So much of who we are and who we will eventually become is rooted in our childhood experiences. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the seeming futility of my job - the problems in some families, problems that have been carried along from generation to generation, seem so immense and impenetrable that I truly wonder at times if change is possible. On the other hand, I strongly believe in the reality of human transformation, and I know that it is often when we experience pain and deep crises that the potential for personal change becomes most real. My job brings me to people who are in crisis; sometimes my mere presence in their life creates a crisis for them. And so each time I enter into someone’s life I view it as an opportunity, a challenge - to possibly facilitate a positive change in their life, and I allow that their entry into mine might do the same for me.

My role in society is one that creates fear and hostility in many people because of the authority my position gives me to remove from them what they value the most - their children. Sometimes it is necessary to exercise this “power”, but that is never my primary goal. My primary goal is to assist people in discovering, uncovering, exercising, utilizing, developing… their own power. The power that comes from recognizing one’s own intrinsic value, the power that comes from knowing that we always have choices in life and that our choices can affect our future and the future of our children.

I truly believe that none of us can make it in life on our own - I don’t believe we were ever meant to. Sometimes the biggest hurdle we need to overcome is to realize that there is no weakness, no shame in reaching out for help. We really do need each other.

Sylvia James
Social Worker

Update: Sylvia is now retired. Her long career as a respected social worker allowed her to influence many young people in a positive way.