After beginning her professional career in parenting education, Donna Cashin found inspiration for a new path when her sister became a social worker.

They talked about the impact social workers have on people’s lives, and although it can be a difficult profession, Donna knew this was the path for her.

Now, Donna is a Family Strategist with Trellis Society’s Sustainable Families program, where she supports parents and families who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

To celebrate National Social Work Month 2024, we chatted with Donna about her work at Trellis and how the profession makes an impact in the lives of thousands every day.

What does Social Work mean to you?

Social work means help, hope, and understanding. It’s having a trusted worker walk through part of someone’s journey alongside them to support their goals and hopes for the future.  

Tell us about your role as a Social Worker at Trellis.

Sustainable Families is a housing-first program, so most of the people we serve come to us from shelter or other temporary housing situations. We work collaboratively with them and our Housing Liaisons to find and secure housing. Then our focus turns to what the client identifies as needed to stabilize their overall situation and well-being.

We complete referrals, assist with applications and systems navigation, provide hands-on support with basic needs like food, clothing, and utilities, and we offer information and guidance on additional community resources.

I work with clients to follow through with tasks that will move them toward their goals. This could look like supporting them with employment, employment training, or Alberta Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). We also assist parents to reunify with their children if Children’s Services is involved.

One of the most important things we do is listen without judgment. Instead of telling the client what to do, we support the steps they’re ready for.

It’s important to build a trusting relationship with clients because many of them have been disappointed with support in the past. Trust is built by sincere empathy and following through with what the worker says they will do.

How has your work changed with the affordability crisis?

The families we’re working with are experiencing much higher and more complex needs and barriers. The lack of affordable housing in Calgary has made finding sustainable, long-term housing solutions more challenging. However, even with this challenging market, I’m proud to say our families continue to secure housing and work toward long-term stability and goals.

What do you wish people understood about social work?

That it’s more than just children’s services. Often when people hear social worker, they first think about taking children out of their homes. I wish people understood how many different roles we take on and the broad range of people and communities we serve. We’re here to help and support people gain the tools they need to move forward and keep them on the path they wish to be on.

What advice do you have for those considering a career in social work?

It’s difficult work but equally rewarding. You need to believe all people deserve support, understanding, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

How can people support to work you and other Social Workers do?

The best thing you can do is to see others who are struggling as people and not dismiss them or “make them invisible.” To understand those who are struggling did not choose this path and that most who face adversities have experienced or are currently experiencing trauma, which lead to challenges and struggles.

Not everyone is born into privilege, but that does not lessen the value they hold as human beings. Just as with all people, most who struggle are very kind and good people. They’ve just faced more adversity than most of us see in our lifetime.

And of course, you can support social causes by donating to organizations like Trellis!