Urban Church Social Work Program

In 2021, HRCEA partnered with community churches in Hampton Roads

to undertake research to address childhood mental health. From conversations between HRCEA and area clergy, there grew a need for organized supportive services for the churches and the communities in which they serve. The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work (SSW) at Norfolk State University in collaboration with the Hampton Roads Community Empowerment Alliance (HRCEA) partnered to create an internship program for undergraduate and graduate social work students.

In 2022, the Urban Church Social Work Internship Program (UCSWIP) was created. This nonsectarian internship program seeks to provide learning opportunities for students to serve, educate, and support urban church congregations and communities in the city of Norfolk and surrounding areas. Additionally, UCSWIP encourages the doing of spirit-filled social work. Through this specialized internship, students will explore the integration of social work practice and spirituality towards successful outcomes for their clients as well as have the opportunity for critical individual self-reflection to gain deeper insight into how their own spiritual beliefs inform their practice of social work.

Historically, the helping tradition has been a part of the mission of the church. And indeed,
churches have responded to the needs of the communities in urban, rural, and suburban areas.
However, the urban church has moved a step beyond traditional congregational social work by
providing support to the communities within the context of the urban challenges such as housing;
unemployment; health disparities; crumbling infrastructure; and other issues of access.
Therefore, urban church social work focuses on the delivery of services to urban communities
while integrating the historical knowledge of urban populations, combined with the current issues
exhibited in urban communities.

The Urban Church Social Work Internship Program encompasses a multi-tiered approach. It gives
students the opportunity to experience all three levels of social work: micro, mezzo, and macro.
Through the program, students will explore the integration of individualized supports to
individuals, families, and groups, collaborate with client systems and agencies, as well as evaluate
and challenge social systems to alleviate societal problems within the community.

Key Features & Goals

This program has a multi-tiered approach, engaging in all levels of social work.

  • Training provided to ensure readiness for placement.
  • Direct access to make a difference in the surrounding communities with people who are already doing the work.
  • A stipend will be given to students.
  • Increase community collaboration.
  • Provide students with a learning rich environment.
  • Aid in alleviating community needs.
  • Develop a regional model of Urban Church Social Work.

Urban Church Social Work Program Team