Agency Issue Analysis

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The role that social worker play on the mezzo level is dealing with small groups. Mezzo social work is defined as a practice that deals with small-to-medium-sized groups, such as neighborhoods, schools or other local organizations (Social Work License). At this level social worker can deal with homeless veterans by creating programs that focus on rehabilitation and reentry. At the level veterans can gain skills that are need for them to be active members within their communities and live a daily life. When veterans return from active duty they need skills so that they can support themselves and families now that they are no longer in the military. Before reentry can happen those who suffer from mental, physical disabilities and those with substance abuse issues have to go through rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can be done in a small group setting because for those who do not have families to go home to they may have a sense of family with their fellow comrades and military officers. Another benefit about social works work at the mezzo level they are able to reach and educate more than one person at a time. By educating a small group they are able to take number of veterans off the streets and get them placed in the proper environment that they need and deserve. When micro and mezzo combined they are able to give induvial help and group support to homeless veterans.

On the Marco level is where more social worker need to be involved. On the Marco level social work is defined as the practice of social work that helps clients by intervening in large systems (Social Work License). Macro social work generally addresses issues experienced in mezzo or micro level, as well as social work research (Social Work License). Macro practice pushes for clients to be involved in policy change. The role of a social worker at this level is to be the voice for the people. For example a social worker can lobby for their legitration to provide more assistance for veterans that are on the streets and are not being giving the benefits. At the macro level social worker can advocate for funding to be changed so that veterans can get prober treatment. At the Marco level you are the voice for the mezzo and micro level that will push for change. When all levels interact with each other progress can be made.

Agency

Open Door Resource Center Inc. was established in Richmond, Virginia because Mr. Alford “CEO” wanted to give back to the community of his birth and rearing. Open Door Resource Center, Inc. Is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization committed to serving those who have served our country in the armed forces, those currently serving, and their families? We assist our clients with healthcare, education, Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, and promoting self-sufficiency (Alford).

Open Door resource Center, Inc. serves veterans because of the large number of statics. Roughly 56 percent of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic. Open Door Resource Center Inc. take pride serving as a catalyst in obtaining all benefits available for those serving the United States in the armed forces. Mr. Linwood Alford a disabled veteran himself serves as Executive Director/Founder of Open Door Resource Center, Incorporated. The vision for Open Door Resource Center Inc. Began in Atlanta, Georgia, while he was employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. Open Door Resource Center, Inc. has many supporters from local universities, news stations, and local franchises. Open Door Resource Center Inc. has a three-level service system. The system consist of Serving, Educating and Giving. Serving meaning assisting veterans with applying for their VA benefits. To educate by means of offering classes on VA benefits, basic computer. Giving by providing programs that allow veterans to help other veterans, mentoring and re-purposing youths.

Open Door Resource Center Inc. value’s consist of “Confidentiality” keeping all clients' information confidential not share information with third parties or outside organizations. “Open Communication” having an open door policy allowing clients to trust them and have open communication. They are always available to discuss any questions or concerns whenever someone has one. “Quality” to provide quality service to all clients with respect and professionalism. All clients receive satisfactory service from the Open Door staff. They strive to incorporate modern quality control measures in all services and activities.

Based on the values a competency that best relates to this is Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice. This relates because the organization provides quality service and in order to do that they have to have an understanding of policies that may affect them being able to assist their clients.

The vision for Open Door Resource Center Inc. began in Atlanta, Georgia, while he was employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. Mr. Alford has worked with the Department of Veterans Affair main office located in DC to resolve many veterans' cases. Open Door Resource Center was established in Richmond, Virginia because he wanted to give back to the community and also that he felt a connection with veterans. He know the the VA looks for when reviewing client's case and he is able to now advocate for them. Open Door Resource Center has a board of directors and has two other location outside of Richmond, VA in Fayetteville, North Carolina and the second in Atlanta, Georgia under his leadership, with the Richmond office. The staff is composed of Linwood Alford (Executive Director/Founder), MS P. Speight (IT Specialist/Program Developer), MS Q. White (Resource Developer/Volunteer Coordinator), MS L. Make (Strategic Grant Writer) and Richard White (Veterans Counselor/Mentoring Program Director). Along with, interns and volunteers. The organization is recognized by many community attributes. They are also associated with Obama’s “ my brother's keeper Initiative” which was created to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.

Homelessness, unemployment, and mental illness are all issues numerous veterans face upon their arrival home which eventually adds to a social issue that has been around for a considerable length of time and is relentlessly expanding.

Social Problem on Your Agency

Open Door Resource Center Inc. has prospered from when they first started servicing Veterans. All things considered, this social issue has positively affected Open Door Resource Center Inc. since they have effectively help underprivileged