hard to put a cheerful face on this disease, but it is good to have someone with whom you don’t feel like you need to always have a cheerful face. You can say the way it really is.”

The Markey psych-oncology team is easily accessible. Patients can request a consult through their physician or call 859-323-2798 for a consult.

UK College of Social Work

March is Social Work Month, Honor the Work and Impact

This op-ed was originally published in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The following op-ed about Social Work Month was published in the Lexington Herald-Leader. Jay Miller is the dean of the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky.

For more than 35 years, March has been officially designated National Professional Social Work Month. Many find this a solemn time to contemplate and celebrate the significant impact of social work practitioners, educators, researchers and students.

Recent designation notwithstanding, social work has a rich and storied history. In the early 1900s, the pioneering work of Jane Addams, a social worker, established settlement houses for immigrants in Chicago. She went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

Dorothy Height, a social worker, was a civil rights leader who served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women. Her work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins and others, led to impacts that have reverberated throughout the decades. In 2004, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her work.

Whitney Young Jr., a Kentucky native and social worker served as the executive director of the National Urban League and president of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). His influential legacy is memorialized via the many buildings, centers and programs that bear his name. The Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps Center in Simpsonville, Kentucky, and the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Public Library in Chicago, Illinois, are but a few examples. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1968.

More recently, Wendy Sherman, a social worker, served as director of Maryland’s child welfare office, CEO of the Fannie Mae Foundation and the director for the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard. During the Clinton administration, she was an advisor on relations with North Korea, among a host of other official posts. She also served as the lead negotiator for the U.S. in the Iran nuclear deal. Now, she serves as the deputy secretary of state. President Barack Obama awarded her with the National Security Medal.

The list of influential social workers goes on.

Whilst often unheralded and sometimes misunderstood, social work is a distinct, noble profession. Social workers practice with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Social work practice is regulated and licensed in all 50 states. Practitioners receive specialized education and training in an array of areas, including advocacy, community organizing, administrative leadership, and clinical mental and behavioral health, among others. As codified by NASW Code of Ethics, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people.”

Without question, contemporary societal challenges necessitate an increasing need for social workers and the professional services they provide. Be it child abuse and neglect, substance misuse, homelessness or other inimical social conditions, social workers are uniquely poised to deal with society’s most pressing challenges.

Now, more than ever, social work is steadfastly committed to actualizing its mission. In a time rife with divisiveness, political animus and tribalism, social workers stand ready to engage, empower and embrace. Social work’s commitment to the well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities — specifically those who are most vulnerable — will never waiver.

So now, as I do every year, I issue a clarion call to all Kentuckians: Take stock of the impact that social workers have on our communities. Take time to honor and celebrate social workers — not just this month, but every month. Though months change, social work’s commitment to strengthen communities and enhance human well-being most certainly will not.

UK College of Social Work

Grandchildren of UK’s 1st Black Graduate Follow in Barrier-Breaking Footsteps

This article was originally published in UKNow.

We all want to leave our mark on this world — to know that our life mattered.

But how can one create a legacy?

To put it simply, a legacy is passed from one generation to the next and often refers to gifts of money or property. But leaving a lasting impact is about actions — the ones you take and the way they affect how people remember you.

“When I looked at her, I saw a hero — like she was some type of superstar,” said Taylor Morton.

As children, our heroes were often the classic characters we enviously watched on Saturday morning cartoons. But for as long as they can remember, twins Taylor and Tyler Morton’s version of a hero was far more realistic.

“My grandmother knocked down barriers and overpowered hate with love,” Tyler said. “Many are unaware of her legacy. She was very humble — she wasn’t one to brag or want recognition.”

To those who didn’t know her, Mary Henderson may have appeared ordinary — a hardworking woman, loving wife and mother, and proud grandmother. But what she accomplished nearly 70 years ago was quite extraordinary.

Her family wants to make sure that story doesn’t go untold.

****

It was the summer of 1949, and when it came to work, Black women in the South often had two options — domestic service or agriculture.

“Both meant arduous labor for tiny paychecks. Most Black men didn’t make much more, and Black women’s paid labor was necessary to most families,” explained Anastasia Curwood, director of African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky. “However, for a subset of Black women, entering the teaching profession was an avenue to higher wages.”

While it was an era of segregated schools, there were teaching jobs available to Black women. Those who pursued those opportunities would have been educated at historically Black colleges.

Henderson was one of those aspiring women. In 1949, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State College (now Kentucky State University).

Henderson dared to dream bigger than the barriers placed in front of her, so she didn’t stop at one degree.

As a result of Lyman T. Johnson’s lawsuit, the University of Kentucky had started the integration process that same year. Henderson became one of more than 30 Black students to enroll in classes that summer — all of which were graduate students. (UK wasn’t open to Black undergraduates until five years later in 1954.)

In 1950, Henderson did the unprecedented — earned her master’s degree from the College of Education and became the first Black student to graduate from UK.

“By being the first Black woman to seek her degree at the formerly segregated UK, Henderson was a barrier-breaker and path-paver,” Curwood said. “She made it possible for the thousands of Black women who have been educated here since.”

It was a moment etched in history.

That year, Henderson opened a door that had long been shut — a door her grandchildren Tyler and Taylor would walk through seven decades later.

“She graduated with honors. The same teachers that didn’t want to call on her to speak in class had no choice but to give A’s, because she was so intelligent,” Tyler said. “There is pride in knowing my grandmother paved the way for me to be able to raise my hand in a class where I’m the minority and express my views.”

****

In the years following graduation, Henderson became a teacher in Cynthiana, Kentucky, then in Lexington. She retired in 1989 but continued to pass her wisdom on to Taylor and Tyler.

“My grandmother was strong, intelligent and vibrant with the sweetest heart. She was my motivation and inspiration,” Tyler added. “I knew I had big shoes to fill if I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

When it came time for the twins to choose where to attend college, the choice was obvious. “Kentucky has always been home for me,” Taylor said. “My grandmother created a legacy for herself, and I was honored to be able to attend the same school she graduated from.”

Like their grandmother, Taylor and Tyler became official members of the Wildcat family. But they also wanted to forge their own paths.

Taylor pursued a degree from the College of Social Work, while Tyler studied sociology and philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I have always wanted to be an advocate for those who may feel voiceless by providing resources, through education or by just being there for support,” Taylor said. “My mother and grandmother were raised to always do what is right. They inspired me to not only be educated but also taught me how to be an advocate for my community.”

Throughout his time at UK, Tyler recalls having to draw on that inspiration, especially as communities and individuals face continued threats of discrimination, marginalization and violence.

“There is a lot of division within society. Growing up I was taught that we’re all neighbors — no matter our race or political affiliation. Unfortunately, the division within America over the last several years resembles division dating back to segregation. The same division my grandmother experienced,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that we humans cannot judge individuals based on character and purpose, but on the contrary, judge them based on race and stereotypes.”

Together, Taylor and Tyler decided they would use the knowledge they gained at UK to become catalysts for change.

“I knew if my grandmother could overcome oppression and racism amid being faced with injustice in 1950, that I could graduate in 2021,” Taylor said. “I just had to stick to the values that were instilled in me.”

And they did.

The pair crossed the commencement stage in May 2021. Equipped with UK degrees and the values their grandmother instilled, they vowed to fight against social injustice.

“My major provided me with key research and analysis regarding issues citizens face in many communities,” Tyler said. “It also provided me with a broad spectrum of ways to help fix the issues highlighted. This made me want to take action.”

Together they founded Resilience Charity Inc. The non-profit seeks to provide resources for low socioeconomic individuals and families within the Lexington community. Most recently, they delivered more than 150 meals to those in need.

“Our purpose is to stem the tide of poverty and lack of education, which will directly lead each family or individual to have a higher chance of reaching a sustainable life,” Taylor added.

****

We all want to be remembered — to feel that we’ve contributed something to the world.

In December 2021, Henderson passed away at the age of 94. In every sense of the word, she was an educator — a teacher of kindness, equality and resilience.

And sometimes it’s not what we leave behind that matters, but the values we instill in who we leave behind.

“I will carry on her legacy by being a voice for the voiceless. I will carry on her legacy by breaking down barriers that are still in place to negatively affect communities,” Tyler said. “I will carry on her legacy by letting every kid know they can be whatever they want to be as long as they try.”

“I know we say that no one is perfect but, in my eyes, she was the definition of perfect,” Taylor added. “I pray that my brother and I will leave behind a legacy that she is proud of.”

UK College of Social Work

Adoptive Family Needed Support, They Found it Through UK Social Work

This article was originally published in UKNow.

Most adoptive and foster parents will tell you, deciding to bring a child into your home is not a job — it’s a calling.  

For Chris and Amy Schroder that call came unexpectedly. But they didn’t hesitate to answer. 

“There was a young man in the school system where I work as a registered nurse, and they were having a hard time finding placement for him,” Amy said. “I came home, spoke to my husband and daughters, and we started classes soon after to foster this young man.” 

However, during the process, he was adopted by another family. 

The young man they were going to welcome into their home had found his own, but the Schroders knew there were other children in need.  

“We continued with the classes. Our goal was to foster and have kids in and out of our home in hopes of reuniting them with their biological family — we had no plans to adopt,” Chris said.

In the spring of 2019, the Schroders became certified. They received several placement calls, but for reasons out of their control, they never came to fruition.  

Until June 24, 2019. 

“We received a placement call for a 6-year-old boy. We accepted the placement, but a couple of days passed,” Amy continued. “Then, I got the call from this child’s social worker stating she would be bringing the child to us the next day.”

AJ was welcomed into their home on June 28, 2019.  

But the plan was never for him to stay. In fact, he was to be reunified with his biological father in just three short months.  

“We worked that plan — until it changed, and he became eligible for adoption,” Chris said. “We had a family discussion, and we all agreed he was going to be a permanent member of our family.”

Fast forward more than a year later, AJ became an official member of Schroder family in December 2020. 

Though they were ecstatic about their growing family, adopting a child comes with a unique set of challenges. 

“Parenting our biological children and parenting a child with trauma does not look the same,” Amy explained. “It was challenging to have a child who had been disrupted not once, but several times in a six-month period. It became the norm for him to have disruptive behaviors, then tell us he wants a new home.”

When looking for somewhere to turn, the Schroders were directed to Adoption Support for Kentucky – Virtual Interaction Program (ASK-VIP). 

“I wanted to join to be able to meet other foster parents and make connections with people who were ‘in our boat,’ that sometimes felt like it was sinking fast,” Chris said.

Research shows that adoptive parents are often faced with burdensome legal processes, complicated youth histories and feelings of isolation. COVID-19 has made those challenges even more complex. 

ASK-VIP, which launched as a pilot program in the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky in 2018, is a virtual service initiative that connects and supports adoptive parents across Kentucky. The online discussions are a safe space for caregivers to share their experiences without fear of judgment.  Additionally, the program offers specialized training provided by a peer facilitator, who is also an adoptive parent. 

“ASK-VIP was a lifesaver to be able to connect with people who were ‘in the trenches with us,’ and who had lots of words of wisdom,” Amy said.

In response to COVID-19, CoSW staff also developed a new web-based portal and implemented condensed training models.  

For many — like the Schroders — access to these support services remains vital.    

“We would have never stuck with it or survived, had it not been for the ASK-VIP support groups,” Amy said. “They were small and very easy to connect to people you had never met before but felt like instant friends that you could call on day or night.”

The Schroders have the family they’ve always dreamed of. And they also have another family of sorts. They have been utilizing ASK-VIP for more than two years, and now, they want fellow caregivers to know they are not alone in their struggles, and there is help available.  

“I absolutely would recommend ASK-VIP. I would tell parents — your biggest supporters are right in your neighborhood,” the Schroders said. “These groups bring those people to your attention, so you can reach out in a time of need.”

To learn more about ASK-VIP, you can contact Karen Bowman. 

UK College of Social Work

A Catalyst for Change: UK Alum Creates App to Eliminate Bias in Hiring Process

This article was originally published in UKNow.

What does it mean to be a changemaker? By definition, it is someone who is taking creative action to solve social injustices.

In every sense of the word, Rhett Lindsey is a changemaker.

His vision of the world is one where everyone feels empowered to respond efficiently and effectively to societal challenges.   

“I truly believe that everyone has a story to tell,” he said.

Lindsey’s story begins in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born and raised, and where he created a tight-knit community.

Lindsey describes his childhood hometown as comfortable. “Growing up in one community all my life, I wasn’t naturally exposed to other cultures.”

After graduating high school, Lindsey was faced with a difficult decision — where to attend college.

“When I first stepped foot on UK’s campus, I immediately felt a sense of heart from the community,” he said. “From the athletics to the nationally ranked programs, everyone I was surrounded by had a passion and genuine heart for the university in one way or another.”

That same year, Lindsey left the familiar behind and traded Atlanta for Lexington to become a Wildcat. “When I first arrived at UK as a freshman, I initially did what felt comfortable and familiar — socialize with fellow students that looked like me.”

But change isn’t made within the confinements of comfort.

So, Lindsey embraced change — and the apprehension that came with it.

“I soon learned that UK offered opportunities for students to interact and connect with fellow students from all walks of life through different social events, organizations, classes and activities,” he said. “I participated in the theatre department, worked with Big Blue Nation LIVE and was involved with the Martin Luther King Center on campus. UK allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and meet and embrace people outside of my community — even if our opinions, personalities, even physical appearances were different.”

****

Lindsey’s passion for the university only grew after discovering the College of Social Work (CoSW).

“I’ve always had a yearning to help people.”

After learning about what the college had to offer, Lindsey decided he could apply the tools his professors and advisors would give him toward anything he wanted to do in the future.

“I believe the foundations and values of the social work profession align with who I am and what I want to grow to become,” he explained. “I still credit this school to this day, as I gained more than a degree, but more so wisdom after seeing how welcoming and passionate the professors were to be creating an educational space from an inclusive mindset.”

As communities and individuals face continued threats of discrimination, marginalization and violence, the CoSW is resolved to uphold its long-standing commitment to core social work values and principles of social justice.

Students in the program gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in social work and social justice, with curriculum spanning advocacy, crisis intervention, social policies and more. The program offers a unique lens through which to view individuals, families, communities and society at large.

In 2014, Lindsey graduated from UK and entered the workforce equipped with a social work degree, a better understanding of inclusivity and the determination needed to be a catalyst for change.  

“UK exposed me to new groups of people who came from different places that I had never understood before, and they (on the contrary) didn’t understand where I came from,” he said. “At the time, I didn’t know that some of these early moments of adversity would lead up to the creation of Siimee.”

****

In the years following graduation, Lindsey aspired to work for companies where he could make the most impact, and he would eventually land his “dream job” as a recruiter for Facebook.

But it wasn’t long before Lindsey realized he needed to create a solution to a much bigger problem.

In fact, it was his time at the company that led him to co-found his startup, Siimee (pronounced “see me”). The app helps job candidates connect with recruiters by prioritizing inclusivity and mitigating bias. It lets people create profiles where they can openly discuss their identities and ambitions.

The purpose is to educate employers and job seekers about the biases that often occur in the hiring process and workplace.

“I founded Siimee in December 2020 after personally witnessing numerous instances of bias in my roles working at major tech corporations,” Lindsey explained. “It’s the several situations I’d witnessed that remind me why I started Siimee — it is my driver to establish a fair, unbiased hiring process.”

Research suggests that 75% of all resumes submitted through applicant tracking systems (ATS) are never even seen by human eyes. Lindsey hopes to lower — or eliminate — that staggering statistic.

“I want job seekers to know that they will be seen when they use Siimee, and for corporations to know that they’re connecting with the right candidates.”

While the app hasn’t launched just yet, it has received more than $300,000 in funding. And Lindsey’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

He was recently named by Forbes to its “Next 1000,” which honors a list of inspiring entrepreneurs and small business leaders — many from diverse, underrepresented communities — who are redefining what it means to build and run a business.

Before launching Siimee, Lindsey spent time leading and collaborating with teams at Facebook, Tinder, Microsoft and The Walt Disney Company, sourcing and hiring talent in the tech and software development sectors.

“I created Siimee because I kept dealing with the same issues in my field of work,” he said. “If you do not feel empowered and seen at your workplace, know that a better opportunity is on your horizon.”

****

What does it mean to be a changemaker?

For Lindsey, it means championing for inclusivity. He often says, “inclusion is the connector between diversity and opportunity.”

Now, Lindsey is encouraging current students and fellow graduates to take advantage of opportunities to be the change they want to see in the world.

“Recognize your talents, figure out what drives you, then own it,” he said. “You may sometimes feel like you’re not impacting your field but give it time. You’ll look back years from now and be pleasantly surprised by your capabilities.”

UK College of Social Work

UK College of Social Work Study Shows Black Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Receive Less Workplace Support

A new study from the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky showed Black survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) receive significantly less workplace support than their White counterparts. The study was published in the Violence Against Women Journal.

“When we compared their responses, we found Black survivors received support that significantly impacted two workplace disruptions,” said co-author Kathryn Showalter, PhD, of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. “White survivors, however, received support that significantly impacted six workplace disruptions.”

To determine if a disparity existed between the workplace support received by White and Black IPV survivors, researchers analyzed anonymous survey data of IPV survivors who identified as women, were 18 years of age or older, had been employed at some point during their experience of IPV, and had not experienced cyberstalking at the time of the survey.

The study found that while both White and Black survivors experienced workplace disruptions that were harmful to their career advancement, only White survivors were offered significantly impactful help.

  • Black participants were less likely to be approached by a coworker and asked if they were okay.
  • None of the Black participants who had missed weeks of work were extended a help-seeking phone call by a coworker.
  • Black participants’ coworkers were less likely to show concern for their wellbeing during or after abuser-initiated workplace disruptions.

“By simply checking in with coworkers showing signs of intimate partner violence victimization, numerous abusive tactics can be impacted and possibly stopped,” Dr. Showalter said. “Where coworkers are falling short is in extending the same genuine concern to Black women in our workplaces.”

Other authors on the study include Theresia Pachner, PhD, of the College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky and Paige Maffett, law student, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

UK College of Social Work

UK College of Social Work’s Natalie Pope Receives 2021 Rose Dobrof Award

Natalie Pope, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, has been selected for the 2021 Rose Dobrof Award for her article, “Just like Jail’: Trauma Experiences of Older Homeless Men.”

The article, co-authored by Susan Buchino, University of Louisville, and Sarah Ascienzo, North Carolina State University, discusses findings based on a study of men over the age of 50 who had experienced multiple instances of homelessness. Participants in the study spoke about the trauma they had experienced in early life and as homeless adults.

The Rose Dobrof Award is presented to authors of articles published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work that are methodologically rigorous, innovative, and show an impact in the field of gerontology. The award will be presented during a virtual awards celebration.

About the College of Social Work

For over 80 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work has been a leader in social work education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the College works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways. To learn more about the College of Social Work, visit socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/.

UK College of Social Work

UK Social Work Adoption Support Program Receives National Excellence Award

This article was originally published in UKNow.

An adoption support program in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky is receiving national recognition for its contributions to caregivers.

Adoption Support for Kentucky – Virtual Interaction Program (ASK-VIP) has received a 2021 Adoption Excellence Award in the Child Welfare/Judicial Systemic Change category.

In 1997, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established the award program to recognize outstanding accomplishments in achieving permanency for America’s children waiting in foster care. 

“Permanency is of the utmost important to young people in out-of-home care,” Missy Segress, director of the CoSW’s centers and labs, said. “We must do everything we can to support our foster and adoptive parents to help families achieve this goal.”

Undoubtedly, being a foster/adoptive/kinship parent can be demanding. Research indicates that caregivers often struggle to find support, especially in rural communities. On top of that, the number of children entering foster care in the Commonwealth continues to increase.

In response to these challenges, the CoSW, in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, launched ASK-VIP in 2018. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASK-VIP made substantive shifts to creatively serve caregivers throughout the state. ASK-VIP is an interactive, online platform, which offers support for caregivers who are unable to attend traditional meetings.

Jay Miller, dean; Segress; and Karen Bowman, associate director of the Training Resource Center, oversee the program. Lauren Lynch administers the initiative.

“ASK-VIP is an innovative approach to providing support to foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers across the state. What’s more is that the program is specifically designed to reach caregivers that would not otherwise be served,” Miller explained. “Given the rising numbers of youth in out-of-home care, and the more complex situations facing caregivers, programs like ASK-VIP is integral to ensuring the well-being of children and families. ASK-VIP is an initiative rooted in a common purpose; aimed at a common good; and, for the Commonwealth.” 

ASK-VIP harnesses technology to organize virtual meetings. Group sessions occur at least once per week, while individual sessions occur throughout the week. These discussions are a safe space for caregivers to share their personal experiences without fear of judgment. Additionally, the program offers specialized training provided by a peer facilitator, who is also an adoptive parent.

“The fact that I can interact with other adoptive parents, and we can access support from one another virtually is really helpful. I live in a rural area and having children at home means it is not always easy to leave home to access services,” Rachael Wall, an adoptive parent and peer facilitator, said. “This program has afforded me the opportunity to interact with other parents in a way that I never would have before.”

CoSW, in collaboration with DCBS, has also launched a virtual support initiative for teens who have been adopted. You can learn more about that program here.  

The Adoption Excellence Award will be presented to ASK-VIP at a virtual ceremony on Nov. 9.

UK College of Social Work

New Study Offers Insight on Impact of Masculinity on the Mental Health of Gay Black Men

A recent study conducted by University of Kentucky College of Social Work researcher Keith J. Watts, Ph.D., discusses the social construction of masculinity and the implications it has on the mental health of gay Black men.

The study published in the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health found that masculine identity is associated with both positive and negative mental health outcomes among gay Black men.

For some, being perceived as masculine enables them to navigate and manage the societal challenges related to being both Black and gay. Others feel that perceptions of masculinity exacerbate their existing trauma resulting from experiencing the world as Black men.

“Among the most fascinating findings that emerged from this study were the participants’ simultaneous understanding of masculinity as both a fictional social construction affixed to all individuals assigned male at birth, and as a very real social identity that has had tangible positive and negative impacts on their lived experiences,” said Dr. Watts “This contradiction illustrates the highly contextualized and complex nature of social identities.”

“A glimpse into the everyday challenges of navigating such complexities helps us understand the explicitly expressed need for community spaces that center the unique experiences of gay Black men, and for mental health practitioners who are familiar with and prepared to engage these intersectional experiences,” Dr. Watts said.

Watt’s study was conducted in collaboration with Kia J. Bentley, Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.

About the College of Social Work

For over 80 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work has been a leader in social work education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the College works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways. To learn more about the College of Social Work, visit socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/.

Media Contact

Crystal Barnes
crystal.barnes@uky.edu
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