Social workers make a difference in people’s lives. In recognition of the profession and to enlighten the public about what they do, the month of March is designated as a tribute to those who take on the troubles of the world one at a time with the utmost of care. Social workers oftentimes help people facing a life-threatening disease or problems with inadequate housing, unemployment, a disability or substance abuse. Social workers also assist families with child and partner abuse problems, as well.
Alissa Myatt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Social Services Supervisor at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital had a calling at an early age to work in a hospital setting and help others.
“I loved it from the get-go. I was 18-years-old at the time working in a spinal cord injury unit and had a very strong mentor. She was a great role model for me,” says Myatt.
The social worker went on to study recreational therapy in college, earn her Masters degree at Cal State Long Beach and work an internship at the UCLA Neuro-psychiatric Unit.
The rest is history as the last 20 years have been spent helping others to have a well-rounded quality of life. The Santa Clarita Valley resident has had so many “Wow” moments along the way, she says it’s difficult to pinpoint just one.
“The one that stands out for me was when I got a call from a client who had her baby taken away from her at delivery. She was addicted to drugs, had no pre-natal care and lost her sight during the delivery,” said Myatt, “I helped her get into a residential rehabilitation program and she turned her life around. The woman regained custody of her baby and was calling to thank me.”
Those moments, says Myatt are few and far between but, they are very exciting when they do happen.
“You just do the work because you love it,” says Myatt.
When talking with her female clients, Myatt sees how the demands placed on women have changed with the times and how that has complicated their worlds in a big way.
“I advise them to not fall into the, ‘What next?’ syndrome but, instead realize what they do have right and be satisfied and grateful for it,” says Myatt.
As we all should be for the dedication of social worker’s like Myatt and the thousands of others who strive to make the lives of people better.
With all they do for the care of others, it seems that one month to honor such a self-less occupation just doesn’t seem like enough time.