Paula Taylor, who recently completed a three-year term on the NASW board of directors, in May received the Communities of Salt and Light Humanitarian Award by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in Clarksburg, W.Va.
Taylor, who was recently elected president of the NASW West Virginia Chapter, was cited for being a social worker not only by profession but also as a lifestyle. Her service includes a career with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, where she administers the Family Assistance and Social Services program for Marion and Monongalia counties.
Her service to her parish has included a number of activities, including religious education teacher and coordinator, finance council, chairwoman of the education committee and the evangelization committee. She is also secretary of the pastoral council, a lector, director of altar ministries, and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
Her service to the diocese includes many years on the Central Region Council of Catholic Charities West Virginia and the Synod Steering Committee.
Stephen Gorin, right, executive director of the NASW New Hampshire Chapter, shakes hands with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Gorin was invited to speak at a press conference on the importance of Medicare in Concord , N.H., where Wasserman Schultz was speaking.
Stephen Gorin, executive director of the NASW New Hampshire Chapter, was named chairman of New Hampshire’s State Committee on Aging.
An article issued by Plymouth State University, where Gorin has been a longtime social work professor, noted that New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch called Gorin an expert and a leader in areas of social work and aging. “We are fortunate to have him, and his expertise, leading the committee,” Lynch said.
Gail Mears, the founding dean of Plymouth State University’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, said in the article that Gorin’s appointment is a tribute to his knowledge and leadership on issues affecting New Hampshire’s aged population.
“Dr. Gorin is a state and national leader in social work and is well-known for his work in public policy,” Mears said in the story. “He is a wonderful choice for this appointment.”
The members of the SCOA identify concerns of older citizens and make recommendations to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services regarding policy and procedures to best protect the well-being, rights and quality of life of older citizens.
“I look forward to working in this critical position,” Gorin said in the article. “This is a difficult time for those concerned about addressing the needs of older adults. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the State Committee on Aging to advocate for our older adult population.”
Gorin also spoke at a press conference in Concord, N.H., in July, which featured Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. The press conference marked the 47th birthday of Medicare, and Wasserman Schultz spoke about President Obama’s health care achievements and what is at stake in November.
Gorin spoke before introducing Wasserman Schultz.
“Protecting Medicare is a vital concern for senior citizens across New Hampshire — as it should be,” he said. … “President Obama knows that Medicare is a vital program that must be kept strong for today’s seniors and future generations. That’s why his health care law filled gaps and improved coverage for every single person with Medicare, while removing wasteful subsidies for insurance companies.”
The Council on Social Work Education honored NASW President Jeane Anastas with its annual Feminist Scholarship Award. Awardees are selected based on their efforts to advance social work practice, policy, research and education related to the intersections of gender and social justice.
Anastas is a professor at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University and is its director of Strategic Planning and New Initiatives. She is president of the Board of Women and Social Work, Inc., which sponsors the journal “Affilia.” She was formerly a member of CSWE’s Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work and chairwoman of NASW’s National Committee on Women’s Issues.