Spring 2025 Newsletter
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Social Work Stories
Courtney Mummert, MSW
Stanislaus State MSW Alumni
As a recent MSW graduate (Spring 2024), I was honored to receive one of four student stipends from the Central California Area Social Services Consortium (CCASSC) for my graduate project, Building Bridges and Strengthening Support: Establishing an LGBTQ+ Multidisciplinary Team for Youth Equity in Stanislaus County.
I had the privilege of presenting my work to human services leaders from across the region, emphasizing the power of collaboration in building safer, more affirming systems for LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ youth deserve spaces where their strengths are recognized, their voices are valued, and their futures are limitless. Creating and protecting these spaces is a collective responsibility, and I am proud to carry forward the legacy of my queer ancestors in the ongoing fight for equity and belonging.
Megan Benner
MSW Hybrid - 2nd Year
Like many in my cohort have also expressed, I too feel as though social work "chose me" instead of the other way around. My life has unfolded not along a linear path, but a meandering, heart-led one through journeys with organic agriculture, teaching preschool, collaborating with youth on probation and women at the former Folsom Women's Facility to develop garden and landscape skills, facilitating Restorative Justice with teens, and travel adventures throughout Europe and Asia.
This quilted landscape of beauty and grit; places and experiences - and chance encounters with mentors and wise elders eventually landed me in the chapter where Social Work emerged as a calling. I feel deeply fortunate to be walking this challenging and rewarding educational path with an incredible cohort of authentic, honest, courageous, intelligent, generous, and compassionate human beings (and instructors and MSW staff) who are equally committed to the work of transformation, healing, and justice in our divided, wounded world.
Vanessa Lara
MSW 3 Year Turlock - 2nd Year
I chose social work because I've always been drawn to helping others overcome challenges, particularly those facing barriers in accessing mental health. My personal experience with mental health struggles made me realize the importance of accessible and compassionate mental health services. I want to use my skills as a social worker to provide support and guidance to individuals navigating similar challenges.
Updated: April 10, 2025