Ypsilanti District Library adding social worker to help connect patrons with resources
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A full-time social worker will connect Ypsilanti District Library patrons with access to resources, such as help for substance use and mental health.
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This social worker joins two Eastern Michigan University student interns who currently help connect people with resources at the Superior branch.
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A grant from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is funding the new addition.
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A full-time social worker will connect Ypsilanti District Library patrons with access to resources, such as help for substance use and mental health.
-
This social worker joins two Eastern Michigan University student interns who currently help connect people with resources at the Superior branch.
-
A grant from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is funding the new addition.
FOX 2: YPSILANTI, Mich.The District Library (YDL) is hiring a social worker to help patrons who require assistance.
“Embedding a social worker in the library will both support the community s vulnerable populations and reduce the strain on YDL staff,” said Lisa Hoenig, director of the YDL.
The backstory
A library social worker will soon help patrons at all three Ypsilanti library sites, thanks to a funding from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. YDL claims that the social worker will help those who are experiencing hardship.
Connecting clients with resources, including housing and food resources, mental health and drug-use treatments, and more, will be the full-time staffer’s responsibilities. Those who use their assistance will also receive follow-up.
This month, the VA is hosting two programs to educate Downriver veterans on their benefits.
“YDL will be able to enhance the quality of its referrals, provide more in-depth assistance than staff could manage alone, and connect more patrons with much needed community-based services and resources for improved mental, emotional, and physical health,” Hoenig stated.
This social worker joins Cynthia Wilson and Anna Lyon, two student interns from Eastern Michigan University who already assist in connecting individuals with resources at the Superior branch. Library staff will also receive trauma training from a professor in EMU’s social work program.
The EMU interns will also receive a stipend from the grant funds, according to YDL. Additionally, some grant funds will be utilized to buy supplies like toothbrushes and bus tickets that will be given to people in need.
Next steps:
It is anticipated that the new social worker will begin work by the end of March.
Three years of funding are provided by the grant. The initiative will be assessed during this period to ascertain its viability.
The Source: The community relations coordinator at the Ypsilanti District Library supplied the information for this article.