College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Social Work Club is helping make an impact on lives affected by abuse around the Treasure Valley through a community partnership.
Over the last year, the club has partnered with the Nampa Family Justice Center, a local organization that supports survivors of abuse. Club members have participated in events to raise funds and awareness of the Center to community members.
This past April, CWI Social Work Club took part in the 8th Annual Superhero Walk, an event shining light of ongoing issues with child abuse, as well as celebrating the brave young individuals who come forward to share their story and those who listen to them and take proper action.
The walk began at the Caldwell Police Department and ended at the Canyon County Courthouse. Once arriving at their destination, participants were invited to plant blue pinwheels in the Courthouse’s front lawn. The blue pinwheels are a national symbol of child abuse prevention and many businesses across the valley can be seen displaying them during the month of April.
The Social Work Club supported the Nampa Family Justice Center, and many other organizations in the community, by helping with distributing food, goodies, and prizes with the participants.
“As future social workers, we share in the core values that drive our profession. Namely, we believe in the dignity and worth of every person. We celebrated the child survivors of abuse, their families, and the multiple other agencies in our community who continuously seek justice on their behalf," said Social Work Club President, Kristi Spalding.
In October, Social Work Club participated in a fundraising event called Sips for Hope, where guests were able to wine taste and snack while listening to speakers, live music, and participate in basket raffles.
The funds raised went to support survivors of many types of domestic abuse, child abuse, sex abuse, and elder abuse at the Nampa Family Justice Center.
“The entire team from the CWI Social Work Club have become such an asset to the Nampa Family Justice Center as some our best and brightest volunteers," said Nampa Family Justice Center's Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Kelly Garcia. "They have proven to be excellent in all areas of service, everything from communication about the event, to readiness and dependability, to professionalism, executing their assigned position and beyond. Each volunteer has had an amazing and positive attitude. Their love for people and their passion to serve shines through. We count it as a privilege and an honor that the CWI Social Work Club has chosen the Nampa Family Justice Center as a place to serve.”
For those interested in learning more about CWI Social Work Club, contact the Club’s advisor, Annie Estvold, at annieestvold@cwi.edu.
