“I can’t begin to thank you enough for having me be a part of such an incredible trip. Traveling to Guatemala was such an invaluable experience and I learned so much from those we interviewed, HRI staff, Stacey, and you!”
Hannah Taverna, MSW | November 2018
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“I have no doubt that ISWS significantly improves the lives of countless individuals from the most vulnerable communities. It is a unique organization that brings help to under-served populations across the globe. The support ISWS provides clearly has a direct and notable impact.“
Marciana Popescu, PhD | November 2018
“It was fun to be the owner of the project from the ground up, I learned so much about project management which I use in my job here in the States. Volunteering with ISWS was such an amazing opportunity because it is so difficult to do international social work without the resources to do so and ISWS definitely provides for that. I would recommend ISWS to any of my colleagues and friends who are interested in the international social work world.”
Maggie Fenwood, MSW | October 2017
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“ISWS is exactly the kind of organization I was looking for 10 years ago when I wanted to launch my international career. Volunteering with ISWS gave me the opportunity to conduct a needs assessment, learn about the mental health and social needs of Guatemalan youth and mentor a recent social work graduate! I’m grateful for the experience and look forward to supporting ISWS in the future.”
Stacey Schamber, MSW | April 2019
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“As a past stipend recipient, I can speak firsthand to the contribution and impact of ISWS projects as they focus to improve the lives of often overlooked communities. The support from ISWS made it possible for me to travel to Guatemala to conduct essential training on suicide prevention and intervention with mental health and lay professionals in high-risk areas in that country. Many of these helpers lack formal mental health education and lack appropriate services while facing numerous other barriers for care.“
Dana Alonzo, MSW, Ph.D | March 2021
“I have developed a special connection with ISWS and truly appreciate the fortunate involvement that I have had collaborating with an organization in the Congo as well as my fellow social workers. This amazing volunteer opportunity has enabled me to grow both personally and professionally and I consider these teachings a gift that I will carry on through the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to be a part of ISWS, an inspiring and compassionate organization that strives to make the world a better place.”
Anastasia Helberg / April 2021
Volunteering with ISWS has been an incredible experience! We have had the opportunity to build a very beautiful relationship with the community of Uvira, DR Congo. Learning their needs, goals, and cultural dynamics in order to incorporate that into our work with them has been invaluable and something I will carry with me always. We truly learn from each other, and that’s an aspect of ISWS that I highly value.”
Molly Ellson, MSW / May 2021
“As an ISWS social work volunteer, I traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam in January 2020 to give a presentation on the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, and the Multi-systems Life Course (MSLC) perspective at Coins for Change (C4C) in Hanoi, Vietnam. Follow-up projects that I managed remotely through the pandemic have also been just as successful. My involvement with ISWS has been rewarding and impactful, and will undoubtedly continue into the future.”
Kelly Dundon, MSW 2020-2021