Stephen F. Austin State University

“Social workers are like guardian angels, protecting and empowering those they serve and working daily to make the world a better place.”

This was the message delivered Thursday to a room full of social workers and local leaders, by James Montoya, chairman of the East Texas branch of the National Association of Social Workers.

Those who gathered for a lunch reception at Stephen F. Austin State University were there for a special purpose: to honor community members who make the jobs of social workers easier.

“These people are not social workers themselves, but the work they do makes it easier for us to do our jobs,” Montoya said.

March is National Social Work Month, and activities have been held weekly in honor of the occasion, according to Wilma Cordova, SFA assistant professor of social work.

Earlier this week, an event was held at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, where Dr. Linda Morales, associate dean and director of the School of Social Work, was honored.

Next week an international social work day is planned in the School of Social Work, where international foods will be served and people from several different countries will present information about their cultures.

Thursday, the focus was on those being honored.

Awards were presented to District Judge Campbell Cox, elected official of the year; Reggie Hudson of Nacogdoches ISD, media specialist of the year; Terry Guinn, for “lifetime achievement” in the field of social work, Claudia Whitley, citizen of the year; Diane VanLier, social worker of the year, and Linda Moore Johnson, student social worker of the year.

Montoya said these individuals were selected by a steering committee, and he described why each award recipient was deserving of recognition.

Cox has a heart for children and families, Montoya said. He shows compassion, and he does all he can to help those who enter his court. His initiation of an African-American history series has inspired many students, Montoya said.

Hudson was chosen because of his work at NISD. He is responsible for the shows that air on the NISD television channel, and he has worked with Montoya to provide a television show for Hispanic families.

“This makes Hispanic parents aware of services and resources in the community,” Montoya said. “ Hudson is also active in his church and assisted during Hurricane Rita by setting up computers so evacuees could search for their family members online.”

Guinn was chosen for his service to the SFA community and the wisdom he has imparted to students as a retired social worker, adjunct faculty member and field training liaison. Montoya said Guinn’s knowledge and experience make him a tremendous asset to the field of social work at to SFA.

Whitley received the citizen of the year award for her work with students. Montoya said Whitley has a heart for children that carried through not only in her years working in the public schools, but in her volunteerism.

Whitley was instrumental in the development of East Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates. She helped to form the steering committee and the board, lead fund-raising efforts and hire the executive director.

VanLier was chosen for her work in social work – particularly in the mental health community, Montoya said. He said those who work in mental health have some of the most trying jobs of all, and VanLier is a person who has really made a difference.

Johnson, a social work student from Center, has worked tirelessly for advocacy and to get students involved in activism outside the classroom, Montoya said.

He encouraged those in attendance to continue to support social work students in their endeavors, because they are entering a vital line of work that serves the community on every level.

“All social workers are to be commended,” he said. “You all do your share to make this a better community and a better world.”