Social work alum cultivates community in downtown L.A.
Jose Ruiz started CultivaLA to develop urban gardens and increase access to healthy food. When the pandemic hit, he scaled up to focus on his neighbors in need.
Health-focused students provide collaborative leadership for human rights
Social work students join with the Keck Human Rights Clinic to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers by providing free evaluations, educating medical students and helping them gain experience as advocates for health and human rights.
USC social work students and faculty impact law enforcement through internships
An initiative of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work builds partnerships with law enforcement agencies, training them on officer wellness, mental health and social work practices.
Take a look inside USC’s social work center for LGBTQ+ studies
The USC Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity focuses on research and education to help close gaps in health care for the community.
These skilled USC-trained nurse practitioners risk their health to help others
“It’s their finest hour.” Recent graduates of USC’s family nurse practitioner program help people with the greatest need face the threat of COVID-19.
They combat the stress and anxiety of hundreds of Californians — from their own homes
As the new coronavirus spreads across the world, the telehealth clinic at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work sees increased demand for counseling related to stress and anxiety.
USC social work professor shares televised advice amid coronavirus fear
To help people in this time of need, Ruth White of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is offering up stress management tips on Bay Area television.
Formerly incarcerated social work scholars unite thanks to new student interest group
Unchained Scholars brings together social work students who were system- or justice-impacted, along with their allies, to organize events and offer one another support.
What’s it like to assist with L.A.’s homeless count? Two USC alums explain
Social work graduates and USC staffers Layan Kaileh and Nicole Wilson describe how they helped conduct the 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.
As one of the Tuskegee Airmen, this 100-year-old USC alum helped reshape the military
Ted Lumpkin Jr. overcame segregation and served honorably during World War II, even bringing some of the lessons he learned to his post-war career in social work.
Sarah Gehlert selected as dean of USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
She joins USC in April from her current post as dean of the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work.
USC social work graduates find career opportunities in diversity, equity and inclusion
Organizations everywhere are embracing diversity, equity and inclusion as core values, which can lead to unique roles for skilled social workers.
A community’s support helps USC student and single mom earn her doctorate
Dezetta Burnett’s hometown of South L.A. has rallied around her as she pursues an advanced degree at USC. She plans to return the favor by advocating for her community.
Social work student goes from convicted gang member to community activist
USC MSW student Adrian Reveles has used a past littered with trauma, substance abuse and gang involvement to fuel his new life as a violence prevention activist and homeless youth advocate.
9/11 first responder and social work professor inspires students around the world
Combat veteran Laura Owen has an enthusiasm that rubs off on her students at USC, even if they’ve never met her in person.
In memoriam: Ralph Fertig, noted civil rights activist and social work professor
The USC professor was a prominent civil rights lawyer who protested segregated interstate bus terminals by participating in the 1961 Freedom Rides.
USC students help win educational grant expansion for former foster youth
Trojans advocate for new legislation and a California state budget item to help other former foster youth pursue education after high school.
Pantry project aims to help USC students with fresh food
Trojan Food Pantry helps students in need with meals and more.
Trojan transforms lives of South Dakota’s Native American youth
Simone Webster’s trip to a reservation allows the master’s student to help the historically underserved.
More research on permanent supportive housing needed, report finds
USC’s Suzanne Wenzel co-authors the report, which concludes there is an urgency for more studies on the topic.
Alumna counsels military spouses, service members who seek positive changes in social work
Tina Atherall strives to define the next generation of military social workers.
Air Force security forces specialist recalls her path to military social work
Aimee Bravo discusses her time in the military and her vision for curbing substance use among service members by increasing access to mental health resources on military bases.
Suicide among men — and the myth of impulsive acts
USC social worker talks about the cultural stigma that may be tied to a higher suicide rate among males, offering techniques for helping at-risk individuals.
Nurses, social workers step in after natural disasters strike
USC’s Tracie Kirkland and Laura Cardinal share their experiences helping residents work toward recovery after the unthinkable.