NASW Maine announces the 2023 social work award recipients for annual honors
AUGUSTA — The National Association of Social Workers Maine Chapter is thrilled to announce the recipients of its esteemed annual awards honoring the commendable efforts and achievements of five dedicated social workers and organizations in the state of Maine. These awards underscore the commitment of NASW Maine to foster excellence in social work by recognizing individuals and agencies who have gone above and beyond in showcasing dedication and expertise in the field.
“We are honored to uplift and celebrate these social work heroes in our community,” said Chris McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW, executive eirector of the NASW Maine Chapter. “These award recipients have shown unparalleled commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through their advocacy, direct service, and passion for the field of social work.”
The 2023 NASW Maine Chapter Award winners are:
Social Worker of the Year: Representative Lydia Crafts, LCSW
Recognizing her comprehensive and sustained efforts to improve social conditions and advocate for social workers and their respected clients across Maine, Representative Crafts has exemplified the best in social work through her service and leadership as an elected Representative for District 26 (Damariscotta/Newcastle). Representative Crafts helped to sponsor and co-sponsor over 100 pieces of legislation during the 131st Legislative Session this past year including the Social Work Loan Repayment bill and legislation to support social work licensing, school-based behavioral health services, and practice conditions for social workers in the State of Maine.
Social Work Agency of the Year: Health Affiliates Maine
In honor of over two decades of work dedicated to serving communities across Maine, Health Affiliates Maine has left an indelible mark in the behavioral health sphere of our state. HAM’s extensive advocacy, training, and direct practice support to countless numbers of clinicians and case managers over the years showcases a long standing dedication and commitment to providing quality behavioral health supports to the citizens of Maine.
Advocate of the Year: Maine Women’s Lobby
Founded in 1978, the Maine Women’s Lobby has demonstrated a ongoing commitment to promoting social justice and welfare in the state of Maine through their tireless advocacy efforts around a mulitude of important issues, including Paid Family Medical Leave and legislation to support reproductive and economic justice, gender equity, and civil rights for the people of Maine.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion of the Year: Brandy Brown, LCSW, DSW
Distinguished by an unyielding dedication to social justice, inclusion, and advancing health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals, Dr. Brandy Brown has fostered excellence in social work and is a beacon of knowledge and clinical expertise in the field of gender-affirming medical care here in Maine and in assuring that providers of all levels have the education they need to best support their LGBTQ+ clients of all ages in achieving their best health and wellness outcomes possible.
School Social Worker of the Year: Jamie Bartlett, LMSW-CC
Since starting her work at the Bangor School Departent in 2023, Jamie Bartlett, LMSW-CC has begun paving a path of transformative school-based social work practice, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions in the support of onboarding new educators in the district and creating essential resource tools to best support students and families in accessing the services they need to better their educational experience.
The NASW Maine annual awards ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 20 at the NASW Maine Chapter Annual Conference, which will be held at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. We invite social workers, members of the community, stakeholders, and media representatives to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals. Register for this year’s annual conference by visiting https://naswme.socialworkers.org/Events/2023-Annual-Conference.
The NASW Maine Chapter remains dedicated to promoting, developing, and protecting the practice of social work and social workers and seeks to enhance the effective and efficient delivery of services to individuals and families in the state of Maine.
Founded in 1955 the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 150,000 members in fifty-six chapters nationwide and internationally. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. The NASW Maine Chapter, with over 1000 members, is the major professional social work organization in the state of Maine. The NASW Maine Chapter is committed to advancing professional social work practice and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone in our great state.