All month, we've been celebrating National Social Work Month by recognizing the impact of the dedicated social workers across DOROT.
Visit our News+Stories page to read all of the profiles in this series.
Jackie Pykon, Friendly Visiting Social Worker
What does a social worker actually do?
Social workers help individuals, families and groups develop ways to address and cope with obstacles that interfere with them living their best lives. They support their clients to access their inner strengths and external resources, empowering them to feel more accepting of their day-to-day experiences, and more hopeful for their future.
What do you do at DOROT?
At DOROT, I am a social worker for the Friendly Visiting Program. Through this program, I assess clients to determine the DOROT programs that best meet their needs. Often, these individuals are matched with a volunteer for ongoing social connection. I support these matches for the duration of their relationships, which can often continue for several years. Additionally, I refer clients to other community resources, when appropriate. I supervise Social Work interns and facilitate What Matters conversations. Also, I co-facilitate a weekly group called Monday MindSet.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been unable to visit our clients in their homes. This has made assessing and addressing their needs more challenging. Immediately, however, we made the shift to phone support and our clients have expressed tremendous gratitude for all the programs and services that DOROT has provided without skipping a beat.
What is something that you love about your work?
One of the things that I love about my work at DOROT is that I have the privilege of witnessing how supporting a person, who is lonely and isolated, with social contact can transform a life. Many of our Friendly Visiting matches have grown into reciprocal, life-long friendships. Helping someone make even just one positive change can impact and improve their life in so many more wonderful ways.
More about Jackie:
Jackie Pykon, LCSW received her Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration, and her Certificate in the Practice of Gerontology from Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Through DOROT, Ms. Pykon is also a Social Worker at Central Synagogue.
For information on all DOROT programs, services and resources, call 212-769-2850.