New York Life Foundation Sustains Generous Support

Under the direction of David Schonfeld, MD, professor of practice of social work and pediatrics, the NCSCB moved to the USC School of Social Work in summer 2015. The Center established the Coalition to Support Grieving Students in partnership with the New York Life Foundation in 2013, bringing together 10 major organizations that represent school professionals across different disciplines.

Since its inception, the NCSCB has provided consultation and training in the aftermath of a number of crisis events and disasters within the United States and abroad, including shootings in Newtown, CT, Marysville, WA, and Aurora, CO; flooding from hurricanes Sandy in NYC and NJ and Katrina in New Orleans; tornadoes in Joplin, MO, and Alabama; the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China; and the events of 9/11 in NYC.

“The NCSCB has been involved in disaster and crisis events where children are involved both nationally and globally,” Schonfeld said. “We do not charge for the advice and technical assistance that we provide, so philanthropic support is critical to sustaining and

Highlighting the Friends and Donors of the USC School of Social Work

The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB) at the USC School of Social Work has received a $1 million grant from the New York Life Foundation, a continuation of funding that will allow the NCSCB to expand its services, in particular the Coalition to Support Grieving Students.

Inside This Issue:

Scholarship Recipient Focuses on LGBTQ Population ..............................2

Helping Vulnerable Children Beat the Odds ........................................3

Grant Will Increase Virtual Mental Health Services for Caregivers ................ 4

Advocates Circle ................................... 4

Spotlight On: Alumni Giving .....................5

Supporting The USC Social Work Initiative ..6

MSW Student Scholarship Challenge........ 8

Margaux Helvey: Impacting Homelessness Through DevelopmentWhen Margaux Helvey began her search for a master’s program, she was looking for an opportunity to combine her strengths in business strategy and management with social impact. She found it at the University of Southern California, one of the few institutions at the time that offered a dual degree in social work and business administration. “I specifically wanted to be in Los Angeles because I knew I wanted to address issues of homelessness and poverty,” Helvey said. “I wanted to be where real things were happening and not just read about homelessness.”

Margaux Helveycontinued page 7

continued page 7

November 2015

page 2

Established in 2012 by Board of Councilors member Mark Spratt, MSW/MPA ’03, the Matthew Holland Scholarship in Social Work, named in honor of Spratt’s partner, is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ matters through

academic work, community involvement and other personal contributions.

For Hammond, receiving this particular scholarship strengthened her feeling of responsibility for supporting the LGBTQ population. “We talk about having professionals that have personal knowledge or understanding of a client’s experience and we often look at that in terms of race or gender,

but the same is true for queer identities,” Hammond said.

She chose child welfare for her specialization and did her field placement through the University Consortium for Children and

Families (UCCF), which offers a simultaneous internship with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and SHIELDS for Families, a mental health nonprofit. In September 2015, she was hired on at DCFS. “When I came into the program I never thought I would be working for the government. I always thought I would be part of a nonprofit,” Hammond said.

“But, when you see a challenged system, why not try to fix it? There are a disproportionate number of LGBTQ youth in the foster care system, and they have worse outcomes.”

Receiving the Matthew Holland Scholarship in Social Work significantly impacted her second year of study. “During my first year, I was a nanny for three families on the side in order to participate as a full-time student,” Hammond said. “In my second year, having scholarships, in combination with my stipend from the UCCF, allowed me to dedicate all of my efforts to social work, and that felt really wonderful.”

Additionally, Hammond got involved with a research study on homeless youth, another area which considerably impacts the LGBTQ community. She also became a co-chair of the Rainbow Alliance Caucus, which promotes engagement among LGBTQ social work students.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunities afforded me by the USC School of Social Work,” Hammond said. “I feel like I definitely reaped a lot of benefits from what the school has to offer.”

Scholarship Recipient Focuses on LGBTQ PopulationIvy Hammond graduated from the USC School of Social Work in May 2015, becoming the first recipient of the Matthew Holland Scholarship in Social Work to receive an MSW.

When you see a challenged system,

why not try to fix it?”-Ivy Hammond

Ivy Hammond on graduation day with her parents

Many of our scholarship applicants face rejection from peers, communities and, in some cases, their own families, the Matthew Holland Scholarship in Social Work helps make educational opportunities available to young people who are striving to make a positive impact on society.” -Mark Spratt

Helping Vulnerable Children Beat the Odds

page 3

A $500,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will support a new program of research at the USC School of Social Work to identify community assets that support pathways to resilience for young children and their families.

Under the direction of Emily Putnam-Hornstein, assistant professor at the USC School of Social Work, and Rhema Vaithianathan, professor at Auckland University of Technology, the study will utilize information available for analysis through the USC Children’s Data Network (CDN) to develop statistical models that characterize children who are at higher risk for negative outcomes.

The project will use four sources of administrative records: birth, child protection, developmental service and death.

“With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this project will allow the CDN to expand and extend administrative record linkages with a focus on geospatial clustering of children in California,” Putnam-Hornstein said.

The size and scope of the data used in this project will be distinctive, involving more than seven million longitudinal child records.

The project will examine how childhood adversity rates have changed over time and highlight communities where children are experiencing better than expected outcomes despite high adversity burdens.

In the context of communities, neighborhood advantages may offset individual threats. “This project serves as a unique proof of concept for the large-scale linkage of administrative data as a tool for developing place-based initiatives,

allocating resources, and understanding the protective role communities may play in preventing childhood adversities,” Putnam-Hornstein said.

The initiative is part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s commitment to building a Culture of Health – one in which all Americans can live their healthiest life, no matter their income, education or zip code. Identifying community-level factors that promote child resilience is a key step in addressing the root causes of adversity; elevating social and emotional wellbeing; and ultimately giving children the tools they need to become healthy, resilient adults.

The USC Children’s Data Network (CDN) is funded through grants from First 5 LA and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

In the context of communities, neighborhood

advantages may offset individual threats.

They are trying to be the best caregivers they can to their son or daughter, but their resilience and resources have been stretched thin. They know they need someone to talk to, but publicly funded mental health care is geared toward the individual with special needs, leaving no supportive services for the overburdened caregiver.

Through a generous $100,000 grant from QueensCare, USC Telehealth, a completely virtual telemental health clinic housed at the USC School of Social Work with services throughout the state of California, will be able to expand a new program to serve low-income parents and caregivers of special needs children or adult family members. Special needs can include autism, ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties, physical disability, developmental disability, or emotional and behavioral difficulties.

This year, USC Telehealth provided 132 families with weekly therapy sessions for caregivers who were experiencing severe depression, anxiety, stress, marital conflict and financial difficulties. Funding from QueensCare will allow an additional 90 families with special needs in Los Angeles County to receive the supportive services they so desperately need.

“Parents often confront multiple challenges, including caregiving demands, posed not only

by their children with special needs, but also their aging grandparents and typical siblings,” said Nadia Islam, clinical director of USC Telehealth. “These challenges cut across socioeconomic, geographical and cultural boundaries.”

Advancements in federal-level encryption and HIPAA-compliant technology make it possible for a therapist and client to securely connect in a matter of seconds from the privacy and

convenience of their own home, or at a partner location for families that cannot afford a computer or Internet connection.

For QueensCare, the USC Telehealth program fits its philanthropic focus to support organizations

that extend access to underserved populations. “The program will provide access to mental health services for people who need it the most, free of charge,” said Bianca Rodas, communications manager for QueensCare. “The stigma surrounding mental health is still very present, and the opportunity to provide this type of care, in the comfort of one’s home, is an exciting way to work around that.”

Currently, USC Telehealth will be offering this free, professional therapy program to caregivers of individuals with special needs through June 30, 2016. For more information, visit USCTelehealth.com or call 866.740.6502.

Grant Will Increase Virtual Mental Health Services for Caregivers

page 4

The stigma surrounding mental health is still very

present. The opportunity to provide care in the comfort of one’s home is an exciting way to work around that.

On any given day at USC Telehealth, the phone will ring and the desperate parent of a child with special needs will reach out for help.

The Advocates Circle is a philanthropic society for donors who make a gift to the USC School of Social Work of $250 or more annually.

We are pleased to welcome the following new members to the Advocates Circle who gave between July 1 and September 30, 2015:

FriendDaniel AumNicholas and Agatha BorrelliSandra Elaine CoxHarmony Ann FrederickPeter Sangjin HyunJennifer C. Kerr-BoydJennifer KimMichael Johnson

Esther and Likun LimRamona Maria MerchanChristine OhDavid Jinki ParkChristie ReppartBlas and Vanessa VillalobosMarcia Rene Wilson

PatronJennifer S. ChaAmerica Jewish Committee (AJC)Phillip J. Lee

Samuel KimMarvin Joseph ParkJessica Hannah ShimCharles Yook

CollaboratorAmy AhnTim Hur

Sharon and Ramon SalcidoRich Woo

Benefactor

Council of Korean Americans (CKA)

VisionaryJitae ChaRoy ChoiWon June KangSamgoo KangBum Soo Kim

Lisa LaCorte-Kring and Richard KringJinsun Jamie and Peter LeeYoug Su NaKeun Dae Shin

We would like to thank the following donors for renewing their memberships with an annual gift between July 1 and September 30, 2015:

FriendKaren and Perry HaWendy Tovey

Lugena D. Wahlquist

CollaboratorKenneth Howland McClain

BenefactorStephen Kahng Sonny Hong

VisionaryPhillip ChangKyung Hee ChoiEliot KangRenee MasiSuok Noh

David Lee and Susan KimStewart KimHelie Lee and Kenneth MokMimi Song

For more information on becoming a member of the Advocates Circle, contact Sue Habuni, donor relations & stewardship officer, at 213.821.6423 or sowkadvn@usc.edu.

Advocates Circle

Alumni Giving

page 5

Support from alumni sustains our annual giving program and helps us to grow important initiatives that benefit our students, such as scholarship funding. This is why we are grateful to the USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board for providing 100% support for our recent MSW Student Scholarship Challenge.

All board members made a recurring gift commitment for one year, also becoming members of the Advocates Circle – our philanthropic society with additional benefits and opportunities to engage with the school. We appreciate the generosity of all our alumni donors and their willingness to pay it forward for others.

Esther Lim Vice President USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board

Opportunities to grow my leadership skills, make friends who are

just as passionate about making a difference in the world and learning from experts in the field is what I got from the USC School of Social Work. I gave back so others can have the opportunity to experience what I experienced.”

Christie Reppart Member USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board

I donated to the USC School of Social Work’s annual giving campaign

because I believe in the mission and work our alumni association is doing in L.A. and all around the world. It is critical for alumni to donate – whether it is $1, $10 or $100 – it all helps to continue providing beneficial opportunities for alumni to stay engaged and connected. Fight On!”

Blas Villalobos Member USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board

Our annual gifts will contribute to the education of future

social workers, and as an alumnus and USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board member, it is also my responsibility to lead by example. It is important for our alumni to give back in order to help support current and future students.”

Jennifer Kerr-Boyd Member USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board

My family migrated to the United States from Jamaica to achieve

the American Dream. USC School of Social Work was instrumental in my achievement of the dream established by my family. I am who I am today because of my education. Giving back to the USC School of Social Work gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am involved in furthering the aims of the school and providing the opportunity for others to reap the same rewards I did.”

USC School of Social Work Alumni Association Board

L-R: Nick Borelli, Esther Lim, Marcia Wilson, Ramona Merchan,

Jennifer Kerr-Boyd, Blas Villalobos, Beth Lucas,

Christie Reppart, Vimmi Jaggi

SPOTLIGHT ON

Supporting The USC Social Work InitiativeThroughout 2015 and 2016, the USC School of Social Work is holding a series of gatherings for friends and donors to meet with school leadership and faculty to learn more about the school’s work, its vision for the future and how they can participate in supporting these efforts.

A Special Evening hosted by Robin and Peter Mindnich

On July 23, Robin and Peter Mindnich, MSW ‘11 and MSW ‘09, respectively, hosted donors and friends at their home in Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA. Executive Vice Dean R. Paul Maiden discussed how the new nursing program and DSW degree will expand the school’s national presence.

He was joined by Associate Professor Michael Hurlburt, who spoke about his research initiatives dealing with child maltreatment prevention, and the responsibility of educating the next generation of social workers that will make a difference in the world.

Hall of Heroes hosted by Chuck and Amy Spielman

On August 29, long-time supporters of the school’s military social work initiatives Chuck and Amy Spielman hosted a brunch at their Hall of Heroes museum in San Diego.

The program featured the new director of the USC Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families (CIR), Carl Castro, who articulated the ways in which CIR is effecting change and addressing the rising needs of veterans. Former Marine Corps captain Kristen Kavanaugh, MSW ‘12, provided a moving testimonial about her experience as a returning veteran, and Executive Vice Dean R. Paul Maiden spoke of the school’s dedication to expanding the reach of its military social work program.

Patricia and Rochelle Winkler

Associate Professor Michael Hurlburt

Evelyn Wright and Robin Mindnich

Host Peter Mindnich addresses the guests

R. Paul Maiden, Chuck Spielman, Kristen Kavanaugh, Carl Castro

Guests speak with Amy Spielman (on right)

Helen Ramirez, Asha Jayasinghe,

Jennifer Kerr-Boyd

page 6

An Intimate Brunch hosted by Pat Sable

On September 26, Pat Sable, PhD ‘86, welcomed guests to her home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. She spoke about her extensive relationship with the USC School of Social Work, how impressed she is with its current programs and innovations, and her experience with attachment theory in social work. Senior Associate Dean and Director of Field Education Marleen Wong was the featured speaker for the event and educated guests about the school’s extraordinary work with child trauma and the influence this research is now having at the governmental and judicial levels.

page 7

Jillian Barba and Prof. Marleen WongProf. Jacquelyn McCroskey and Paola Castanos

Lisa Kring, Piedad Suarez, Pat Sable,

Sue Dworak-Peck, Judy Kamins

Embarking on a dual master’s degree is no small feat. A three year program, culminating in Helvey receiving a master’s in business administration and a master’s in social work when she graduated in 2008. Receiving the Helen P. and Jack I. Levin Scholarship helped tremendously along the way.

“I was doing a full-time program and two degrees so that didn’t leave much time for work, and a field placement in social work is very time consuming,” Helvey said. “I was only the second student to ever come through this dual degree track. Since having a business student was fairly new for the USC School of Social Work, there was no stipend for this in terms of field placements. The scholarship gave me the flexibility to design my own internship for business and social work during my second year without having to worry about finding a subsidy.”

The Helen P. and Jack I. Levin Scholarship has been provided for social work students by the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation since 1993. “It is a great feeling to know that we are supporting a school that is a leader in the field of social work,” commented Shana and Matt Zacufsky of the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation. “It is also gratifying to know that we are making it a little easier for people who want to do good in society. The fact that we are giving a hand up to an individual that is going to give a hand up to

many more individuals and pay it forward with their work is very rewarding.”

Helvey is doing exactly that. She is currently helping to provide housing for homeless and low-income families across Los Angeles as vice president of development and community engagement for LA Family Housing.

“I probably use my social work degree even more than my business degree in a management setting because it is all about understanding people and having empathy,” Helvey said. “Even in fundraising, understanding the people and the programs is so important.”

Every day, Helvey sees how critical it is to have individuals with an MSW in the development department of a nonprofit. “Whether it is private foundations, donors, volunteers, public education – the end goal is about getting more support for your cause, and often times that support is getting funding directed to the right place,” Helvey said. “I do a lot of advocacy in my role, and I love that I get to be the person championing our clients and our cause.”

The Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation supports three distinct scholarship funds within the School of Social Work. Multiple scholarships are awarded from each fund annually for students with financial need who are pursuing their MSW degree.

Margaux Helvey: Impacting Homelessness Through Developmentcontinued from front page

growing our ability to make schools better prepared to deal with loss in the lives of children every day, as well as after major crisis events.”

The Coalition was formed to elevate the national conversation around childhood grief and encourage entire communities to take action in supporting grieving children in their midst.

“Part of our mission at New York Life is to provide peace of mind for our policyholders, so providing assistance to children in their time of need is a natural extension of that and something the foundation has embraced,” commented Heather Nesle, president of the New York Life Foundation. “Although pervasive, childhood bereavement is still considered a ‘niche’ funding area.”

The Coalition has developed an online training resource (grievingstudents.org) that provides free materials to school administrators and staff, better preparing them to assist students who are grieving following a loss in their family, at their school or in their community.

The NCSCB began in 2005 with initial support from the September 11th Children’s Fund and the National Philanthropic Trust. The New York Life Foundation began funding for support of the NCSCB in 2011. More information can be found at schoolcrisiscenter.org.

continued from front page

New York Life Foundation Sustains Generous Support

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Los Angeles, CAPermit No.2075

3434 SOUTH HOPE STREET,LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90089-0009

THE USC SOCIAL WORK INITIATIVE

You did it! $20,000 raised in 30 days! Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the school, the USC School of Social Work’s campaign for scholarships during the month of October was a great success!

It started with a challenge to raise $5,000, which would then be matched dollar-for-dollar by Board of Councilors member, Lisa Kring, MSW ’94. When that initial amount was surpassed after two weeks, a second challenge emerged: raise an additional $5,000 or more and an anonymous alumna (MSW ’93) would make a $2,000 gift to the campaign.

100% of all tax-deductible donations made went to the USC School of Social Work Endowment Fund for Scholarships and will assist current and future MSW students in need.

Fight On!

The USC School of Social Work will raise $75 million, providing the investment necessary to develop highly trained practitioners and visionary leaders who will shape the 21st Century.

The USC Social Work Initiative Update

$43M GIVEN $32M REMAINING

$75 MILLIONJuly 2010

June 2018

$5,000First Challenge

$8,000Second Challenge

$2,000Anonymous Alumna Gift (MSW ‘93)

$5,000Match from Lisa Kring MSW ‘94

First Challenge Met

Dollar-for-Dollar Match

Second Challenge Met

Anonymous Challenge Gift

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP