Intern Reflections: Stefanie Froelich

As a social worker, there are certain values that one should embody. Of those values are to address social problems, respect the inherent dignity of the worth of all people, and challenge social injustice. My field liaison, who works for the Master of the Social Work program at Virginia Commonwealth University, asked me in a meeting, “How does ReEstablish Richmond fight for social justice?” After a short pause, it was easy to answer the question. ReEstablish Richmond fights for social justice through people who have strong compassion and a compelling drive to show up for their community. Social justice and equality are fought through ReEstablish Richmond’s agency meetings, volunteerism, and programs that help support refugees and immigrants with their needs. 

ReEstablish Richmond is an organization that tries to get involved in every way—it’s in its roots! It is the power of dynamic integration and committed involvement that brings about positive change. To be an effective social worker, one must make the commitment to merge with the community in need and truly understand its people, which is something that ReEstablish Richmond embodies in every way.  

I was not expecting to get my first choice for my field placement. I remember being on the plane, about to visit my family on the West Coast, when I got the email that I would be working at ReEstablish Richmond. After looking through the website and reading their values of equity + justice, self-determination, and authenticity, to name a few, I could not help but think to myself "This is exactly what I was hoping for.” A year later, I have worked in direct client engagement completing intakes for new clients, matching English tutors with newcomers, and working on larger projects for the organization. A year later, I still say those words but with a bittersweet past tense—that was exactly what I was hoping for. It is rare to leave an organization with no complaints, but I found myself leaving this one with none. Instead, as I move on through the social work program, I will leave with deep gratitude for my experience and hope that good people are doing good things in the world—I experienced it here.