Inside This Issue: See Index on Page 4

AVASW Executive Committee

2017—2018

Amanda Kalins President 2018

Hines, IL

Leann Bruce

Past President/Education Chair 2018

Louisville, KY

Mary Lou Pittman President-Elect 2018

Atlanta, GA

Michaele Kulick Secretary 2018 Green Bay, WI

Paul Burton

Treasurer 2018 Los Angeles, CA

Jodie Picciano-Swanson Nominations 2018 Biloxi, MS

Linda Brandeis

Member-at-large, Leader 2017 Puget Sound, WA

Maggie Chickey Member-at-large, Staff 2017 West Palm Beach, FL

Rocco Bagala

Member-at-large, Retired 2016 Seattle, WA

Natalie Weathers Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Columbia, SC

Jerry Satterwhite

Congressional Liaison Birmingham, AL

Barbara Fretwell

Webmaster Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Contact us: http://www.vasocialworkers.org/ContactUs.html

Spring 2017

www.vasocialworkers.org

Association of VA Social Workers

1st Quarter (2017)

AVASW Social Worker

of the Quarter

Lauren Quick-Graham, LCSW

By Linda Brandeis

We are happy to announce Lauren Quick-

Graham as the AVASW Social Worker of the First Quarter 2017. Ms. Quick-Graham is relatively new to the VA system. She has been at the Durham VA for 2 years. When I interviewed her and asked her about her commitment to Veterans, she talked about her Grandfather who was a WWII Veter-an. She talked about spending time with him and the stories he told her about the war, he had been involved in the liberation of a concentration camp and the many things that still troubled him even at the end of life. We talked about the fact that PTSD was not recognized in those days and that we had no understanding of the years of suffering that those Veterans faced back then. The person submitting the nomination wrote: ”Lauren Quick-Graham remains a transformative, innovative social work leader with the VA system. Lauren’s passion for her many interests in our field make her an asset to whichever team she is a part of. Her list of credentials and duties with the Durham VA Medical Center are the tip of the iceberg of her in-depth critical thinking and challenging she does in practice settings.” Lauren was a substance abuse specialist and mental health specialist prior to coming to the VA. She has

used her skills and enthusiasm to increase staff development and to train others. According to the nominator, she assisted her department in having a retreat in March of 2015 that offered 5 CEUs and her leadership allowed them to repeat the off site retreat again in 2016. She has also joined the National Case Management and Social Work Services Committee on SW staff development and professional development. Lauren is also facilitating the Strength at Home Program targeting Veterans who use violence in relationships. She indicated that the Durham VA is a pilot site for this program. She believes that all Veterans have stories that they need to talk about and tell. She is both Veteran focused, and strength based in her treatment. She also states “I am also an advocate for recovery.” Mental illness/substance use disorder stigmatized Veterans struggling with the aftermath of their war experience. “I hope that with my work as a social worker, I can model appropriate and effective treatment, and show people that recovery is possible. I also hope to challenge society’s view of Veterans who have a substance use disorder (s).” Congratulations Lauren, we are honored to have you as a VA social work team member!

2

Mandy’s Ponderings A Message from Our President . . .

Amanda Kalins

AVASW President president@vasocialworkers.org

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Social Work Month! It was such a treat for AVASW to be able to support a few select sites with their Social Work Month celebrations. We plan on continuing this opportunity next year and hope that members will continue to take advantage of it. As the newsletter was coming together, it was great to see all the examples of how all of you STAND UP every day as VA social workers. Thank you for the work that you do every day and what you stand for! In addition to celebrating Social Work Month in March, we had our biannual membership drive One4One. When I was Vice President, I came up with this idea to increase membership and spark a little friendly competition amongst our members. I am so thrilled to see it continue now under the leadership of other Executive Committee members. Our next membership drive will be in September. In the coming months, the Executive Committee will be soliciting some feedback from our members about AVASW and how we can best serve our members and VA social workers at large. We do welcome any suggestions or feedback you have at any time. Feel free to contact us via the CONTACT US button on the website. Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring & Summer!

Mandy

AVASW wishes our departing Chief Consultant for Care Management and Social Work, Michael Kilmer, LCSW a heartfelt farewell as he has accepted the position of Director at the VA Grand Junction Health Care System. AVASW will be forever grateful for the support you have shown the Association and VA Social Work programs and staff. During your time as Chief Consultant, there have so many great accomplishments for our profession. Thank you again for your dedication and commitment to the field of social work and for your service to our Veterans. Best of luck in your new position!

AVASW President Mandy Kalins presenting Chief Consultant,

Michael Kilmer, LCSW with a 90th Anniversary Pin at the 2016

AVASW VIP Reception at the NASW Conference in Washington

DC, June 2016.

3

Penny Clark is an amazing, outgoing, bubbly LAPSW assigned to the Tullahoma Community Based Outpatient Clinic, a rural health clinic out of the beautiful Tennessee Valley Health Care System, located at Arnold Air Force Base. She works as the pri-mary care social worker and loves what she does providing so-cial work services and psychosocial counseling within the PACT model. She also is active in sharing new VA initiatives like Shared Medical Decision Making to her rural health clinic colleagues and staff! Penny started her VA ca-

reer in 1994 at the John D. Dingell VA in Detroit, MI. working in the NHCU and GEM programs. Penny completed her graduate social work field placement at the Tuscaloosa, AL VAMC and has spent the duration of her VA career support-ing the mission of the VA advocating on behalf of Veterans and their families. Penny enjoys being a member of AVASW and keeping up with all that our social work profession is in-volved in both inside and outside the VA. She loves reading the AVASW newsletters and is al-ways learning something new! Being a member of AVASW helps keep her connected and informed. Penny said “AVASW gives me a voice in the bigger picture of our profession within the VA!”

One4One is a campaign to increase the number of new AVASW members and Site Leads for facilities or VISNs to ensure that AVASW continue to make an impact and have a strong voice in advocating for our members and VA social workers in general. We asked all current AVASW members to recruit ONE fellow VA social worker, social work intern, or retired social worker to join AVASW—one current member for one new member. Thanks to our current members who are comprised of front line staff and SW Lead-ership, we were able to recruit 30 new members which brings our membership to over 500 members S-T-R-O-N-G!! YES, there is strength in numbers! Congratulations to Penny Clark, AVASW One4One Membership Recruitment Drive Contest Winner. Penny will be receiving an AVASW prize package in the mail and 1 year FREE membership to AVASW. Special thanks to everyone who

participated.

Any questions?? Contact AVASW Maggie Chickey AVASW Member-at-Large for Staff memberatlarge@vasocialworkers.org

4

Treasury Report

Checking $2,994.83

Savings $2,660.76

PayPal $2,215.48

Assets as of 03/31/2017

$7,871.07

Submitted by Paul Burton, Treasurer

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Social Worker of the 1st Quarter Page 1

President Speaks: “Mandy’s Ponderings” Page 2

One4One March Campaign/Winner Page 3

AVASW Business Report Page 4

Hospitality AVASW Style: Welcome New Members Page 5

Assistant Editor’s Page Page 6

March Madness Dayton VA Pages 7 and 11

VA Sierra Nevada Pages 8 and 9

Atlanta VA Pages 10 and 25

Philadelphia VA Pages 11, 19, and 25

Almost Sunrise Pages 12 and 13

First Quarter Black History Month Page 16

West Palm Beach VA Page 18

Bay Pines VA—Berier Pages 21-23

Don’t

Forget

to Visit

Us on

Social

Media!

AVASW Website Activity Report

5

Lela D. Pugh LCSW; CAVHCS; Social Worker; Montgomery, AL

Tamara Johnson LMSW; Tucson VA; Renal/PACT Social Worker; Tucson,

AZ

Angelika LoPresti LCSW; SAVAHCS; BHIP Team Lead/Psychotherapist;

Tucson, AZ

Donna Festa LCSW-R; Jerry L. Pettis VAMC; BHIP Team Lead; Palm

Springs, CA

Garbis (Gabe) Sahatjian LCSW, CCCJS; Long Beach VA; Social Worker -

Veterans Justice Outreach; Pasadena, CA

Elinor Obien LCSW; VA; Loma Linda; Senior Social Worker; Chino, CA

Peter Stigers LSW; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System; Los Ange-

les, CA

Kathy C Monson LCSW; VA; Gulf Coast; Social Worker; Milton, FL

Laura R Hatcher LMSW-C; Atlanta VAMC; Clinical Social Worker; Atlanta,

GA

D. Endsley Real MPH, LCSW; Atlanta VAMC; Professional Practice Spe-

cialist for Social Work Services; Atlanta, GA

Lisa Sanford LCSW, ACSW; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center; Senior

Supervisory Social Worker; Augusta, GA

Andrea Mancillas MSW; Jesse Brown VA; - retired Social Worker; Chicago,

IL

William Radford LCSW; Robley Rex VA - Scott County CBOC MHC; So-

cial Worker; Lexington, IN

Shaundra Allen MSW, LCSW-C, C-SWHC, Gerontology Doctoral Student-

UMB SOM; Baltimore VA Medical Center; Caregiver Support Coordina-

tor; Greenbelt, MD

Kimberly Sawatzki LMSW, CADC; Aleda E Lutz Sagina VAMC; PCMHI

CCC Clinical Social Worker; Saginaw MI

Corrie Jones LCSW, BCD; Kansas City VA Medical Center Medical; Foster

Home Coordinator; Kansas City, MO

Martinie Franks LCSW, BCD, C-SWHC; John J. Pershing VAMC; Women

Veteran Program Manager; Poplar Bluff, MO

Heather L. McLean MSW, LCSW, ACSW; Harry S Truman Veterans Me-

morial Hospital; HUD/VASH Social Worker; Columbia, MO

Melissa Kirkup LMSW; Biloxi VA; Primary Care Social Worker; Diamond-

head, MS

Alison Rollinson LMSW; Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System – Bilox;i

Purvis, MS

Kimila DeFlanders LCSW, MVF- ASW; VA Gulf Coast HCS; MHICM

SW; Gulfport, MS

Emily Averette MSW, LCSW; FNCVAMC; Renal Social Worker; White

Oak, NC

Tiffany Chavis MSW, LCSW; Durham VA Medical Center; HUD-VASH

Social Worker; Durham, NC

Jodi Molnar LCSW; Nebraska Western Iowa HCS; PC-MHI Care Manager;

Omaha, NE

Shannon Vondra LICSW; Nebraska Western Iowa; Post 9/11 TCM Social

Work Case Manager; Omaha, NE

Teresa McArthur MSW, MPH, LCSW, BCD LCSW; - direct service LCSW;

Trenton, NJ

Jill Turner LCSW; NMVAHCS; Assistant Chief, SWS; Rio Rancho, NM

Melissa Harding LCSW; New Mexico VA Chief, Social Work Service; Al-

buquerque, NM

Carey Weiller MSW/LCSW; VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System; So-

cial Worker; Henderson, NV

Mary Kelly LCSW; Northport; Social Work Service Section Chief; West

Islip, NY

Michelle Carr LMSW; Watertown, NY & Massena, NY CBOCs PACT;

Social Work Carthage, NY

Nancy Dux LMSW; Advanced Illness Care Coordinator; Buffalo, NY

Christine Barnes LISW-S; Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC; Jefferson, OH

Courtney Schoenfeld LCSW; VA Portland Health Care System; SCI Coordi-

nator; Portland, OR

Jennifer Schied MSW, LCSW; Lyons NJ; HUDVASH Supervisor; New

Hope, PA

Aisha R. Shabazz LSW, MSS, MLSP; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA

Medical Center (Philadelphia) Outpatient; Social Worker; Philadelphia,

PA

Abigail Martinez-Rivera MSW; San Juan VA Carribbean Hospital; Cinical

Social Work; San Juan, PR

Cheryl Hunley LCSW; Mountain Home; Case Manager; Kingsport, TN

Judith Steans LCSW, MBA; Michale E. DeBakey VAMC; HBPC Program

Director; Houston, TX

Lana Covington LCSW; Mountain Home VAMC; Johnson City, TN

Jacquelyn Owens LMSW; Memphis; Lakeland, TN

Elizabeth Washburn LCSW, CCM, BCD, C-SWHC TVHS; Chattanooga

CBOC; PC-MHI Social Worker; Ooeltewah, TN

Cynthia Poole LMSW; TVA; MHICM Social Worker; Chattanooga, TN

Carly Brown LCSW; Nashville; HUD/VASH Social Worker; Nashville, TN

Robert D. Clark LMSW-C&P; Alvin C York VA; TCM Social Work Case

Manager; Murfreesboro, TN

David Fowler LAPSW; TVHS; MHICM CM; Murfreesboro, TN

Shelley Gold LCSW; MEDVAMC; Clinical Social Worker; Houston, TX

Cynthia Haas LCSW; CTXVHS; Clinical Social Worker; Round Rock, TX

Maureen -McClintock LICSW, ACSW, BCD; Bennington CBOC; Senior

Social Worker; North Bennington, VT

Cynthia Wilson LICSW; Puget Sound Health Care Systems-American Lake;

CWT/TR Program Coordinator; Tacoma, WA

Melanie Younger LCSW; Puget Sound VA Health Care System; Edmonds,

WA

Lisa Hewitt LCSW; Huntington, WV; Senior Social Worker; Culloden, WV

Caroline Bogel, LICSW; Minneapolis VA Medical Center; Primary Care

Social Work Supervisor; Minneapolis, MN

Jennifer Buras, LCSW-BACS; Southeast Louisiana Veterans Medical Center;

Mental Health Social Worker; New Orleans, LA

Stefanie Carreiro, LMSW; Tennessee Valley Health System – Murfreesboro;

Acute Medicine Social Worker; Murfreesboro, TN

Janet Casey MSW, LICSW; St. Cloud, MN; Clinical Social Worker; St.

Cloud, MN

Jessica Chamberlain MSW, LCSW; Puget Sound Healthcare System; CRRC

Social Worker; Renton, WA

Johnnie Davis, LMSW-IP; South Texas VA Health Care System; San Anto-

nio, TX

D. Jodi Frederick, LCSW; Southern AZ VA Health Care System; Clinical

Director, RehabilitationPrograms/Social Work Executive; Tucson, AZ

Victoria Koehler, LCSW; VA Portland; TCM Program Manager; Portland,

OR

Jenylyn Merrill, LCSW; VA Portland; Portland, OR

Mary Nash-Powell MSW, LCSW, MVF-CSW; Lovell Federal Health Care

Center; Senior Social Worker; Round Lake Beach, IL

Krystyna Osinski-King LISW; Dayton VA Medical Center; PACT Social

Worker; Kettering, OH

Laura Taylor, LSCSW; VA Central Office National Director, Social Work;

Wichita, KS

Rachel Wilkinson, LMSW; Phoenix VA Health Care System; Pact Social

Worker; Phoenix, AZ

Mary Wilson, LMSW; Michael E. DeBakey Medical

Center –CBOC; Home Base Primary Care So-

cial Worker; Nederland, TX

6

From the Assistant Editor . . . AVASWnewsletter@vasocialwokers.org Dianne Smith Foster

“It’s That Time Again,” and AVASW is celebrating all 1st Quarter long! From ending 2016 with Eileen Burke, LCSW being recognized as AVASW Social Worker of the Year, to our informative Lunch with Laura three part series calls, to AVASW honoring February as Black History Month, and last but not least, to March aka as Social Work Month...that glorious time where once a year, we as VA Social Workers, get to “strut our stuff” and claim our bragging rights on how we created our own “March Madness” by pampering our fellow social workers and selves. From the north to the south, to the east and west, the pictures and write-ups submitted by VA sites are worth a thousand words. “Social Workers Stand Up!”

Anthony L Dawson, MHA, FACHE Director/CEO Gulf Coast Veter-

ans Healthcare System.

Eileen Burke, LCSW, HUD-VASH Case Manager (**in process of

being boarded as the Assistant Homeless Program Manager!! )

Jodie Picciano-Swanson, LCSW,ACSW Homeless Program Manager

Wendyann R. Wyatt, LCSW, Chief, Social Work Services

Ann Kerrigan Winner of $20 for correctly answering the

Social Work Month Quiz

7

MARCH MADNESS

AT THE DAYTON VA

MEANS “HAPPY

SOCIAL WORK

MONTH!”

Swoosh! It was game on at the Day-

ton VA in Dayton, Ohio during March

2017. A slam dunk for the Social Work Service Month Planning Committee for a month long of

awesome activities planned to acknowledge, esteem and celebrate Social Workers for their out-

standing contributions made in the lives of our veterans and their families; care of their team mem-

bers, support of Dayton VA’s mission and goals, and exemplary representation of the social work

profession. The first quarter started with breakfast being served in the “Social Work Fishbowl”

and a “Coffee Donation Challenge” to all Services in support of Voluntary Services and their events

for our veterans and families. During 2nd quarter, home team goals were continually scored with a

3-hour CEU Training on “What Social Workers need to Know about Opioid Treatment” followed

by a 3-point shot SW Month Luncheon catered by Chipotle. Cheers and “pats on the back” for a

job well done were delivered from the Leadership Skybox by Glenn Costie, CEO and Medical Cen-

ter Director; Dr. William Hardy, Chief of Staff; and Katina Stone-Jones, Chief of Social Work Ser-

vice. During the luncheon a few “point guards” were recognized as “Honorary Social Workers for

their invaluable “assists” in the area of case management support (Dr. Justin Bunn, Shanel Kelly,

Tina Lee, Margo Patterson and Jayne Wagner). All eyes were on the half-time show on the 14th and

15th in the main lobby of the hospital where “Thank a Social Worker” Tables were set up with cards

for veterans and staff to pen a “salute” to

a social worker (s) of their choosing. In

the 3rd Quarter, the SWS UPC busted out

with a full court press by offering a free 6-

hour CEU Ethics and Supervision Train-

ing. The month was going so well in our

favor by the 4th quarter, that the tailgating

started early with a “Happy Hour and Get-

Together” (after work of course!). The

buzzer sounded on the 31st, signaling the

end of a very successful Social Work

Month Celebration with Coach Julie Eng-

land (SWS UPC Chair) calling a permanent “time out,” and encouraging all Social Workers to join

her and the SWS Month Planning Committee on the floor of the Auditorium for an Ice Cream So-

cial and Self-Care (relaxing music, coloring/painting, chair massages, and just enjoying the compa-

ny of a fellow social worker). The Dayton VA Police Service was awarded the SW Month Service

Project MVP Award (trophy and certificate) for donating 390 cans of coffee in support of our SW

Month Challenge. Hats off to all Dayton VA Social Workers, Vet Center Social Workers, and Social

Work Interns for all that you do in “caring for those who have borne the battle.”

Dianne Smith-Foster, MSW – Asst. Editor, AVASW Newsletter

Continued on pages 11

8

VA Sierra NV —Continued on page 9

VA Sierra NV Health Care System Social Work Month 2017

VASNHCS formed a Social Work Month Committee to plan activities. The initiative began in February with Hershey Chocolate Bar invites (see attached) to all social workers for our March 1

st meeting. Our local AFGE purchased candy bars and assisted with wrapping. The

candy invite was delivered to each social worker on site and at the CBOCs via interoffice mail.

The month kicked off with our March 1st Social Work meeting. The employee association

provided coffee and treats for staff. Jennifer Koget from the National Office called in to

open the meeting with a nice welcome and thank you to our social workers.

Social Work Executive Theresa Williams provided facts and membership applications for the Association of VA Social Workers. Staff finished the meeting with a screening of The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler movie. Near the conclusion of the meeting the Chief of Staff, Dr. Steven Brilliant, stopped by to say a few words to the social workers.

Our facility newsletter published a word search, scramble, multiple choice related to social work and developed by committee members. We held a contest in which all those who

9

Continued from page 8

answered correctly would be entered in a drawing to win $20. The winner was awarded her $20 in April. Each day in March the Social Work Executive sent out an inspiring quote or a short story to social workers. The week of March 20-24 our facility held a get to know your social work staffed programs week in the alcove near our pharmacy. It was staffed by social workers daily from 8-12 (see attached schedule and some photos). On the day we did Advance Di-rectives we had 60 people receive ed-ucation!

Our Social Work

Month celebration

was blessed to re-

ceive $50 from the

Association of VA

Social Workers as

well. These funds

will be used to re-

imburse our em-

ployee association

for the treats

served on March

1st.

10

Atlanta VA Social Work Month 2017

NASW’s theme “Social Workers Stand Up” at the Atlanta VA was a huge success. We started SW

Month off with a Kickoff Celebration for the entire VA and staff were informed to “Thank A Social

Worker” throughout the month of March for all that they do. We had several dynamic CEUs and

presenters on various topics such as Ethical Dilemmas with Cognitive Disorders, Using Yoga and

Meditation as Treatment Modalities for Mental Health and Self-Care and How to effectively

intervene with Sex Offenders. There was also a SW Month Celebration at one of our Local CBOCs;

Ft. McPherson in addition to a Social Work Service Line Meeting in which door prizes and more

were randomly provided to our social work staff. During our Grand Finale, collectively, we proudly

wore our Team SW “Super Power” red shirts and received parting words from our Acting Medical

Center Director, Regina Carden; Chief of Staff, Dr. David Bower; Deputy Chief of Staff; Dr.

Norberto Fas; and our very own Social Work Service Line Chief, Dr. Crystal Anderson. We

celebrated with cake, giveaways for the staff, and had an innovative resource fair that not only

provided CEUs, but highlighted community agencies. Our SW Interns were also in full swing

assisting to serve at the event.

11

Continued Celebration from

Dayton VA—See Article on Page 7

2017 SW Month at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

(Philadelphia, PA) - see full article on page 19

12

Continued on page 13

A few months ago,

AVASW President

Mandy Kalins

received an email from a

producer for the docu-

mentary, Almost Sun-

rise, looking for a way

to connect with VA

social workers and high-

light this film and bigger

mission behind it. This

award winning film is

about two combat veter-

ans who, diagnosed with

severe PTSD, go on a

2,600 mile hike from

Milwaukee, WI to Long

Beach, CA. Their jour-

ney is one of self-

discovery and inspira-

tion as they discover

peace through medita-

tion and nature. The

film also introduces the

concept of “moral inju-

ry’ and its usefulness in understanding the reality that some

veterans face upon returning from war. The film aims to raise

awareness for Veteran suicide and encourage Veterans to seek

treatment. After viewing the film, Mandy knew that this was

something that VA social workers would really connect with

and benefit from. Fresh off their recent win as the winner of

the 2017 NASW Media Award for Film, Mandy asked the

film’s director, Michael Collins a few questions about Almost

Sunrise.

Tell us the story about how you came up with the idea for

the film.

A few years ago, as part of a video project I’d volunteered for,

I had the opportunity to interview veterans and hear about their

lives and struggles. One particular day, my I interview subject

casually mentioned, “Twenty-two veterans kill themselves eve-

ry day.” I thought I had misheard. I didn’t. That was a pivotal

moment for me in this journey to make this film. I realized

right then and there that there was a crisis in this country, tak-

ing place right in front of our eyes, one to which many of us, I

including myself, were blind. In some deep silent corner of

that realization, I felt utterly compelled to do something, to act,

to serve, to help these people who had

sacrificed so much.

Before the film, what did you know about Veterans dealing

with PTSD or Moral Injury?

I knew about PTSD from the many documentaries made about

the veteran experience and their struggles coming

home. Unfortunately these stories are plentiful, and most focus

on PTSD, because the reality is many veterans are suffer from

severe trauma. But I always knew that I wanted our film to go

beyond talking about PTSD; to be looking ahead and starting a

new conversation, but I wasn’t sure of exactly how.

It was shortly after the trek began that my cinematographer

Clarissa de los Reyes sent me a link to an extraordinary three-

fold article by senior war correspondent David Wood on the

Huffington Post about "Moral Injury". It was so eye-opening

and really helped shape the vision for the film. http://

huff.to/2pc0PIr

Moral injury really resonated with me. It was something I

could relate to, and I felt that it really spoke to what Tom, An-

thony, and their families, were dealing with more accurately

than PTSD. I’ve found that it’s one of the most powerful ele-

ments of the film for fostering meaningful conversations after

screenings from veterans and civilians alike.

With all that you have learned about Veterans, PTSD and

Moral Injury, what has been the most surprising or signifi-

cant part?

The most significant lesson I’ve learned is how much power

each of us has to support the healthy transition of veterans into

civilian life within our communities, as well as how adjunctive

13

therapies such as meditation and nature-based therapies have a

tremendous effect on some of the deepest “wounds.” I’ve

heard the unseen wounds a combat veteran returns with de-

scribed as “an ordinary response to extraordinary circumstanc-

es”, but there has been a tendency to completely medicalize

this. Of course there is a need for clinical treatment under

some circumstances, but as New York City Commissioner of

Veterans Services Loree Sutton recently said after a screening

in NYC, “Community is the most powerful medicine.” Watch

the video from the NYC event here: https://

vimeo.com/213766529

This is why the main pillars of our impact campaign are fo-

cused on Connecting Communities and promoting adjunctive

therapies and getting them more integrated within the VA sys-

tem. We have come to understand that community support can

literally save lives. We invite everyone to join our Host a

Screening campaign and help foster these connections within

their own communities.

After finishing the film and seeing the great impact that is

has had on so many, when has there been a moment where

you or your team have sat back and said, "Wow! I can't

believe our film did that for someone"?

Recently after a screening event in Syracuse with the Moral

Injury Project, a veteran approached Tom (the main subject of

the film) and tearfully thanked him and said he now had hope,

when he previously thought he was out of options. These mo-

ments are common, but don’t always come from veterans.

There have been countless individuals who have opened up

after the screening and shared how this experience has given

them hope, understanding, and made them feel more connect-

ed with their community and inspired them into action either

on their own journey of healing, or to support others. This is

what keeps us energized as a team as we work to get the film

out there. We are always trying to find new ways connect with

as many audiences as possible because we have seen first-

hand the power of these events.

Given that most of our readers are VA social workers, VA

social work trainees or retired VA social workers, why

should they watch this film and what do you hope that they

will take away from it?

We’ve been very fortunate to screen the film with a number of

VA providers and it is clear to me that they are as committed

to selfless service as veterans themselves. They have shared

with us how this film has been powerful to better understand

moral injury, the complexity of the veteran experience and the

power of adjunctive therapies; giving them more tools to pro-

vide the each individual with the unique attention they de-

serve.

Dr. Yvette Branson from New York Harbor VA recently said:

“Finally, an honest and real look at the transition our Veterans

are making once returning to the Nation. Finally, a conversa-

tion between civilians and Veterans that is honest and real in

moving us towards healing, not more voyeuristic spinning of

wheels. I look forward to sharing this film widely.” You can

see Dr. Branson’s full statement here: http://bit.ly/2pfmXDK

For those who view your film who may not be social work-

ers, what are your hopes for them after watching it?

I hope that everyone walks away with a better

understanding of the extraordinary sacrifice our soldiers and

military families are making to support all of us. More than an

understanding in their mind, I hope people walk away with an

experience in their heart; feeling connected to the entire com-

munity and inspired to take real steps to support one another.

If the sky was the limit, what would you do next on your

journey to promote Almost Sunrise?

When we began making this film, we knew from day one we

wanted to create a robust impact camping as part of our distri-

bution strategy. We’ve been very fortunate over the past year

to connect with hundreds of audiences, partnering with incred-

ible organizations and getting the film and campaign to those

who can benefit most.

Each screening in many ways feels like the first one. We’ve

been travelling all over the country and partnering with a wide

range of organizations, drawing very diverse audiences, and

the reactions we hear from audiences continue to inspire me.

What makes me so happy is to see that whether it is a veteran,

a military family member, a service provider, or a civilian, the

film is resonating on a very deep and personal level with so

many.

We knew from day one that we wanted the film to be used as a

tool for empowering veterans and providing hopeful solutions

for moral injury and the suicide crisis. Our wish is to have

hundreds more community screenings this year… and that’s

why we have launched a “Host a Screening” campaign. Now

anyone can work with us to bring the film to their conference,

school, organization or community. Would be very meaning-

ful to plan for screenings during September, which is Suicide

Prevention Month. For more info on how to host a screening

and join the healing, please click here: https://

filmsprout.formstack.com/forms/hostalmostsunrise

AVASW will host 2 screenings of the film at the Case Man-

agement and Social Work Leadership Council Strategic Plan-

ning meeting in May and at the Society for Social Work Lead-

ership in Health Care Conference in October. We hope that

this is just the beginning of a great partnership with the Film’s

team! Stay tuned for information about AVASW’s work with

Almost Sunrise.

For information about Almost Sunrise

http://sunrisedocumentary.com/

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ASSOCIATION OF VA SOCIAL WORKERS

President – Amanda “Mandy” Kalins, Hines, IL Vice President/President Elect – Mary Lou Pittman, Atlanta, GA Past President – LeAnn Bruce, Louisville, KY Secretary – Michaele Kulick, Green Bay, WI Treasurer – Paul Burton, Los Angeles, CA Nominations – Jodie Picciano-Swanson, Biloxi, MS Members at Large Leader – Linda Brandeis, Puget Sound HCS, WA Staff – Maggie Chickey, West Palm Beach, FL Retired – Rocco Bagala, Seattle, WA Newsletter Editor – Natalie Weathers, Columbia, SC Congressional Liaison – Jerry Satterwhite, Birmingham, AL Web Manager – Barbara Fretwell, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

AVASW Membership

To join or renew visit the AVASW website – www.vasocialworkers.org – and click on the “Join AVASW” or the “Renew AVASW Membership” button and follow the instructions. The website accepts credit card dues payments. To pay by check you may follow the instructions on the website, or use this form. If you use this form, please provide the required information below. Name ___________________________________________________________________________

(Print your Name & Credentials exactly as you want them on your membership certificate)

Name of Person Who Referred You ___________________________________________________ Preferred e-mail (private email works best)_______________________________________________ Your VA facility ________________________________Your preferred phone #_________________ Your job title _______________________________________________________________ Your preferred mailing address (home address works best) Street address ______________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State ______ Zip code ____________ Dues are: $30.00 per year – Full Member - current employees of the US Dept of Veterans Affairs who have a master’s degree from a social work graduate school accredited by CWSE $15.00 per year – Associate Member - former employees of the Dept of Veterans Affairs who have a master’s degree from a social work graduate school accredited by CWSE $10.00 per year – Student Member - social work graduate students who have a VA field placement for an academic year $20.00 per year – Contract Member – social work employees of a non-VA agency who are placed at a VA facility to provide social work services If paying by check, make your check payable to AVASW and send to: AVASW 9451 Petit Avenue Northridge, CA 91343 For additional information, or questions, please use the “Contact Us” button at the top left of the website home page.

http://www.vasocialworkers.org

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Are you involved in any projects or innovative practices that you want to share with others? Do you have any issues related to

Social Work practice that you would like to discuss with others? Do you have some ideas about starting a new program or

tweaking an old one and would like some feedback from others?

Take advantage of this opportunity to share with other VA social workers. While Facebook is open to the public for viewing, you

must sign up for the AVASW LINKEDIN to initiate or respond to discussions.

https://www.facebook.com/Association-of-VA-Social-Workers-AVASW-221695707841874/?fref=ts *Must have an account on social media for link to be enabled

http://www.linkedin.com/ *Must have an account on social media for link to be enabled

HELLO VA SOCIAL WORKERS. We hope you enjoyed this Newsletter. If you have a master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and you are currently employed by the VA, or were formerly employed by the VA, you qualify for membership in the Association of VA Social Workers (AVASW) regardless of your job title, grade, assignment, or occupational series. We also have memberships for students and for contract social workers who are placed at the VA. We invite you to join by visiting our website at – www.vasocialworkers.org – and click on the “Join AVASW” button on the left panel and follow the instructions. Your membership and participation are welcome.

HELLO AVASW MEMBERS. If you have recently changed your name, e-mail address, mailing address, VA facility, phone number, etc., please visit the AVASW website – www.vasocialworkers.org – and update your membership information. Just follow the instructions when you login to the Members Only section of the website. Your e-mail address is your ID. Please note - if you have changed your e-mail address you must log in using your previous e-mail address, the one you used to set up your data in the membership list. After you have logged in you can change the e-mail address to your current e-mail address. If you don’t know or recall your password it is easy to get one by following the instructions. We would like our membership records, including yours, to be accurate and up to date.

http://vasocialworkers.org/

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AVASW Social Worker Achievement Award

and Recognition Program

Nomination Form

Name: Phone #

Parent VAMC: Email:

Service/Work Location/Program:

Title/Position:

Years of Service with the VA? Military Service (if known)?

Describe the achievements or contributions of the nominee to the service of our Veterans, their families or the VA at large. Please detail the specific attributes or successes leading to this nomination.

Person submitting this nomination:

Contact information:

Please email completed form to: Linda Brandeis at memberatlarge@vasocialworkers.org

Thank You!

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SOCIAL WORK MONTH ACTIVITIES FOR MARCH 2017 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center So-cial Work Month Committee planned an amaz-ing month of activities for the WPB VAMC So-cial Workers to partake in for the 2017 Social Work Month theme of “Social Workers Stand Up”. It was a tremendous month of celebra-tion designed to acknowledge and recognize the outstanding work and contributions that So-cial Workers make every day with Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Social Workers had opportunities to earn four (4) CMEs during

a Lunch ‘n’ Learn series during the month, in-cluding presentations on Gratitude, Mindful-ness, Developmental Psychology for Clini-cians Working with Adults, and Racial Dispari-ties in Head & Neck Cancer. A luncheon with AVASW presenting on the benefits of their organization, a cake celebration with goody bags for all Social Workers, and a community partner provided a delicious taco station as part of the festivities. Other notable high-lights included the reading of the Social Work Month Proclamation by our Social Work Ser-vice Chief and two Master’s level Social Work

interns (the next generation of Social Workers) current-ly in their field placements with the VA being honored for their individually authored poems about their pas-sion and experiences that led them to being a social worker. The Month of March was a remarkable cele-

bration and reminder of the chosen profession of So-cial Work.

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2017 SW Month at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA)

As AVASW says, we wanted to create "a venue of professional connectedness" and our social work service department's Education and Special Events committee helped our colleagues celebrate social work month in several ways. We provided an introduction to this year's social work month celebration with an emphasis on self-care. On February 14th, we sent a Self-Care email to the entire service, reminding them of the importance of treating ourselves with as much kindness as we treat our patients (see attached). At our annual social work celebration, we fellowshipped at a departmental pizza party, food sponsored by the social work supervisory staff, and we offered a resource table with an array of professional develop-ment opportunities from local professional social work agencies and provided everyone with self-care packets. We culminated the event with a family friendly dinner at Dave and Busters. Social Workers were welcomed to bring their families to have fun and celebrate over delicious food and of course enjoy an array of arcade games. We even started off the night with a fun activity of, "What is your social work superpower?", some responses were "patience, being an advocate, respect of self-determination, and empathic listening." This year's SW month events could not have been completed without the hard work of the volunteer-based committee of the Education and Special Events Committee of the social work service department and the assistance of the social intern class of FY17. Here is a link to the VA Facebook page, that captured some aspects of the social work month celebration and some additional photos are attached as well. https://www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaVAMC/photos/pcb.1277530238949848/1277526412283564/?type=3&theater

Association of VA Social Workers Merchandise Price List

Logo Pin, $5.00 which includes S&H.

If you wish to order merchandise by mail, print and fill out this form, attach check made payable to AVASW and mail to: AVASW

9451 Petit Avenue, Northridge, CA 91343

Name:______________________________________ Address:______________________________________________ City, State, ZIP ____________________________________ Phone # w/Area Code:_____________________________ Email Address:____________________________________

Circle as appropriate: Polo Shirt Men: S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X #______ Tote Bag (s) # _____ Mouse Pad (s) #______ Polo Shirt Women: S, M, L, XL, 2X #______ Travel Mug (s) # ______ Denim Shirt: Men: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X #_____ Lanyard (s) with Logo & Writing #______ Women: S, M, L, XL #_____ Logo Pin (s) # ______ 3x5 Post-It's 25 sheets per pad (5 pad min) #______ Special Limited Edition 90th Anniv. Lapel Pin #_______ MicroBuff Mini #_______

Total Amount Paid $________________

Tote bag, $18.00 which includes S&H.

Denim Shirt, $35.00 which includes S&H. Men Sizes: XS-4XL Women Sizes: S-XL

Navy Blue Polo with logo, $30.00 Men (L) Sizes: S-4X Women Sizes: S-2X

Mouse Pad, $10.00 which includes S&H.

Travel Coffee Mug, $10.00 which includes S&H.

Special Limited Edition AVASW Commemorative Lapel Pin that Honors the 90th Anniversary of VA Social Work. $5.00 which includes S&H.

MicroBuff Mini...Cleans all your Digital Devices & Lenses. The cleaning cloth you can always have with you. $3.00 which in-cludes S&H.

Lanyard with logo and writing: “Association of VA Social Workers” and “The Voice for VA Social Workers”, $5.00 which includes S&H.

3x5 Post-It's, 25 sheets per pad (5 pads), $10.00 which includes S&H.

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U.S. Army Veteran overcomes life of adversity, lands dream job as VA social worker

To view this feature story online, visit: www.baypines.va.gov/features/20170411.asp U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Bay Pines VA Social Worker Ilya Berler’s unique path to employ-ment with VA started more than 17 years ago when he left Eastern Eu-rope with his father and immigrat-ed to the United States. Bay Pines VAHCS Office of Public Affairs Tuesday, April 11, 2017 For those who work with and know Ilya Berler, they all agree he is not what some would call a “typical social worker.” Standing nearly six feet tall with partially styled brown hair and youthful appearance, the soft-spoken U.S. Army Veteran projects a stoic, easygoing and driven personality all in one. As a full-time social worker with the Bay Pines VA for the last four years, he uses his personality and life experiences to help Veterans enrolled for VA health care services. On most days, Ilya is out of the office and on the road assist-ing homeless Veterans with permanent housing or visiting young, disabled Veterans and their caregivers to ensure their health care services are coordinated appropriately. There is no place he would rather be. “When I was hired by the VA, I was ecstatic,” he said. “I knew it was the right place for me to work and help others like the VA helped me. The job also validated everything I had done to get to that point in my life – the challenges, adversity, injuries – it was a dream come true.”*** Ilya’s journey that would ultimately lead to a professional career as a social worker and job with VA started 17 years ago in a small town in Eastern Europe when he was 12-years-old. “My dad told me to pack my bags,” he said. “There was no warning, and I didn’t ask questions. I just did what I was told.” Ilya’s father had made a decision on behalf of the family to enter refugee status and begin the immigration process to the United States from Eastern Europe – a move he hoped would provide a better future for his son. “I just remember the process being extremely long and com-

plicated,” Ilya said reflecting on his childhood. “It was some-thing that I just did, and there was very little time to ask ques-tions. We just packed our bags and started the process.” The “process” would take more than two years to complete as Ilya, and his father completed a series of interviews, screen-ings, more interviews and a lot of waiting. Finally, in 1992, Ilya and his father settled in St. Paul, Minn. To support the small family of two, his father took on various jobs like security and maintenance. They also received assis-tance from community agencies and families. For young Ilya, the prospect of starting a new life in the U.S. was scary and exciting at the same time. He did not know what to expect. Language and cultural differences were the most challenging. “Imagine moving to a new place where everything is strange, no one can understand you, and you can’t understand them,” he said. “Learning a new language and adapting to a new way of life is not something you can learn in a day - calling that a challenge is an understatement.” Over the next few years, Ilya adapted and became proficient in the English language through school. Then, in 1997, Ilya and his father became U.S. citizens. After years of struggle and adversity, they could now officially call the U.S. their home. ***

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About a year after becoming a citizen and shortly after his 20th birthday in 1998, Ilya joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a logistics specialist – a commitment that took him away from home one weekend a month, and sometimes up to two weeks for more extensive training exercises. “At that time in my life, I had it in my mind that I wanted to serve in the military,” he explained. “Military service runs in my family. It was my turn to serve…so I did.” Over the next three years, he honorably completed his time as a reservist and entered Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) status – a designation given to soldiers still under contract who no longer have an obligation to participate in training actively but can be called back to reserve or active duty. Then, in 2004, certified mail arrived at his doorstep. It was from the U.S. Army. He quickly realized he was reading mobilization orders and would soon be deploying to combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I was pretty ex-cited,” he said. “I was considering going active around that time anyway. The orders simplified things.” Soon, Ilya was on a plane to Fort Jackson, S.C., then Fort Dix, N.J., and finally Kuwait where he was assigned to a convoy se-curity team responsible for protecting large military supply convoys in and out of Iraq. For the next ten months, Ilya and other members of his unit completed missions. Then, about eight weeks before they were scheduled to return home, he was thrown from his position on a gunner’s turret after his Humvee driver responded to an enemy threat. Berler sustained serve injuries due to the fall and was medically evacuated first to Germany, and then Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He completed his recovery in Fort Bragg, N.C. before returning home to St. Paul in 2006. It took nearly five months for him to recover from his injuries.

At home, he continued to struggle with last-ing effects of his wounds both physically and emotionally. His most significant strug-gles were dealing with symptoms associat-ed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) di-agnoses. “I had a lot of problems concen-trating…with cognition and memory,” Berler said. “I had anxiety and tended to isolate myself from others, even close family members. That was about the same time I reached out to the VA for help.” Berler enrolled for VA health care services at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System and also decided to go college using the Post 9/11 GI Bill. His goal was to become a social worker. Over the next five years, Berler committed himself to his studies but not without personal struggles. “To get through everything, I had to dedicate my-self only to school,” he explained. “At times, because of my TBI, I doubted myself. I knew the only way that I could eventually get my degree was to put everything I had into studying.” And so he did. After obtain-ing his bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University 2009, he went on to earn his master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota in 2011. “When I graduated, I finally felt like I had a real fu-ture. It was such a huge personal achieve-ment for me,” he said. “I worked so hard for so long and finally could take a step back and be proud of myself.” Shortly after graduation, he landed a job with a non-profit social service organization in Jacksonville, Fla. One year after that, he applied for and was hired by the Bay Pines VAHCS to support the organization’s Homeless Veterans Program. “I get inspiration from my work with Veterans. When I share my story, I think it gives a lot of them hope. I can feel the synergy,” said Berler. “Being here, doing this job is where I am supposed to be.”***

Ilya Berler pictured in 2006 while deployed with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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Ilya is one of about 200 social workers employed with the Bay Pines VAHCS who provide a valuable service to Vet-erans and families across southwest Florida. They are found in virtually all program areas and settings within the healthcare system and are available to assist with a wide variety of patient care and treatment concerns. The overall goal of social work is to help Veterans function at the highest level in the community, promoting their health and well-being, strengthening family relationships and restoring individuals. Social Work Service is responsible for helping patients and families cope with the crisis or illness by ensuring continuity of care through the admission, evaluation, treatment and follow-up process. Each social worker employed by the Bay Pines VAHCS has a master's degree in social work. All are expected to have a license as a clinical social worker. Also, many have earned membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) administered by the National Association of Social Workers. To learn more about the Bay Pines VAHCS Social Work Service visit www.baypines.va.gov/services/Social_Work_Services.asp, or ask to speak with your assigned Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) social worker. MEDIA CONTACT:

Jason W. Dangel Public Affairs Officer Bay Pines VA Healthcare System 727.398.9531 | jason.dangel@va.gov

BAY PINES VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

QUALITY | ACCESS | CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT | OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. | Bay Pines, FL 33744 | PH: 888-820-0230 | Fax: 727-398-9442

The Bay Pines VAHCS is one of the nation's leading VA healthcare systems, employing more than 4,000 medical professionals and support staff dedicated to providing high quality care to Veterans residing in southwest Florida. The

organization operates nine facilities to include the medical center located in Bay Pines and clinics located throughout a 10-county area in southwest Florida. To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the Bay Pines VAHCS, please

visit www.BayPines.va.gov or "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VABayPines, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VABayPines.

For any questions about the content of this message, please contact the Bay Pines VAHCS Office of Public Affairs at 727-398

-9531 or email vhabaypublicaffairs@va.gov

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Atlanta VA

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA)