On Saturday, August 13, 2022, my family’s life and mine unexpectedly and immediately changed. It was a tragedy and a traumatic event. More than a month later, I am still processing the event of that day. Although I desired a change, I was unprepared for the sudden event of a fire and homelessness.
By Vashti Harris 8/14/22 NJ.com
784 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ
A Newark firefighter suffered serious injuries after responding to a three-alarm apartment fire at South 16th Street and Clinton Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Newark firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on the fourth floor of an occupied four-story residential building, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé confirmed. By 2:33 p.m., a third alarm was called. The injured firefighter suffered severe burns to his hands, arms, neck, and head, according to Fragé, and is hospitalized in stable condition.
My life has been in a whirlwind since that Saturday, 8/13/22. Yes, I wanted things to change and prayed to move; however, my intention was for it to happen differently. Yes, the difference was the way I wanted it to happen. I wanted to be prepared to leave and a smooth transition to a new place. I believe all of my neighbors and I wanted something different and prayed about it. But God…
My heart is thankful for my community family who supported me during this time of transition. They allowed me to stay in the helpee role. It was important for me to stay in that role because everyone has their time and it was my time.
God answers prayer because prayer changes things.
Now I am in a new apartment although my arrival was determined by a higher power, God of my understanding. During this transition, I have learned different levels of surrender, obedience, and submission. I am in awe and somewhat speechless. Each day I’m trusting God for a better outcome. I want to write more but the saga continues.
In 2001, I received my BSW degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a double minor in Public Policy and African American Studies afterwards I entered the MSW program with Advanced Standing at Yeshiva University. In 2004, I received my Master's in Social Work degree and my PhD in Social Welfare in 2022 from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The research study topic was "The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Re-engagement for High School Completion" The qualitative method was used to examine students who leave high school before graduation and choose service-learning for high school completion.
Professionally, I have credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
My practice experience has been in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education/special education. Currently, I am a Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, and Community Advocate, Activist, and Organizer, Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc, a non-profit organization in the City of Newark, and Chief Executive Officer of Making Connections Professional Services LLC.
My professional goal is to formulate and implement policy to address the systemic issues related to racism, poverty, education, violence, and health care. Also, advocate and articulate the negative effect of those issues to decision-makers for providing a better understanding of the impact/outcome of those decisions upon individuals, families, and communities that are underserved, under-resourced, marginalized, and disenfranchised. I am a member of the finest organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
#advocate #activist #organizer who talks about #love #wellness #antiviolence #wellbeing #socialwork #mentalhealth #education #health #antiracism #poverty
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