The uniqueness of the Kuyper College Social Work Program lies in the small, interactive class settings and the close, individual instruction each student receives from highly trained professional social workers. Special attention is given to the integration of faith and generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students are also prepared for graduate education.

Generalist Practice
The mission of the Kuyper College Social Work Program is to educate students to become “generalist” practitioners. Generalist practice is defined as a holistic, multilevel, ecological approach, based on professional knowledge, values, and skills 

Students learn skills and knowledge that encompass a broad range of theories, ideas, concepts, solutions, and strategies to be able to practice in various settings and with diverse populations. A generalist can assume various professional roles and work within multiple systems.
 

 

Dr. Judi Ravenhorst Meerman came to Kuyper College in 2001 as faculty member in the social work program. Within the social work program, Dr. Meerman teaches Human Diversity, Human Behavior in the Social Environment I, Generalist Practice III: Communities and Organizations, Social Work Research and Faces of Addiction. She is also the director of field practicum. Prior to coming to Kuyper, Dr. Meerman worked as an administrator in a variety of social service agencies in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in substance abuse treatment and women's services in community corrections. She is a licensed clinical and macro social worker.

 

Professor Greg Scott has been teaching at Kuyper College since 1991. In 1999, he was appointed director of the social work program at the College. Prior to that he taught both social work and sociology courses. Professor Scott has more than 25 years of professional social work post-masters experience as a case manager, therapist, administrator, supervisor and trainer. His course load includes Introduction to Social Work, Social Welfare Policy Analysis, International Social Work, Generalist Practice I (Individuals & Family), Generalist Practice II (Groups), The Dominican Republic and Marriage & Family.
 

Students in the Social Work program are required to participate in a Field Practicum program.  Here is a sampling of organizations that Kuyper students have participated with in the past:

Adoption Associates
Bethany Christian Services
Catholic Human Development
Christian Rest Home
Community Mental Health (Network 180)
D.A. Blodgett Services for Children and Families
Degage Ministries
Department of Human Services
District Court
Lutehran Child and Family Services
North End Community Ministry
Pregnancy Resource Center
Safe Haven Ministries
Salvation Army Booth Family Services
Spectrum Health Care Management
Touchstone
Wedgwood Christian Services
YWCA Women's Shelter

International Field Practicums
International social work is encouraged and emphasized throughout the social work curriculum. It is important for a student to approach the director of field practicum a year prior to field placement to ensure academic, financial, and travel can be firmly in place. Current international internships include Romania, Uganda, Dominican Republic, and India. Other international placements will be considered but must meet academic and supervision requirements.