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Thrive is NASW Maine Agency of the Year

National Association of Social Workers Honors
Trauma-Informed Initiative

LEWISTON – Thrive System of Care received the National Association of Social Workers – Maine Chapter 2010 Agency of the Year award in an awards ceremony during the NASW Maine annual conference, Friday, April 9, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

“We chose Thrive based on how it improves the lives of people in Maine,” says Bonnie Swartz, LCSW and NASW Maine Chapter President, “and for its excellence in promoting social work values as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics for employees, clients and the community.”

“Social workers value the inherent dignity and worth of a person,” says Thrive Director Arabella Perez. “At Thrive we know that treating each other in a caring and respectful manner mindful of our cultural and individual differences leads to growth, health, engagement and empowerment.”

Thrive, in the fifth year of its six-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides training, technical assistance and consultation on the effects of trauma and the related trauma-informed service principles of safety, choice, collaboration and trustworthiness. In addition to training providers and agencies, Thrive supports local family- and youth-led advocacy organizations.

“Families and youth are experts who can inform and drive services,” says Perez. “Thrive believes that only by partnering with them can child-serving systems be enhanced and ultimately make a difference.”

NASW Maine submits calls for nominations in several categories.

“Though anyone can nominate an agency,” says Swartz, “we typically hear from social workers who have had experience with the agency or program and are impressed with it and how well it responds to client and community needs.”

Past NASW Maine Agency of the Year winners include: Community Counseling Center – PRISM program, Pine Tree Legal, United Society of Shakers, Maine Equal Justice Partners, and Rape Response Services of Bangor.

Category: Press Releases