Alumni Spotlight: Stephanie Stewart, MSW '22
Current City: Stamford, Texas
Degree: MSW online
Graduation Year: 2022
Current Employer: City Light Community Ministries
Current Title: Director of Community Ministries
Tell us about the work you are currently doing and why you are passionate about it.
I am the social worker for the benevolence ministry of a church. I work with people experiencing homelessness, financial insecurity, and food insecurity to help meet their basic needs. It is a very tangible way to show God’s love to the people around me and to train others how to do the same.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Managing volunteers, case management, crisis management, helping people with rent/utilities/identification documents.
Is the work you do unique compared to other social work positions?
Yes! I am a social worker paid by a church, directing their community ministries. I distribute the benevolence offering of the church, along with equipping church volunteers to meet the basic needs of our neighbors.
What made you decide to pursue a degree in social work?
I wanted a tangible and professional way to work out my faith in a setting outside pastoral ministry.
Tell us about your favorite professor, course or fun memory from your time with the GSSW.
I really enjoyed the online cohort because it allowed me to connect with aspiring social workers of different ages all across the country. It was beneficial to hear about their contexts, and to create professional relationships that I still use today.
Any advice for someone who may be considering a career in social work?
Make sure to advocate for yourself in the workplace as you advocate for others. I'm so glad to graduate from the GSSW and to maintain the connections I made.