New Social Work Offices Help SLC Provide Better Resident Care

Social Work Assistant Stephanie Lyerla shows off her new office.

St. Louis Center provides for not only the physical needs of our residents, but for social and emotional support, as well. The Center has a fully staffed social work department that works in close collaboration with direct care supervisors and the nursing department to schedule appointments, arrange for transportation and accompany residents on doctor and dentist visits. They also maintain detailed records required by the agency’s funders. And when residents need help solving problems or just a kind ear to listen to their challenges, the social work staff are there.

Fr. Satheesh Alphonse, Community Superior, begins the sacred blessing ceremony for the new social work offices.

Previously, the staff, which relies so heavily on communication and coordinating details, was spread among several different office spaces, making coordinating the ever-changing details of their work challenging. To solve this problem, Martin Hall, which served as the former children’s dormitory unit, was renovated. New office spaces were created, as well as meeting rooms where families can interact with their children. A large conference room equipped with the video latest technology is in frequent use as social work staff connect with care teams from various agencies to coordinate resident care.

Work continued throughout 2020, slowed, of course by the COVID pandemic. So it was with great enthusiasm that the Social Work suite opened the first week of February with a special blessing by Servants of Charity priests here at the Center.