A group of faculty and students from Indiana Wesleyan University’s Division of Behavioral Sciences had the opportunity to volunteer at the 69th Annual North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) Convention on Nov. 7-10 in Indianapolis.
The convention, titled “Empowering People, Healing Communities: Working Toward Renewal and Restoration,” featured inspirational keynote speakers, 125+ workshops and poster sessions, preconvention institutes, as well as opportunities to engage in fellowship and worship with other Christians in social work from all over North America.
Approximately 20 IWU students and faculty volunteered their time in a variety of capacities to help put on this inspiring event. Five Social Work majors— Megan Abbott, Cosette Mast, Renee Rouse, Emily Shafer and Jordan Peoples—lead worship for conference attendees. Additionally, all core IWU-Marion and IWU-National & Global Social Work faculty presented their individual research and lead various sessions throughout the conference.
Likewise, three seniors had the opportunity to present their Lilly-funded faculty-student studies. Cosette Mast presented her research titled “Parental Effects on Incarcerated Parents: A Grandparents Perspective.” Jayde Guy and Jordan Peoples presented “Parental Effects on Incarcerated Parents: A Grandparents Perspective.”
Dr. Katti Sneed, director of the Social Work program at IWU, co-chaired the convention alongside Colleen Gore, an adjunct Social Work professor for IWU-National & Global.
“There are moments when God gives us a glimpse of the time we pour into students,” said Sneed. “Seeing our Social Work students lead worship, present their research and volunteer at the NACSW conference was one of those moments for me. I am so proud of them.”
For more information on IWU’s undergraduate Social Work program, visit www.indwes.edu/undergraduate/division-of-behavioral-sciences/bs-social-work.
For more information on IWU’s recently announced residential Master of Social Work program, visit www.indwes.edu/news/iwu-marion-to-launch-master-of-social-work-program-in-fall-2020.