Transformational Groupwork:  The Blessing Group Experience

Terry Blakley, Ph.D., LCSW; Mary Anne Poe, MSSW, MDiv.
 

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

The transformational power of blessing and affirmation will be explored through the vehicle of groupwork processes. This presentation will model The Blessing Group with workshop attenders as group participants. Debriefing will include a discussion of the faith-based theoretical framework and groupwork techniques that combine to maximize this group experience.

An Elephant in the Sanctuary: Denial and Resistance in Addicted Christians and Their Churches

Ken Stoltzfus, MSW  

Intermediate

The treatment of addictions in clients who identify themselves as Christians can be problematic, as these clients and and their churches often manifest denial and resistance in unique ways.  This workshop examines the issues of denial and resistance at both the individual level and within the church as a whole.  Practical suggestions for dealing with manifestiations of denial and resistance unique to the Christian community will be included.

Faith Based Models for Reducing Substance Abuse in a Rural Community

James Shinn, MSW  

Advanced

Rural communities often lack the resources for treating addiction and substance abuse. As such, communities have turned to faith based models for intervening on individuals and families. The presentation will discuss and evaluate 5 different faith based models currently delivering services to clients in rural, Latino community of Imperial County.

Evangelism, Spirituality, and Religion: Ethical Integration of Faith and Social Work Practice

David Sherwood, Ph.D.  

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

Explores ethical integration of Christian faith and social work practice, dealing with issues of spirituality and religion, particularly the role of evangelism, as part of competent, holistic practice. Explores the use and limits of the NASW Code of Ethics and the Bible, using the concept of a ôPrinciple/Practice Pyramid.ö

The Influence of  the Social Work Student’s Spirituality and Religiosity on Multicultural Practice

Sue Ellen Gardner  

Basic:Intermediate

Original research will be presented to support and expand the current social work literature which documents the importance of spirituality and religion in social work practice. Workshop participants will able to apply this information to themselves as a catalyst for examining personal spiritual/religious factors that enhance or inhibit social work practice in a multicultural environment.

Faith-based Community Development: an Exciting Call to Servanthood for the Christian in Social Work

Marty Kooistra   

What is community development? In this workshop we will explore definitions of community and what makes one healthy and whole.  We will look at examples of faith-based community development and search out indicators of success.  Finally, we will challenge one another to find ways to “build community” in our respective locales.

Steps2Success, A Hand Up Not a Handout

Jean Malandro, MA 

Steps2Success is a five-week, ten session course designed to assist men and women who are genuinely seeking to improve their personal life status and enter the workforce.  Steps2Success is a holistic program meeting the practical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of our students at the point where help is needed the most.  We strive to instill in our students a sense of self-worth and the knowledge that someone truly cares that they succeed.  We believe that the sky is the limit but our students have to take the first step.  To that end the Steps2Success program provides the stairway to help our students see their personal futures through new “I’s” – Incentive, Instruction, Information, and Initiative.

Leading the Faith-Based Organization in an Era of Government Funding

Linda Yankoski, Ed.D  

Intermediate:Advanced

The social, political, legal, religious, and economic environments within which faith-based social service organizations operate have changed dramatically over the past century. The religious mission to serve the poor and needy has grown more complex:  professionalism, competition from other organizations, privatization, devolution, and increased government purchase-of-service contracting has imposed enormous challenges. These challenges lead to a dilemma for board members and administrators, the ability to maintain the religious identity and mission of faith-based organizations that provide public services. As such, leaders of todayÆs faith-based social service organizations that participate in government purchase-of-service contracts are faced with numerous management challenges.

"Sole to Soul": Integrating Social Work Practice Courses, Student Faith, and Global Outreach

Judith

Judith Burnham, MSW; Denetria James

Basic:Intermediate

Social work education has the opportunity to assist students in integrating their faith and practice at the global level.  This workshop provides practical steps on how social work students can hellp meet global needs by developing innovative, faith-based organziations.  In addition, it explores how students' faith can be applied and intergrated into social work education. t

International Practicum Experiences: The Romanian Studies Program, A Model

Dorothy Tarrant, MSW; Elixabeth Patterson, MSW

Basic:Intermediate

Whether one plans to practice social work domestically or abroad, cross-cultural experiences can help to broaden oneÆs worldview and enhance future social work practice.  The Romanian Studies Program, a 10-year-old faith-based, service-learning program, serves as a model for international social work study and practice, and suggests opportunities for involvement.

What, if any, relationship exists between spirituality and religion?   A national qualitative study of NACSW graduate studentsÆ conceptualizations

David Hodge, Ph.D.   Chen McGrew

Intermediate:Advanced

This qualitative study explored how a nationally representative sample of NACSW affiliated graduate students (N = 88) define: a) spirituality, b) religion and c) the relationship between these two constructs. A diverse array of definitions emerged, which in turn, suggests a number of implications for practice and education.

Enhancing Cross-Spiritual Practice:  Perspectives From a Social Work Program at a Christian College

Stacey Barker, MSW  

Intermediate

Interest in addressing religious and spiritual diversity and the integration of faith and practice has been growing considerably in the social work professional literature for more than a decade.  This presentation will examine the specific opportunities and challenges that social work programs within Christian colleges and universities face when developing curriculum content related to this issue.  Participants will be introduced to a conceptual model for enhancing cross-spiritual practice which was developed by this presenter, and will learn about specific teaching and learning tools that are used by faculty in a Bachelor's program at a small, Christian, liberal arts college.

International Adoption: A social work Perspective

Karin Price, BSW  

Basic

The plight of children growing up without parents is an increasing global crisis. This workshop will examine international adoption as one viable option for orphaned children. A description of Dillon InternationalÆs efforts to provide a plan in the best interest of each child will be presented.

The Globe is My Village, My Village is Global

Dada Maglajlic, Ph.D.   

Eight years ago I joined BSU. At that time Bemidji was a small community with visible dominant white, mostly Lutheran, population and “invisible” Native American population. There was a huge divide between two communities. Campus had a long tradition of international explorations, and some 10% of the student body represented over 40 countries and all regions of the world. Less than ten years later Bemidji is as diverse as any other growing city of the world. With almost 30 years of teaching, and as many years of experience in international collaboration, I felt an urge to do something, to start building the bridges, first on campus and among different congregations, than in the community. Over the past seven years I developed a replicable model, which will be shared with Conference Participants.

"South Africa:Moving from the Strengths Perspective to a  model of Racial and Gender Victorization"

Kimberly Battle-Walters, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

2004 marks the 10th year anniversary of the official end of apartheid and the beginning of a post-apartheid, democratic South Africa.  From 1994 until 2004, South Africa has made commendable strides in racial and gender reconciliation, and from the strengths perspective has built from past deficits and now provides a model for international reconciliation.  This paper looks at moving beyond the strengths perspective and examining the community empowering theoretical concept of racial and gender victorization within a South African context.

Keeping Tradition: What American Christians in Social Work Can Learn from Rural African Villagers

Monica Smith, MSW  

Basic:Intermediate

Many churches, faith-based youth groups and universities encourage members to participate in mission trips to serve underprivileged populations, usually in underdeveloped nations. This workshop will propose an alternative to traditional mission experiences by highlighting the work of the Tzomma Shoffa Initiave, which emphasizes the creation of sustainable community development projects.

Collaborative Assessment: An Interviewing Strategy to Assess Psycho Social and Spiritual Needs for Individuals, Couples, and Families.

Glenn Shields, DSW  

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

There is growing consensus among human service providers regarding the importance of a spiritual assessment as part of the psycho-social assessment.  This workshop will demonstrate an assessment strategy that incorporates a verbal interview and a pencil and paper assessment related to coping mechanisms including spirituality.  Participants will learn about practical applications and examine the implications for assessing spirituality.

Multi-cultural spiritual assessment: A public hospital social service function

Daniel Jimenez, MSW; Carl Holland, Ph.D.

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

Multi-cultural spiritual assessment:A public hospital social service function    Selected client spiritual assessment tools are reviewed and ecograms are utilized to assess spiritual strengths in space and time of clients from varied cultures/spiritual beliefs by a social worker in health care.  Strtegies appropriate to clients served by public, voluntary and proprietary organizations are included.

Addressing the Needs of First-Time Single Mothers: An  Alternative to Rhetoric, Competetion, and Doing Nothing

William McDonald, MSW  

Providing quality “faith-based” after-care for first-time single mothers is a unique occurrence in American society.  This workshop will examine the establishment of such a program and consider implications with respect to the Social Work Code Ethics, the utilization of  untrained personnel, and the relationship between the profession and the program’s agency.

How Spirituality is addressed in Cinical Social Work Practice

Sarah Stelzner, MSW; Carol Kuechler, Ph.D.

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

Social work roots have been influenced by religious and spiritual traditions, primarily Judo-Christian traditions. Despite these professional roots, social workers grapple with the integration of spirituality in practice. Through an examination of literature and the findings from interviews with practitioners, participants will learn how incorporating spirituality can be beneficial when done in an ethical manner.

Working with Clients of Other Faiths: The Challenge, The Opportunity

Beverly Hill, MSW; Charles Hill, Ph.D.

Advanced

Social workers in secular practice encounter clients of many different faiths. These beliefs may aid in healing and growth. Ways in which to use the strengths of differing faiths and ways of witnessing for the Christian faith will be presented. The discussion will include Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American and New Age beliefs.

Are Faith-based Social Workers More Compassionate than Secular Social Workers?

Kwi-Ryung Yun, Ph.D.; Tricia Philbert, BSW

Faith is one of the factors that motivate many people to enter into the field of human service that provide services to the needy.   Although social workers with faith are expected to be more compassionate than secular social workers, the relationship between compassion and faith is still need to be explored.

This presentation will explore how faith influences the social workers’ attitude toward their work and clients, and if social workers with faith are more compassionate than secular social workers. This presentation will explore how faith influences the social workers’ attitude toward their work and clients, and if social workers with faith are more compassionate than secular social workers.

Faith-Based Initiatives: Challenges and New Horizons

Heidi Unruh   

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

This workshop will update participants on political and legal developments of the faith-based initiative. Participants will be better able to help faith-based agencies make informed decisions regarding opportunities for partnership and compliance with federal guidelines. The workshop will also assess the role of charitable choice in the larger social welfare context.

Comprehensive Fund Plan Development for Faith Based Organizations

Melinda Holsopple

Intermediate:Advanced

The Workshop - Comprehensive Fund Plan Development for Faith Based Organziations will provide participants with the basics and tools necessary to develop a comprehensive, multi-tiered development plan to meet the needs of their organizations and ultimately their clients.  The session includes a dicussion of major fundraising principles and essential elements necessary for fiscal security of today's not for profit entity.

Grantwriting: Part of an Overall Fund Development Strategy

Kortnay Woods, MS

Basic; Intermediate; Advanced

This workshop will identify the fund development tools available to raise revenues for ministries and programs.  The importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty and viewing fund development as a tool the LORD may use will be discussed in depth.  The importance of developing a fund raising plan will also be discussed.

Critical Self-Reflection: Strategies to Encourage Student Cultural and Spiritual Competence

Vicki Root, MSW  

Intermediate

As social workers cultural competency is expected. As Christians, we recognize the role of spiritual beliefs and faith traditions in practice. As educators, we must encourage students to examine their cultural and spiritual beliefs and traditions that construct their worldview. Learn strategies to assist students to identify how their individual culture and religious beliefs impact practice.

Integrating Faith and Practice in the Social Work Classroom: Students Perceptions of Salient Indicators

Michael Sherr, Ph.D.; George Huff, MSW

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

This presentation will provide attendees an opportunity to learn what students perceive as essential for integrating faith and practice into the social work classroom. The facilitators will then assist social work educators to identify specific strategies for integrating faith into the social work curriculum.

A Retreat Model of Teaching and Research Addressing Spiritiual and Religious Competency of Graduate Social Work Students

Cynthia Weaver, D. Min; Christine Kessen, DSW

Intermediate

A retreat format used in a graduate program of social work is shared as a creative model for enhancing spiritual and religious dimensions to social work education and practice.  Initial research surrounding student competency as they prepare for their work with spiritually and religiously diverse populations will also be presented.

Sustained Involvement Produces Results

Lanny Endicott, D.Min.  

Children's HopeChest (a faith-based organization with headquarters in Colorado Springs) is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year (2004) regarding its work with Russian orphans. CHC presents a model for working with Russian orphans, including recruiting churches in the USA to adopt orphanages and technical schools, to providing group homes (family centers), foster care, and multifaceted support centers (coffee houses) for orphan graduates, and providing summer and winter camp experiences for orphan youth. This workshop discusses the work of this faith-based organization and challenges participants with the opportunity to engage in real hands-on ministry to Russian orphans and orphan graduates.

Being Globally Responsible: HIV/AIDS Prevention Education in Africa

Candace Hansford, MSW  

Basic:Intermediate

The HIV/AIDS situation in Africa has become an epidemic.  With President BushÆs Global AIDS program and the International Mother and Child HIV Prevention Initiative, our government is becoming more aware and globally responsible for the severity of the AIDS crisis.  Participants will learn about the IMARA program that is currently providing HIV/AIDS education in Tanzania, the challenges in dealing with cultures and traditions when doing HIV/AIDS prevention education, and how to educate local congregations and agencies in meeting needs across the globe.

Reducing Global Poverty through Microcredit and Socially Responsible Investments

Terry Provance, Mdiv  

Basic

Oikocredit is an international community development organization which makes low-interest loans to cooperatives and microcredit banks in 67 countries.  Known as the "bank of the unbankables," it receives investments from religious organizations and members of faith in order to reduce global poverty.

Helping and Healing in Welfare Ministry, Including Case Studies from the Chung Dong Methodist Church of Seoul, Korea

Sang Hak Ro, Ph.D.

The purposes of this paper are to seek an understanding of Biblical approach to service

programs in churches, to seek an understanding of the concepts of man’s total health, to share with colleagues the examples of performance program of church activities with which the author has long been involved, and finally, to give a reference to enhance program performance for those who are engaged in the field of minority groups in global communities.

Developing, Leading and Evaluating an Adoption Support Group for Christian Families Adopting from China

Harmon Meldrim, MSW; Stephanie Hare

Intermediate

Christian families meeting together, in person, for mutual support and education during the lengthy adoption process, as well as post-placement, is a valuable adjunct to adoption social services.  This presentation will focus on the development, implementation and evaluation of a support group for Christian families adopting through America World Adoption Association in Rochester, New York.  This vibrant group, led by an MSW, has grown to 18 participants over a one-year period.  The presentation will discuss the role of Christian faith, mutual support and education in preparing parents for international adoption.

Reclaiminng at-Risk Youth and Restoring Hope

Erma Ballenger, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

Far too many of our youth are at-risk.  Their potential for developing into responsible and productive individuals is limited by problems at home, in school and in their communities.  This workshop will provide a framework for reclaiming youth at-risk, and for restoring hope to youth and to our society.

Addressing Suicidal Ideation in the Hospice Setting

Jane Linville, MSW  

Intermediate

It is not uncommon for hospice patients to express the desire to die. Are they merely sad, clinically depressed or making a rational choice? Identifying the source of pain (emotional, physical, spiritual) which drives them to consider this desperate option is key to accurate assessment and compassionate response.

Hope And Hopelessness In   Acute, Chronic And Terminal Suffering: Spiritual And Psychosocial Aspects Of Clinical Care.

Carole Smith  

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

The following workshop is designed to explore those concerned with clients coping and adaptation, emotionally, spiritually and culturally. We will explore more fully the lives of those who experience death in another form: death of dignity, death of self respect, death of courage and death of hope. Think for a moment about the chronic liar, compulsive overeater, compulsive workaholic, alcoholic, drug addict, gambler, and introvert, criminal, ultra egotist, whose darkened, uncontrollable lives have passed year after year in failure, death, grief and bereavement.

Disability and the Search for God

Lois Sanford Gallo, MSW  

Advanced

This workshop will include personal sharing, references to literature in the field, and especially exploring the existential questions.  The search for meaning in suffering, a lifelong circuitous journey of a “puzzle wrapped in an enigma hidden in mystery” will boldly, humbly be explored.        Issues concerning self-perception, “public conversation”(what everyone KNOWS!) and effects on the family of a member with a disability will be presented. Clinical issues surrounding treatment, including the feelings of the clinician will also be included.  The role of adaptive denial, dealing with guilt and shame and healthy and unhealthy ways of coping  are some of the areas  of concern.                 Biblical citations which seem to equate sin and suffering and how our perceptions have been affected by these will also be explored.

The Christian Response to AIDS: Compassion in the Face of Controversy

Allison Pizzi, MSW; Crystal Clark 

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

In light of a growing AIDS epidemic, Christians must begin asking themselves, 'What is my role?  How should I respond?'  In this workshop, one faith-based organization will share experiences serving HIV-positive patients from an unapologetically Christian perspective.  How should you address issues of sexuality promiscuity?  Homosexuality?  Drug use?  Come and discuss how to show compassion instead of judgment and support instead of controversy.

Listening to Community Voices:  Building Community Partnerships through Community Based-Research

Lissa Schwander, MSW; Gail Heffner; Gail Landheer Zandee

Intermediate

This workshop will describe how Calvin College has used a multi-disciplinary approach in developing community partnerships.  We will describe lessons learned and obstacles overcome as we have sought to listen carefully to community voices and to deepen our involvement and commitment to building strong and sustainable community partnerships.

Expanding Faith-Based Social Services by Building Community Partnerships to Advance Your Mission...and Grow Your Donor Base

Ed Knight   

Advanced

Offering a model of service delivery that is portable and replicable in multiple locales will be presented as an effective technique to advance your mission by expanding service area and increasing donor support.  A method for overcoming obstacles to obtaining community recognition will be examined that includes partnering with local congregations to build community-wide acceptance and financial support.

Pitfalls, Prayer, Praises and the Role of Faith: The Birth of an Adolescent Treatment Program

Gary Holsopple, MSW  

Intermediate:Advanced

A faith-based organization opening a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility creates many challenges and opportunities.  This presentation will describe one social workers' journey from God's prodding through the realiziation of vision.  Pitfalls, prayer, praises and the role of faith are explored.

On Death Row: Scriptural and Secular Arguments for and Against the Death Penalty

Brent Dennis, DSW  

Intermediate

Old and New Testament scriptural injunctions and secular arguments for and against the death penalty will be examined. Death penalty statutes will be reviewed. Participants will reflect on death qualified juries, the nature of evil, the effect of the death penalty on society, and futuristic strategies for persons on death row.

Preparing Social Work Students at a State University to Incorporate Spirituality and Religion into Social Work Practice

Mary Van Hook, Ph.D  

This workshop describes a course designed to prepare graudate social work students at a state university to incorporate the strengths of spirituality and religion in their practice. It also helps students gain competency in the area of diverse religious traditions

Remember the Rock from Which You Were Cut: Historical Beginnings of Social Work Programs in Christian Colleges and Universities

Janet Furness, MSW  

Intermediate

Connections exist between controversy and opportunity in the social work profession between 1960 and 1985 and launching social work programs in Christian institutions.  The workshop introduces theological, disciplinary, financial and cultural dimensions of that period contributing to todayÆs strong representation of social work in Christian institutions.  The value of historical reflection will be advanced.

Dimensions of Diversity: Faith and Academic Life Integration at Public Universities

David Cecil, MSW   Sherr, PhD, LCSW

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

This workshop will explore the themes identified from a transcribed and coded discussion from last year's workshop, "Integrating Faith and Academic Life at Public Universities: Opening Faculty/Doctoral Student Dialogue".  Faculty and students described personal faith styles and experiences with Christian scholarship in secular university settings.

The Intersection of Christian Discipleship and the Development of Cultural Competence

Mary Anne Poe, MSSW  

Basic:Intermediate

Christian discipleship includes growth in cultural competence. While social workers emphasize this competence, Christians have often neglected it. This workshop explores the dynamic relationship between discipleship and cultural competence, challenges professionals to promote cultural competence in their congregations, and examines tools for developing it.

The Expression of Faith for Faith-Based NGOs In the Restricted ContextùAn International NGOÆs Experience

Toby Lin, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

Little is known about the practice and challenges of faith-based international NGOs in expressing their faith in the restricted context.  This workshop will report a case study on an NGOÆs experiences in China. Faith expression behaviors, challenges, and recommendations will be examined.

Haitian Restavek and Christian Services

Joy Smith McElveen, DSW  

Globalization has increased opportunities for faith-based non-governmental organizations  and church denominational ministries to work together in addressing needs of  oppressed children. This research examines to what extent have church ministries and faith-based organizations have addressed needs of the Restavek in Haiti.

Coordinating Medical Care for International Patients: The Social Worker's Role

Barbara Shaltis, MSW  

Intermediate

Hospital social workers face challenges when dealing with racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse populations coming to the United States for medical treatment. The issues raised and strategies to assist these families, in collaboration with international and local religious or secular organizations, will be provided.

Providing Culturally Competent Social Services to Resettled Refugees in a Faith-Based Setting

Karen Clark   

This workshop will examine the presenter’s research on the relationship between cultural adjustment and spirituality of Bosnian Muslim refugee resettled in Chicago.   Participants will learn about the cultural background of this refugee group as well as more recent refugee arrivals, particularly from African nations.  The study examines how refugee spiritual beliefs and values are affected by the experiences of war and displacement and discusses practical social work approaches for assisting refugees with finding spiritual and cultural meaning in their resettlement experiences.  Social Work had a founding role in serving immigrants and refugees and the profession has a leadership role to play in the 21st century.  As ethnic conflicts worsen in their intensity and ferocity, refugees resettled in the United States will arrive in greater need of responsive social services that integrate their spiritual beliefs and values.  Social workers employed in faith based agencies and practicing in the field of refugee resettlement are encouraged to view refugee spirituality as an important cultural asset that may serve a resilient coping function for these vulnerable groups.

Can That Happen Here?    Addressing Violence and Sexual Assault on Campus

Jim Vanderwoerd, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

Addressing sexual assault and violence at rural Christian colleges is challenging.  This presentation will describe a project to prevent and reduce sexual assault and violence on a rural, Christian college campus.  The project involves a partnership between the social work department, student services, and community agencies.

Domestic Violence: How the Practice of Religon Impacts Help Seeking Behavior

Rene Drumm; Ph.D.; Stanley Stevenson, MSW

Intermediate

This presentation highlights a regional study on domestic violence within a Christian church.  It examines the question, ôHow does spirituality (measured by church attendance and conservatism), impact issues of domestic violence?ö  Findings indicate that respondents with higher levels of spirituality reported using different help-seeking behaviors and experienced fewer emotional difficulties.

Children of Incarcerated Parents:  Collaborations with the Faith Community in Service Provision

Keva Miller,MSW, Tanya  Voss, MSW, Rick Chamiec-Case, MSW, MAR

Children with incarcerated parents constitute perhaps one of the largest at-risk populations in the United States. This workshop will examine the challenges this population encounters and present prevention and intervention strategies to meet the needs of the population, with a special focus on partnerships with congregations and faith-based communities.

Renewal of the Spirit: Exploring the religious and spiritual coping strategies of the homeless

Kimberly Kennard-Lyke, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

Attendees will be presented with the dissertation findings of a qualitative study that investigated the religious and spiritual coping strategies of single homeless adults.  Challenges involved in phenomenological research, and the empirical study of spirituality with the homeless will be discussed, including the depiction, process, evaluation, intervention approaches.  Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the use of spirituality in their work, and will be provided with an assessment tool, and ethical guidelines.

How Will They Know Us?  The Unique Opportunities and Challenges of the Christian Social Work Professional in the Secular Setting

Glen Killian   

Intermediate

Christian social work professionals working in secular settings often face unique challenges related to exposing their faith with those with whom they work.  This seminar will address these challenges and outline some of the basic avenues where Christian professionals can express their faith through the helping relationship.

Religious Discrimination and Ethical Compliance: Exploring Steps to Create a More Inclusive Profession that Better Conforms to Its Ethical Mandates

David Hodge, Ph.D.  

Intermediate:Advanced

Perceptions of religious discrimination and ethical compliance are explored among a nationally representative sample of NACSW-affiliated graduate students (n=88) supplemented by a national sample of graduate students affiliated with NASW (n=23). Multivariate findings suggest evangelicals are particularly at-risk for experiencing discrimination. Possible options for fostering a more inclusive profession are discussed.

Faith-Based Community Organizing: Empowered Congregations

Janet Furness, MSW  

Intermediate

Community organizing represents a grassroots methodology familiar to the social work profession.  Based on recent research, this workshop explores how faith-based community organizing strengthens congregations to build a culture of social justice in America and invites Christians in social work to serve as catalysts, facilitators and trainers in FBCO efforts.

Funding Opportunities for Faith- Based and Community Organizations at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Deanna Carlson, MSW; Lisa Gale, MSW

Intermediate

President George W. Bush has made leveling the playing field for faith-based and community groups a key priority of his administration. This workshop will emphasize current opportunities for faith-based organizations at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provide an update on the President’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative.

Epistemology and Social Work:   Toward a Christian Critique

Terry Wolfer, Ph.D.; David Hodge, Ph.D.

Intermediate

Epistemologies’ ideas about the nature, origins, and limits of knowledge play foundational but often unrecognized roles in social work theory and practice. This presentation will review several major epistemological frameworks, and examine their underlying assumptions. The presentation concludes by providing a Christian critique, and discussing its implications for social work.

Social Work and Divinity Dual Degree Program: Present and Future

Daniel Lee, Ph.D.  

Advanced

This workshop examines the current status of dual degree programs in social work and divinity from both theoretical and pedogogical perspectives.  The findings and implications advanced from the first national symposium on dual degree programs will provide social work educators and faith-based communities with a guidance for future considerations.

Partnerships of law enforcement and local congregations

Tomi Grover, MACE  

Intermediate

Partnerships between law enforcement and congregations can build community, reduce crime and prevent juvenile delinquency.  This workshop will examine the opportunities to work cooperatively with law enforcement to address individual and neighborhood issues, especially those in apartment complexes. Participants will learn of current programs and research.

Providing Comprehensive, Collaborative and Holistic Services to Survivors of Human Trafficking

Norma Hotaling, BS; Adam Freer, MSW  

Intermediate

Human trafficking is one of the most pressing and yet hidden humanitarian crises facing our world and country.  This horrific and devastating crime is complex and requires unique forms of collaboration and service programs to meet the wide range of victim needs. An overview will be presented and discussed.

An International Analysis of the Role of Religion and Spirituality In Social Work Education and Practice:  Findings From a Study of US and Norwegian Social Workers.

Leola Furman, Ph.D.; Mari-Anne Zahl, Ph.D.

Intermediate

As North American and European countries become increasingly heterogenous, social workers are faced with diverse religious and non-religious orientations within their respective client populations.  This comparative study found that US social workers are significantly more open to issues of religion and spiritualtiy, both professionally and personally, than their Norwegian counterparts.

Being Bread for Others:  Spiritually Sourced Social Work Practice

Chelsea Wakefield, MA  

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

As Christians, we know that finding and maintaining our spiritual center is foundational for life.  In this experiential workshop we will examine the relationship between formative experiences, metaphors, stories, faith journey, core beliefs, and how these intersect to form the foundation from which Social Work practice grows.

Building a Faith-Based Domestic Violence Program

Rose Malinowski, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

This presentation explores development of a church-based education and support program for domestic violence. The faith perspective is often absent in domestic violence education and programs. Participants will learn about practical approaches for team building and collaboration with pastoral staff, lay counselors, and social workers in program design and implementation.

Flying with Broken Wings: Intergenerational Trauma in the Lives of Girls & Women

Terry Blakley, Ph.D., LCSW   

Intermediate:Advanced

This workshop will explore intergenerational trauma across the lifespan of girls and women.  Trauma will be explored from a biopsychosocial perspective, with a particular focus on the pervasive affects of interpersonal trauma on women across the developmental spectrum of life.

Right Thinking for Success

Ron Brown   

Intermediate

Presenter will demonstrate the critical influence of thinking on feelings and behavior.  "Wrong thinking" (based solely on experiences) results in misguided "feelings" and behaviors and self-defeat. "Right thinking" (based on "Truth") sets us free to realize God's will for abundant life.  The presenter will offer a structured method to ensure "Right Thinking."

Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Spiritual  Discipline

Jeannie Armstrong, MSW  

Intermediate:Advanced

This workshop will uniquely intergrate the clinical aspects of the DSM IV as a diagnostic discriptor for the symptoms of anxiety and the word of God as a modality for the treatment of anxiety. The workshop will further explore the similarities, challenges and opportunities inheritant in providing mental health services in the African-American and Christian communities.

Integrating Assets Based  Community Development Model Through a Religious Response to AIDS

Peggy Pittman-Munke, Ph.D.; Jeff Wylie, MSW

Basic:Intermediate

This session will integrate assets based community development with the model  pioneered by Balm in Gilead to work with AIDS in the African American community.  Through the use of this model, it is easy to demonstrate the value of church sponsored interventions in the community.

The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in the Delivery of Safety Net Services to the Poor

Leonard Erb, MSW  

Intermediate

This doctoral dissertation is an exploratory combined quantitative and qualitative investigation into the role of Faith-Based Organizations in serving the clients of local public welfare agencies in eleven states in the northeastern United States.  The study will compare the quantity and quality of services delivered by non-profit secular and faith-based organizations

Congregational Community Ministry as Service Learning: Promoting the Transformation of VolunteersÆ Faith

Terry Wolfer, Ph.D; Dennis Myers, Ph.D.

Intermediate

Community ministry offers volunteers potentially transformative opportunities for practicing and growing their faith. Based on a service learning model, this research presentation identifies programmatic factors that promote the exercise and growth of faith for volunteers. Further, it suggests ways that congregations can design programs to maximum these benefits.

Spirituality:  An Often Overlooked Avenue for Recruiting Volunteers

Regina Praetorius, LCSW; Krisanna Machtmes, Ph.D.

When recruiting volunteers, common strategies have included career development and opportunities for fun and socializing.  This presentation will focus on an often overlooked strategy for recruiting volunteers:  appealing to their spirituality.  One specific aspect of this appeal to their spirituality is their recognition of themselves as threads in the social fabric, responsible to each other as members of the body of Christ.

Support Network Assessment

Jeff McNair, Ph.D.  

Intermediate

A critical aspect of client support is the development of community support networks,  one underutilized example being the local church.  This presentation will discuss instruments and strategies for assessment of client support networks and provide strategies for developing and enhancing community based, natural support, in particular, through local churches

Self-Help for couples: Career passion awareness with help from your mate

Taunya Wright, RN; Michael Wright, Ph.D.

Intermediate

Find the illusive answer to the question of GodÆs will for your life with help from the person who knows you best. This workshop presents a case study of a coupleÆs work to identify career passion. Participants will practice applying the step-by-step process in advising, counseling, pastoral, and spousal relationships.

Empowering Our Youth To Make responsible Choices

Edward Crawford, MA 

Basic

Young people equipped with a healthy conscience are best prepared to deal with the temptations and pressures of adolescence. Without conscience, a vulnerability to destructive influences will prevail. This workshop presents a Biblical model on how parents and those who interact consistently with youth can facilitate the development of conscience, thus providing protection from the pitfalls of irresponsible choices.

International Social Work Practice: What’s the Buzz, Tell Me What’s A Happening?

Mark Rodgers, DSW; Jan Rodgers, MSW

Social Work Practitioners and Educators have had an explosion of interest and activities in global social work practice.  This interest is reflected in the theme of this conference as well as the recent flurry of email activity on the NACSW website.  This workshop will present a model for the development of an international social work concentration with applicability to undergraduate and graduate social work education.  A model for successful field practicums and examples of global practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels will be shared and discussed.  Exchange opportunities for syllabi and bibliographies will also be shared and discussed.

Use of Volunteers in a Child Abuse Prevention Home Visitation Program

Jeanette Harder, MSSW  

Basic:Intermediate

The efficacy of using volunteers in providing home visitation to prevent child abuse and neglect is receiving increased attention.  This session focuses on an outcome evaluation conducted at a non-profit child abuse prevention program in Dallas, Texas.  Also discussed are practical issues in the effective use of church volunteers.

Improving Decision-making in Faith-based Organizations: A Primer on Complex Systems Theory

Michael Wolf-Branigin, DSW  

Intermediate:Advanced

For decades, systems theory remained the primary organizing framework for understanding interactions. The next level, complexity theory, remains virtually non-existent. As applications of complexity theory evolve in human services, applications pose significant challenges. This workshop discusses these assumptions in order to assist faith-based organizations plan, implement, and measure success.

Theophostic Prayer Ministry: An Overview

James Eisenhower, DSW; Fenando Garzon, Psy.D.; Pauline Burthwick, Ph.D.

Basic

Theophostic Ministry is having a profound impact on the Christian therapeutic community.  This presentation will provide an overview of the principles, the training process and the current research trends. With rapid growth and success of any new ministry, controversy and misconceptions are common and will be discussed in this presentation.

Causes, Cures, and Compliance: What Bible Believers Believe About Mental Disorders

Todd Stanfield, MSW  

Intermediate

Religious beliefs often shape responses to mental illness.  This workshop will review the research on how religious conservatives view mental illness.  Results from a nationally-representative study will describe how Bible Believers view the possible causes and preferred treatments of mental disorders with a specific emphasis on attitudes regarding prescription medications.

A History of Protestant Christian Therapy Since 1920

Michael Firmin  

Intermediate

Christian therapy is traced from the time of liberal/conservative denominational divisions of the 1920s.  One group embraced Christian therapy while the other distrusted it. Within evangelical Christianity, a further divide occurred in the 1960s, with the rise of "integrationists" and "popularizers" emphasizing professional credentialing and self-help therapy respectively.

Our Conscience: Reflecting on Our Use of Power

Denis Costello, MSW  

Intermediate

The use of power is often a troubling, ethical issue.  Social workers often exercise a great deal of power, even in practice fields such as counseling and community work.  This workshop aims to sensitize us to power imbalances, offer ways of positively addressing power, and help engage more fruitful relationships.

Addressing the Needs of First-Time Single Mothers: An  Alternative to Rhetoric, Competetion, and Doing Nothing

William McDonald, MSW  

Providing quality “faith-based” after-care for first-time single mothers is a unique occurrence in American society.  This workshop will examine the establishment of such a program and consider implications with respect to the Social Work Code Ethics, the utilization of  untrained personnel, and the relationship between the profession and the program’s agency.

Faith In Action: Women Historic Roles in the Development of Faith-based Community Social Services

Kesslyn Brade, MSW  

Basic:Intermediate

A number of progressive yet under-recognized women of color, have been instrumental in meeting a variety needs via faith-based community initiatives.  This presentation will highlight the historic contributions of these female social activists in the establishment and continuation of faith-based service provision in urban communities, specifically from 1880 to 1930.

Church-Sponsored Adoption Ministry: A Model

Bonnie Johanne,Sarah Bolme, MSW

Intermediate

Over 134,000 children in our country’s foster care system are orphaned and in need of adoptive families.  Where is the church in responding to the Biblical mandate to care for orphans?  Antioch Adoptions is a church-sponsored adoption ministry dedicated to breaking down the barriers to adoption and empowering the church to care for orphans. This unique ministry is a model for social workers and churches seeking to minister to our shattered world.

When Does Grace Become Stupidity: Hiring, Firing and Employee Retention

Gary Deckert, MSW  

Intermediate

Christian Social Workers, managers and administrators strive to be fair and just in the way they manage people and programs.  At times this effort gets subtly and unknowingly skewed to allow for ineffective and counter-productive practices relative to hiring, firing and retaining employees, particularly in a Christian organization.  This workshop proposes that mercy and justice can co-exist.

Strategic Reflection-A Tool for Building Leadership Capacity in Faith Organizations.

Jose Humphreys, MSW;  Lopez-Humphreys, MSW

Intermediate

An old adage states, ôAs goes the leader, so goes the organization.ö  This workshop will address building leadership capacity through the lens of strategic reflection and action.  The purpose of strategic reflection is to help leaders reflect and respond to an ever-changing and complex environment, while taking a systems approach toward envisioning potential futures.  Strategic reflection can also assist leaders in negotiating stalemates caused by competing priorities, and help leaders center an organization on its core faith principles.

Evangelism, Spirituality, and Religion: Ethical Integration of Faith and Social Work Practice

David Sherwood, Ph.D.  

Basic:Intermediate:Advanced

Explores ethical integration of Christian faith and social work practice, dealing with issues of spirituality and religion, particularly the role of evangelism, as part of competent, holistic practice. Explores the use and limits of the NASW Code of Ethics and the Bible, using the concept of a ôPrinciple/Practice Pyramid.ö

The Arrow Project at Samaritan Village: A True Community of Faith-Based Social Services

Thomas Kadela; Mark Tennant

Intermediate:Advanced

The Arrow Project, a private social services agency, and Spring Tabernacle, a dynamic regional church, have partnered to create Samaritan Village. This multi-generational, faith-based Ministry Service Center will provide a variety of social services to address each area of an individualÆs lifeàbody, mind and spirit throughout their lifespan.

Camping with Foster Children: Extending God's hands

Sandra Cook-Fong, Ph.D.; Dan Fong, MA

Basic

This workshop is designed to inform about a faith-based camping experience for foster children. It includes a description of the challenges and rewards of reaching out to children who are in the system.  Included will be the evaluation of the experience from caseworkers, foster parents, and camp staff.

Integrating Spirituality: Practical Applications in People and Community Development.

Isabel Kirsten, BA  

Intermediate

Most people (80%) in South Africa are Christians at least in name and most women make the time to go to church (SA Yearbook 2001-2002:4 & Obery 1985:219-220). For decades women gathered Sunday after Sunday in the mainline and Independent churches because æà we need people to share and to be free withàto pray (and) discuss problems (with)àÆ thus creating a spiritual æcommunity of supportÆ where women have taken care of and prayed for the ill, their children and the elderly, and assisted one another at funerals and through violence (Obery, 1985; 222-223). Yet we have found little evidence of the incorporation of the spiritual dimension in the SA-utilised community development practice models. In order to bridge this gap, we submitted ourselves to the guidance of the people and their needs and æindigenousÆ customs to develop a practice model that integrates the elements of people-centred development and spiritual healing.

The Challenge of Christian Social Work Practice and Missions in Developing Nations: Romania - A Case Study

Elizabeth Patterson, MSW   Dorothy Tarrant, MSW

Basic:Intermediate

Globalization provides many opportunities for Christian social workers to combine their faith and practice worldwide.  Based on experiences of faith-based social work practice in post-communist Romania, the presenters will discuss the opportunities and threats of western influence on developing nations and how participants can contribute to cross-cultural partnerships that empower.

The Crazy Quilt: An Illustration of Emergent Christian Social Ministry for Congregations

Connie Markham; James Markham, MSW

Intermediate

This workshop will be a sample presentation of how to educate interested church members to begin a Chrisitan social ministry program.  Topics include a Biblical basis, a philosphical framework that can resonate with congregational culture, warnings to church  members about motive and method, and a large sampling of practical ideas that can be "pieced together" as church's social outreach into communities.

Advanced Directives: A Toolkit for Spiritual Empowerment

Tracey Phillips, BSW  

Intermediate

The speaker will address the importance of having an Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney and how practitioners may assist clients in overcoming their spiritual concerns and assist their clients with the completion process. Attendees will receive training on utilizing the Advanced Directive Toollkit with thier clients.

The Global Impact of Christians in Social Work

Tony Campolo, Ph.D.  

Basic; Intermediate

This presentation will encourage participants to develop biblical theology that enables Christians in social work to maintain a consistent witness for Christ as they seek to do social work and work toward structural change, not only within agencies throughout North America, but as they bring their vocational commitments into play in NGOs in the Third World. They must consider three levels of responding to needs utilizing models devised by Francis of Assisi, John Calvin, and Walter Rauschenbusch as they seek to see the ideals of Christ's kingdom realized in history.

Utilizing The Church In Community Building: A Model for the 21st Century

Robert Barr, M.Div  

Families and communities today are being torn apart, spawning crime, isolation, and violence. To rebuild society, we must rebuild families. Since there are churches in most communities and many church families are still intact, the church is in a unique position to supply the facilities and personnel needed.

BSW Student Preference of Spiritual Assessment Tools

Tenolian Bell, Ph.D et al

Basic

This poster presentation addresses the spiritual assessment tool preference of junior and senior BSW students at Roberts Wesleyan College.  Students will be trained in the use of Spiritual Genograms, Spiritual Lifemaps, Spiritual Histories and Spiritual Ecomaps.  Two variables, user friendliness and effectiveness in increasing spiritual self awareness will be studied.

Can a Leopard Change its Spots?    Perspectives of Children, Who Have Been Adopted,   Experiencing More Life Conflicts

Michael Firmin; Christine Fulmer, MSW

Intermediate

Seminal research by Sharma and colleagues found children, who have been adopted, to be at greater risks for experiencing struggles in affective, behavioral, and antisocial domains.  We provide a balanced frame-of-reference for interpreting these findings and share insightful Biblical principles for social workers to assist adoptive parents when working with the children whom they have adopted.

Using Music and BioSpiritual Focusing To Assuage Grief B  A Spiritual Dimension of Artistic Empathy and Social Work Accountability in Practice

Wilfred Gallant, Ed.D; Michael Holosko, Ph.D.; Melanie Gallant, MAt

Intermediate

This workshop presents an account of 1) the effective use of creative, artistic, accurate empathy through spiritually-oriented music, 2) the application of biospiritual focusing and 3) the instrumentality of the social worker to deal with clients who have been confronted with the death of a loved one. The use of music intervention will be introduced to participants as a method of dealing with such clients in practice. This will be accompanied by instruction on appropriate assessment tools for such intervention. A wellness intervention paradigm using music intervention psycho/educational themes support dimensions and strategic tasks will form the basis of this presentation.

Helping Cross Cultural Couples Resolve Cultural Difference

Jan Rodgers, MSW  

Even years after individuals leave their family of origin cultural differences can have an impact on the marital relationship.  Many times couples face contradictory feelings about their own cultural norms as well as their partner’s and this can sometimes be a source of conflict. Helping clients to acknowledge their ambivalence regarding their own mixed feelings about their own and their partner’s cultural background can help to depolarize the conflict. The social worker’s lack of understanding of the cultural/spiritual countertransference/bias can impede the couple in developing a healthy relationship.

The Forgiveness Workshop

Carol Rolleri; MSW; Anna Barrett, MSW

Intermediate

Unforgiveness is a cancer of the body, soul, and mind. The Forgiveness Workshop will  present to the Christian social worker a practical seven week biblically based innovative tool to teach the client and general public all about forgiving, what it is, misunderstanding about it, and how to forgive.

Restoring Eden: An Exploration of the Image of God in Men and Women and Its Implications for Couples Therapy.

Steve Roskamp  

Intermediate

Marriage therapy is often characterized by teaching couples various tips and techniques for improving different areas of their relationship without an exploration or understanding of GodÆs original design of men and women.  Examining our brief stay in Eden will provide clues to the original design of men and women and GodÆs design for marriage.  Understanding this will change the way we approach couples in assisting them in the transformation of their marriage.

Support Systems for Latino Families in a Rural Community

Jeanne Shinn, MSW  

Advanced

This proposed workshop involves a discussion of a variety of support systems and interventions developed for Latino youth and their families in the areas of school, chemical dependency, mental health and medical social work. The author has over 25 years experience in social work in Imperial County, a rural community situated along the U.S./Mexican border in southern California. The presentation will focus on four years of services provided in a prenatal/family planning as a social worker/educator and the last 17 years as a junior high counselor the Calexico School District, where over 98% are Latino.

Attitudes of Young Adults toward Interracial Dating and Marriage Relationships

Luke Tse, Ph.D.; Marigrace Guce

Basic:Intermediate

The percentage of interracial marriages, though increasing, represents only 2.4% of all the marriages in the United States. The Midwest has the lowest percentage of individuals with multiracial background. This study is an initial effort to understand the attitudes of young adults in the Midwest region towards interracial relationships

Ensuring quality client services: Analysis of Charitable Choice Legislation in the Light of NASW’s Code of Ethics

Leslie Wuest, MSW  

Basic

Faith-based social service providers operating under Charitable Choice legislation can gain valuable insights into quality client services from the NASW Code of Ethics, particularly in relation to consumer choice and professional boundaries.  These are presented along with specific client protections contained in the Charitable Choice provision.

Abolition's Revival: International Faith-Based Responses to Sexual Trafficking

Lisa Thompson  

Basic

Christian organizations have been major players in historic movements that have changed the face of society and the world. A poignant example of such Christian influence, activism and social service development is found in the 19th century international fight against sexual trafficking. This dusty and often forgotten chapter of history can inform our current day efforts to stamp out this same evil in our own age. Thus, this workshop will examine the battle against sexual trafficking that has gone before as a guidepost to help our efforts today. Fundamentals of sexual trafficking will also be discussed, as well as illustrations of how today FBOs are playing a lead role in the international arena toward the revival of abolition movement which seeks emancipation of women and children from the horrors of commercial sexual exploitation.

The Relationship between Prayer and Resiliency among Alzheimer's Caregivers

Scott Wilkes, MSW, Doctoral  Student  

Basic, Intermediate

The study’s purpose is to understand the influence of prayer as a coping technique on perceived resiliency among Alzheimer's caregivers. Data was obtained via surveys to caregiver support groups (n=304). Results indicate a strong association and significant relationship between prayer and resiliency. Implications for educators and practitioners are discussed.