From left, Charles E. Lewis, deputy chief of staff and communications director for Towns; former NASW CEO Elizabeth J. Clark; and former U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns pose for a picture at an event to launch Towns’ Congressional Research Institute for Social Work Policy, or CRISP. Lewis will direct the institute.

Former Rep. Ed Towns creates Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy

Former U.S. Rep. and social worker Edolphus “Ed” Towns recently announced the launch of the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy, or CRISP.

Towns created the institute to complement the mission and work of the Congressional Social Work Caucus, which he founded in 2010.

At an April reception for CRISP in Washington, D.C., Towns explained that his former deputy chief of staff and communications director — and also a social worker — Charles E. Lewis, will direct the institute.

“At a time when social welfare resources are being reduced dramatically, it is imperative that social work researchers and policy analysts make the case to the federal government that it is in the best interest of our country that we provide adequate resources for social services and social science research,” Lewis said. “CRISP will provide the linkage between valuable research being conducted by social work scholars and the federal government.”

During the reception, Towns recognized NASW CEO Elizabeth J. Clark for her leadership and advocacy for the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1466), and for her support of the Congressional Social Work Caucus.

Others recognized for their contributions to social work and social policy include U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Ohio, and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus; U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill.; and former Howard University School of Social Work Dean Douglas Glasgow.