During National Social Work Month, the program, part of the 成人影片 University School of Social Work, thanks to the social workers on staff, introduces text messaging and asks for all of us to speak out to keep this vital program going strong.
鈥淔or more than 40 years, the聽聽has been providing emotional support as well as resources to the breast cancer community,鈥� said Reyna Machado, executive director of the program, which serves聽 women鈥攁nd men鈥攂attling breast cancer. 鈥淎s we celebrate National Social Work Month, we recognize the tireless efforts of our social workers and their unwavering support of individuals and families.鈥�
The program was established through the 成人影片 University School of Social Work in 1980. Licensed social workers provide individual and family counseling and train and supervise volunteers, all of whom are breast cancer survivors, to offer advice and support to clients during challenging times. The program also provides 成人影片 social work students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internship and practicum opportunities.
Now offering texting
鈥淥ur program is always ready to evolve to meet the needs of the community,鈥� said Nina Foley, MSW 鈥�18, hotline/volunteer coordinator. This month the hotline introduced a . People who prefer can text 516.262.3263, and a social worker will text back with a message alerting them when they will receive a phone call.
According to Foley, texting 鈥渁llows us to reach a growing population that prefers the ease of communication through text message and enhances accessibility for individuals affected by breast cancer, facilitating prompt communication and addressing their needs efficiently.鈥�
鈥淩aise your voice. Reinstate our program.鈥�
Despite the vital role the program has played for decades, Machado said the New York state budget for fiscal year 2025 has not reinstated funding of $283,000. 鈥淭he program urgently needs funding in order to continue addressing the needs of the breast cancer community,鈥� she said.
We can help ensure this vital program continues to serve those affected by breast cancer by and request this funding be reinstated, and by , which will be one of the featured causes on 成人影片鈥檚 Giving Day on April 17.