The theme of Together As Buckeyes has been a rallying cry during the COVID-19 pandemic for students, employees and alumni. Students at Ohio State Lima have picked it up and are working together to meet the needs of some hard-working local families hit hard by the pandemic and its ripples.
Through partnerships with the campus and the community, Ohio State Lima’s Social Work Club is “adopting” up to 40 families as part of its Second Chance Holiday Drive.
The driving force behind the effort is determined to foster a culture of inclusivity, creativity, innovation and courage by raising awareness of community.
“We wholeheartedly believe this holiday drive will leave a lasting impact on many individuals,” said social work student Megan Fisher. “We simply want to bless the socks off some hard-working individuals.”
All social work students at Ohio State work in the field before graduation to hone the skills they are learning in the classroom. Part of Fisher’s field practicum was to assess the barriers to employment experienced by Lima Pallet employees and refer them for assistance with local community service agencies. Her research gave Fisher more insight into the issues facing workers in the community and made clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the needs.
“Since we are a second chance employer, many times we get people straight out of jail or prison and they have no housing, transportation or support. It was important that we gather a ‘bible’ of resources to be able to help our employees with those such things,” said Sarah Lewis from Lima Pallet. “Megan also has managed to meet with each of our 45+ employees to find what barriers they may have in their lives. She has helped many employees with utilities, uniform, Medicaid and housing applications. Also, sometimes they just need an ear to listen and Megan is that for them.”
As part of her practicum, Fisher first tried to connect the families she had identified in the warehouse and production areas with other community resources for holiday assistance. If, for whatever reason, they did not qualify, Fisher put them on the club’s adoption list.
“We chose to do this drive as a club because we did not want even one left out,” Fisher said. “We as a local and national society have been facing systemic issues; and, this year we have all endured challenges on a personal level that are unprecedented.”
The social work profession is deeply rooted in partnerships and role modeling. With this project, the club hopes to set a high standard for the future social workers who come out of the Ohio State program while leaving a lasting impact on the people they help.
“When we look back in history, the communities who pulled together for the greater good are the ones who flourished. I want to be a part in lifting up Lima. I want to be a part in making other people’s lives better,” Fisher said. “Helping others says ‘I see you. You are worth helping. You are valuable.’ This is what we do as social workers and even more so, is part of who I am.”
It is not too late to support the Second Chance Holiday Drive. Donations are being accepted through November 30, 2020.
Browse the virtual board to learn more about family needs and the donation process. Drop off locations include the Lima Campus Library and the Lima Pallet Company. See the website for drop off hours and specific directions. The Social Work Club will also have a large box labeled "Second Chance Christmas" at the Nutrien Welcome Center in the Perry Webb Student Life Building from November 23-25 to receive toy, clothing, gift card or household item donations in a no-contact drop off.