NASW Social Work Talks EP 134 - Strengthening Community: Social Workers at the YMCA
Dec 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Anna Stindt, a seasoned mental health director from the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, and Diara Jackson, an advocate for youth development in Central Maryland, explore the integration of social work within the YMCA. They share their inspiring journeys into social work and highlight how they leverage their skills to boost community well-being and youth development. From innovative partnerships to successful youth programs, they illustrate the profound impact social workers can have. Their stories emphasize the importance of creativity and adaptability in nontraditional social work roles.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Systems Perspective Guides Career Path
- Social work trains you to view problems across systems and levels.
- Anna Stindt says that perspective guided her from individual practice to administrative roles.
Social Work Enables Community Opportunities
- Social work can touch many community areas simultaneously to enable growth.
- Diara Jackson highlights social work's ability to create opportunities across systems.
Apply Skills Beyond Traditional Roles
- Apply your social work skills beyond traditional job titles and roles.
- Anna Stindt urges practitioners to recognize transferable skills and broaden their impact at places like the Y.
