Originally published in the DRC 2025 Annual Report
Every year, DRC Solutions hosts social work interns from local institutions. Kennedy Green, a senior at Texas Christian University, shares her DRC experience ahead of graduation this Spring!
Over the past two semesters, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at DRC Solutions to expand my knowledge about the Social Work profession. Before accepting this opportunity, I will be honest; this decision was more difficult to make. I found myself questioning whether I would fit with the community already established, but I was gladly mistaken. The moment I started interning at this agency, I felt welcomed and accepted.
During my first semester, I learned a lot about the Outreach team and the process of housing. The Outreach team showed me the importance of building rapport in the community. During my outings with DRC Outreach, I had the opportunity to talk with clients and learn about their stories. I also saw how Outreach goes above and beyond by making sure clients had access to resources they were lacking. I also had the opportunity to engage in DRC’s marketing and fundraising efforts. The events showed the importance of creating community and awareness regarding the unsheltered population. Everyone in attendance learned about the DRC program and how they could partner with the agency to bring more awareness to this vulnerable population.
In December 2025, I presented my research project about the Housing First Model and its positive impacts on the unhoused population. This research was inspired by the DRC program and staff. I remember talking with my practicum instructor, Tony Wilson, and he stated, “homelessness is like this huge umbrella of systemic failures.” With this statement, Tony showed me that homelessness isn’t just one “problem,” but if viewed with a trauma-informed lens, we can see the other system failures and stressors connected to homelessness. This view helped me understand why it’s so important to advocate for this population that is so often overlooked.
During my final semester, I had the opportunity to serve alongside DRC’s Housing Case Managers. Case management allowed me to see the impact of prioritizing housing (safe shelter on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) for clients in order for them to accomplish anything else. I had the opportunity to work with a client who was already housed and helped connect them with other resources needed for them and their family. I also learned about policies and their impacts on this vulnerable population, which helped me see how social justice plays a huge role in social work practice. Working with DRC Case Manager Johnetta Hudspeth truly allowed me to see the importance of human relationships and advocating for my clients.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone at the DRC for helping me grow- not just as a future social worker, but as a person. This opportunity will always be a pivotal moment of my academic and professional career.
