SSW Weekly Update

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BSW Student Receives Grant to Supply Self-Care Kits for SSW Wellness Room

Grace Kennedy,a BSW junior, received a $400 grant through the Contribution Project to create self-care kits for the SSW Wellness Room. The kits, designed to promote mental and physical well-being, include items like stress balls, face masks, kinetic sand, and coloring pages. The initiative aims to support students' wellness by encouraging relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief during their academic journey. “Please feel free to check it out and take items as you need, I hope you all enjoy this new addition”, said Grace.

The Contribution Project accepts applications from people ages 14-25 who are seeking to make an impact on their community, school, or neighborhood through contribution. They offer $400 to accepted contributors to help you pursue your ideas. This project is driven by a belief in the power of contribution — for you and those who benefit from your efforts.

To learn more visit: https://contributionproject.org/

Nurtured by Nature

Professors Robin DeLuca-Acconi and Ken Edwards are co-teaching the MSW course Play Therapy and Social Work Practice. Last week the class visited the Ashley Schiff Preserve located on the SBU campus as they focused on Nature Therapy, - the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing. After their walk, the students participated in an interactive play therapy session.

FACULTY HAPPENINGS

Last month Professor Kathleen Monahan attended the International Brain Injury Association, World Congress to present her poster, "Brain Metabolism and Cognitive Impairment following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) of Domestic Violence Shelter Residents: A PET/MRI study." The World Congress took place in Montreal, Quebec and was attended by research from around the world.

Leah Topek-Walker, Clinical Associate Professor, was recently honored by the Town of Brookhaven Office of Women's Services for her exceptional contributions to the community in education.

Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Leah—your impact on the community is truly limitless and endlessly inspiring!

Student-Led Initiative Aims to Support Those in Need

Ella Engel-Snow, a MSW CPPSA student currently doing her Practicum Placement at New Hour, is leading a project to collect donations for reentry bags for women returning home from jail. Project Dignity aims to restore dignity to women who often leave jail without essential clothing or supplies. The donation box is located on Level 2 of the Health Sciences.

GRADUATION

UPCOMING

Starts April 3 @ 8pm

Join us on Zoom here

OPPORTUNITIES

OMH Pipeline

Application portal is live, and applications are due by Friday, April 18

More information and application.

2025-2026 SAMHSA funded CSWE MFP Award is now open!

MSW fellowship Opportunity for Final Year or Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Students Committed to Mental Health Services to Underserved Communities.

All current first year students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply by the May 19 deadline.

Did You Know?

For 6 years, at least 1 of our MSW students has been awarded and they benefited greatly from the mentorship, free professional development opportunities, attendance to CSWE conference, and generous stipend during their second year.

Interested students can also contact

Dr. Melissa Bessaha at Melissa.Bessaha@stonybrook.edu

More information about applying can be found here.

LGBTQ+ Support Group

Every Wednesday, 4 pm – 5 pm

CAPS hosts an LGBTQ+ focused support group where queer members can be part of a supportive community

Location: Student Health Center, 2nd Floor, Resource room at CAPS. Registration is required. Call (631) 632-6720 to register.

LGBTQ+ group at CAPS is not directly affiliated or associated with the LGBTQ* Services' Affinity groups.

All-Gender Bathrooms on Campus

USG and student leaders created a form regarding All-Gender Bathrooms on Campus. The results will aid with a project to implement more All-Gender Bathrooms in the public buildings on campus.

Take the survey to let us know what is important to you click here.

It’s time to nominate student leaders for your affinity groups for next academic year! Please take a moment to complete this nomination form by April 6. You can nominate any student (including yourself) who will be enrolled for the 25-26 academic year. We are currently looking for student leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year for the following four affinity groups:

Black Affinity Group (promoting academic success, celebrating Black culture, and fostering a sense of belonging)
Bridges of Unity (supporting students impacted by immigration)
Marsha P. Johnson Legacy Affinity Group (creating an inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ students)
Success Circle (supportive community for returning learners and parenting students)

Interested in starting a new affinity group? Find at least three students (who will still be enrolled in the 2025-26 academic year) who are willing to play a leadership role in the group. Then send an email request to start a new affinity group, the focus of the group, and names and contact info of the three student leaders to Dr. Kristen Brock-Petroshius at kristen.brock-petroshius@stonybrook.edu

CAREER

Schedule an apointment here

GET INVOLVED

"The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake."

~ Meister Eckhart

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Editor: Jennifer Davidson | Graphic Design: Andrea Trezza

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