How a TCU Social Work Intern Opened Up His World In His Own Words
originally published in the 2024 DRC Annual Report
During the past two semesters, I have been truly blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow alongside competent professionals as an aspiring social worker at DRC Solutions. From the moment I stepped into the building, I was welcomed with open arms and treated with dignity and respect, despite being the new guy around. As a new member of the team, I was quickly assigned to the Street Outreach Team, which is responsible for seeking out and aiding unsheltered individuals in the housing process by utilizing the Housing First Approach.
As an intern on the Street Outreach Team, I’ve had the privilege of shadowing my Team Leaders and fellow co-workers to learn about the real issues that impact the homeless population of Fort Worth. With this knowledge and experience, I’ve been able to advocate for unsheltered individuals in more ways than I previously knew how. This is almost entirely because of the supportive learning environment that is provided to all who are willing to improve at the DRC. As a new member of the team, I focused on watching the other Street Outreach members for several weeks so I could begin to become comfortable with completing assessments and new enrollments on my own. After several months of continued guidance, I can confidently state that I’m able to proficiently take on the many responsibilities that fall on a DRC Street Outreach Team member. I can’t even begin to thank some of my fellow team members (like Elizabeth Peznell, Nubia Carrera, and Diana Salazar) enough for their willingness to accept and teach me.
While working with the Street Outreach team over the past year, it’s become very apparent to me that DRC Solutions is the preeminent homeless resource center in the community. It continually sets standards that the rest of the “CoC”1 must attempt to live up to. In my opinion, this prominent non-profit organization is so well run and has such high functionality. I believe this is also a direct result of the strong leadership of the Executive Director, Tony Wilson, and the rest of his capable staff. I’m so thankful that I was placed with the DRC for my senior internship because I really do feel like I’m making a difference every day I come into work. The skills I’ve gained during my time at DRC Solutions are invaluable, and they will guide and shape my social work practice for years to come.
