Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

A new article from Christianity Today featuring comments from Dr. David Pooler and current student Lucy Huh and their research and efforts around adult clergy s*xual abuse.

"New research done at Baylor University in fact shows that survivors of adult clergy s*xual abuse suffer rates of traumatization that surpass even war veterans. In a study that is currently being peer-reviewed for publication, professor David Pooler found 39 percent of adult survivors screened positive for post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. By comparison, slightly less than a quarter of US veterans who’ve been through a war showed signs of PTSD."

READ HERE: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2024/june/clergy-s*x-abuse-consent-law-crime.html

Some Churches Call Clergy Sexual Misconduct an ‘Affair.’ Survivors Are Fighting to Make It Against the Law. Advocates push for legislation criminalizing s*x between ministers and those they spiritually guide.

Interested? Take a look…

Exciting New Opportunity for Central Texas Churches

Baylor University’s George W. Truett Seminary, Center for Developmental Disabilities, and Center for Church and Community Impact are partnering together to offer a new project – Bridges to Belonging: Accessible Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. This project is focused on equipping churches to welcome and support young people (aged 13-25) with disabilities, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses. Churches within a 3-hour radius from Baylor University are invited to apply to join in this exciting work by participating in a Congregational Learning Community.

Bridges to Belonging is accepting applications through July 16th. The first Congregational Learning Community will run from Fall 2024 to Spring 2026. If your church is interested in applying, please visit our website to access the application and more information at bcdd.soe.baylor.edu/bridgestobelonging.
Truett Theological Seminary Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Baylor Global Health Professor Selected as Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Kenya Sunseek Moon, Ph.D.,will spend his Fulbright year in Kenya teaching and conducting public health/social work research at the University of Nairobi's College of Health Sciences

🎊 🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Sungseek Moon for being selected as a 2024-25 Faculty Fulbright Scholar. He will spend a year in Kenya teaching and conducting public social work/pubic health research at the University of Nairobi's College of Health Sciences addressing substance abuse among Kenyan youths. We are so excited for the meaningful experience you will have, Dr. Moon, and the transformative impact you will make in the Kenyan community.

Read more about Dr. Moon’s award here:

Baylor Global Health Professor Selected as Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Kenya Sunseek Moon, Ph.D.,will spend his Fulbright year in Kenya teaching and conducting public health/social work research at the University of Nairobi's College of Health Sciences

🎉🎉🎉We are celebrating new grant awards for the Center for Church and Community Impact, better known as , and those housed in the Center. First, Fellowship Southwest will continue its partnership with C3I and team in the form of a new $135,000 grant which builds off of a previous grant that has successfully run the past four years. This partnership aims to help congregations strengthen ministries, deepen relationships with God, enhance connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world. In addition, C3I Research Fellow and current PhD candidate Heather Deal, alongside Dr. Gaynor Yancey, was just awarded a $21,000 grant from the Office of the Vice Provost of Research's University Research Committee Awards (ONE-URC) program. This research aims to explore how Baptist congregations create empowering environments for women within the context of entrenched patriarchal systems. C3I Research Fellow and current PhD student, Geneece Goertzen-Morrison, also along with Dr. Yancey, received a $5,000 grant from the Center for Institutional Courage to study institutional betrayal.

C3I is doing such important, impactful work, and we are so glad they are a part of the . Want to connect? Follow them on Instagram , or email [email protected].

Baylor University

What fun to catch our Dean on dad duty as his daughter begins her journey with Orientation today!

Drs. Clay Polson and Holly Oxhandler traveled to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida for their John Templeton Foundation’s grant team meeting. They had the joy of getting to hear about several other projects and present on subproject 3, which they led with Dr. Joseph Currier (University of South Alabama), and collaborated with alongside other investigators including Drs. Ken Pargament, Michelle Pearce, Jesse Fox, and Cassi Vieten. Namely, they provided updates about their national survey of faculty in , , , and marriage and family , which explored their views and behaviors regarding training students to integrate mental health clients’ in treatment. They also got to see current GSSW PhD student, Evan Copello! Those who are interested in learning more can visit the project website at www.spiritualandreligiouscompetenciesproject.com.

When you earn a Master of Social Work, you open the door to more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. But, did you know there’s a way to get even more bang for your buck when it comes to pursuing an MSW? Read on to learn how earning an MSW and MBA together can benefit you.

Is an MSW and an MBA a Good Combination? Explore why earning an MSW and MBA degree together can be a great combination to maximize your time and money.

Remembering this Memorial Day.

When you think of a career as a social worker, does your mind automatically go to an image of someone working with child protective services? Sure, this is one area where social workers can make a difference. But, social work is actually anything but a one-size-fits-all profession.

4 Types of Social Workers and Their Effect on Society Explore the diverse types of social workers, understand their roles, and discover how they profoundly impact society.

Assistant Director (and ) Mallory Herridge penned an op-ed for Good Faith Media about our Center for Church and Community Impact, celebrating 25 years:

"Initially called The Center for Family and Community Ministries (CFCM), C3I provides research and hands-on training to congregations, denominational agencies and religiously affiliated organizations, equipping them to create environments of relational belonging that extend to their surrounding communities.

The C3I believes when congregations thrive, they become sources of strength and support for individuals, families, and communities."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE:

Baylor’s Center for Church and Community Impact Celebrates 25 Years Social workers don’t fix people, but help unlock the God-given power inside themselves. We see immediate circumstances, but also the challenges faced due to larger systems surrounding them. We come alongside others to amplify their voices and create change.

"What are my financial aid options?" This is a great question that we are often asked at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

Check out our newest blog to explore more about financial aid opportunities, application tips, and scholarships.

Affording Your MSW Degree: Explore Financial Aid Opportunities The MSW degree prepares students alike to make a positive impact in their communities. Explore various financial aid opportunities, application tips, and scholarships.

Our final episode of the season has dropped! Today, Kerri and Kayla talk with their illustrious producer (and graduate assistant extraordinaire) Anna Rakos about loss, longing, and REM state rendezvous. We want to thank Anna for two years of faithful podcast production and perpetually delightful discussions. Anna brings the song "Saw You in a Dream" by The Japanese House.

Content Warnings: Discussions of gender identity insensitivity, “forced outing” and death/loss.

Reference Material:
"⁠Saw You in a Dream"⁠ by The Japanese House⁠
Lectio Divina⁠

LISTEN HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baylor-social-work/episodes/S3Ep6Dream-Team-with-the-great-Anna-Rakos-e2jppro



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect Baylor University, the Garland School of Social Work, or any other entities the guests or hosts might represent.

🚨 Check this out! 🚨 student (and ) Geneece Goertzen is showcasing her research in quite the creative way: through the arts! May 31-June 3, you can take in her research results through a play at McLennan Community College. She conducted the research the play is based on through a grant from the Louisville Institute and then commissioned a local playwright to craft it into a stage-worthy script. Her director-husband and five local actors will bring this play to life: “Living in Light”…a play about resilience and healing after abuse.

In addition, 100% of ticket sales will benefit the Family Abuse Center’s plans for a pet shelter. This will provide one less barrier for people who need to leave abuse because with this addition, they will be able to bring their pets with them to safety.

Come support a unique and creative approach to disseminating research results, and support a worthy cause. Survivors and their pets will benefit from your presence!

Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-in-light-tickets-867634647587?aff=ebdssbdestsearchrise.thrive

An op-ed from student Geneece Goertzen-Morrison.

"Domestic violence doesn’t just happen quickly or out of the blue. It escalates over time, even in religious homes. Research shows the incidence of domestic violence is the same inside the church as in the general population."


Baptist News Global Baylor University

We understand Mica Miller’s tragic story If you have heard of Mica Miller or have followed the recent news concerning her death, you might be alarmed at the way domestic violence can infiltrate the church. This was not a hidden case of abuse. Her husband was a pastor. People have assembled timelines and written about alarming facts. She wa...

Well isn’t this amazing?!

Meet Sofia, Sesame Street’s Very Own !
https://buff.ly/4bpSxmB hashtag via

In the span of a week, one cohort of online students completed their journey as another online cohort began theirs! Welcome to our newest online students…this will be you before you know it. Welcome to your new adventure! Changing lives in a changing world. (and congrats to everyone that graduated!)

…While labyrinth walking has been a movement meditation for thousands of years, there is modern research to suggest it is beneficial to mental health.

A study published last year in Frontiers in Psychology found that labyrinth walking helped ease stress of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For people in hospitals and prisons, labyrinth walking as a mind-body integrative practice can be life-sustaining and healing in addition to traditional forms of medical treatment or counseling,” Jocelyn Shealy McGee, assistant professor in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University in Texas, who was a researcher in the study, told the BBC.

“Our research found labyrinth walking can foster a sense of peace and other positive emotions, reduce stress, cultivate self-compassion and connection and provide an opportunity for reflection on one’s life and meaning making,” she added.

The study participants all walked a labyrinth on World Labyrinth Day which has taken place on the first Saturday in May since 2009. Although, labyrinth walking can be done at any time.

Check out the full article featuring this quote on Dr. Jocelyn McGee’s labyrinth research, from the New York Post:

This 4,000 year old practice could be what you need to beat stress This is an a-maze-ing way to beat stress.

Congratulations to the , and especially to our grads! 🎉🎓 Go change the world for good.

🎙The new podcast episode has dropped! In this episode, Kerri and Kayla talk with Will Ward about challenging gender binaries and the intersection of faith and queerness. Will Ward is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works primarily with children and adolescents. He is also an adjunct faculty member and current PHD candidate at the Garland School of Social Work. He brings with him the devotional portrait of Matthew Shepard by artist and iconographer Kelly Latimore.

Content Warnings: Discussions of LGBTQ violence and trauma
Reference material: Matthew Shepard Devotional Portrait for the National Cathedral

🎧 LISTEN HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baylor-social-work/episodes/S3Ep5Iconic-with-Will-Ward-e2jb39a (or wherever you get your podcasts!)

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect Baylor University, the Garland School of Social Work or any other entities the guests or hosts might represent.

There’s no shortage of challenges that can impact a child’s mental health — but school districts often face a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. Baylor researchers in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work are working to bridge this gap in Central Texas. Carrie Arroyo serves as senior lecturer of social work and Mary Zane Nelson serves as project director of a project called Partnering for Heart of Texas (H.O.T.) Mental Health. In this Baylor Connections episode, they take listeners inside this $2.5 million partnership with Waco ISD schools. Link in stories.

Take a listen!

A Diana R. Garland School of Social Work effort to improve mental health services for school-aged kids has found national-level support.

Carrie Arroyo & Mary Zane Nelson take us inside the effort — on the latest Baylor Connections:

🎧 Listen: https://bit.ly/4ah2tNT
📱 Subscribe: https://apple.co/2XMUNOd

🔔Episode 4 has hit the airwaves! In this episode, Kerri and Kayla talk with Kevin Villegas about poetry, philosophy, and beauty. Dr. Villegas is the dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives at Baylor. He brings several Mary Oliver poems to discuss memorization, meditation and the true self.

🎧LISTEN HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/baylor-social-work/episodes/S3Ep4Beholding-with-Dr--Kevin-Villegas-e2j4i6n

Content Warnings: None
Reference material: A Thousand Mornings Quotes by Mary Oliver & New and Selected Poems, Volume One by Mary Oliver

🐻
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect Baylor University, the Garland School of Social Work or any other entities the guests or hosts might represent.

ACCEPT! Have confidence and courage and apply by May 1, for our residential (Waco) program for fall 2024. Take the next step in your education and career and make a difference in the world around you! The opportunities are boundless. We look forward to meeting you.

GO NOW: https://socialwork.web.baylor.edu/admissions

We have the best students in the land. Congratulations to all of our , and supervision award winners! You will get to know them over the coming weeks as we introduce you them and share their stories.


Sydni Charbonnet
BSW Outstanding Student

Minah Miranda
BSW Alicia Martinez Spirit of Social Work

Angela McClellan
MSW Outstanding Student

Nada Dorma
MSW Alicia Martinez Spirit of Social Work

Lyndsi Carlson
BSW Intern of the Year

Cassie Niedhammer
MSW Intern of the Year, Clinical Practice

Emily Ortiz
MSW Intern of the Year, Community Practice

Will Ward, Transformation Waco
Social Work Supervisor of the Year

Nataly Sanchez, Grassroots Waco
Task Supervisor of the Year