Wheaton Franciscan/Covenant Clinic Mental Health
The Social Work Department began a partnership with the Cedar Valley’s largest provider of mental health and counseling services in 2007 to provide training and continuing education to social workers, health care professionals, and others who work with older adults.  In April, 2008 the Department and Covenant Clinic hosted a regional conference: Together We Can! A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults.

Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging
The Social Work Department has enjoyed an active partnership with this agency, which provides service and advocacy to older adults in a ten-county region, since 2000.  Students and faculty have assisted HVAAA in conducting needs assessments, providing technical assistance to senior centers, and hosting regional training and educational opportunities for those who work with people age 60 and older.  HVAAA has provided professional supervision, field education, and post-graduate employment opportunities for many of our graduates.

Inclusion Connection
The Social Work Department partners with this Waverly organization to promote awareness of the needs (and capacities) of adults with disabilities and to encourage their “inclusion” as important members of our community.  Along with the student organization Best Buddies, the Department and Inclusion Connection have hosted events on disability rights and sponsored an empowerment conference, which was designed to promote volunteer and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Hope Community Resources, Inc.
This partnership connects social work students with the largest provider of support and advocacy services to disabled adults in Alaska.  Opportunities include field education, summer employment, and post-graduate careers.  Hope also partners with the Social Work Department to host a bi-annual May term course, Service Learning in Alaska.  

China Service Ventures
This organization provides a full-semester cultural immersion for students in rural Henan Province, allowing for cultural study and service in public health, education, and community development.  CSV, based in St. Paul, MN, is an affiliate of the ELCA.

National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter
The Department works closely with our professional association to promote career and professional service opportunities for social work students.  Partnership projects have included a regional social work career fair, customized field placements for students with an interest in legislative advocacy, lobbying and public education on issues of interest to social workers, and an annual Legislative Day where students learn “hands-on” techniques and strategies for communicating with elected officials.