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The Heart of Outreach – Celebrating National Social Work Month

Fryda Ochoa • March 31, 2025

March is National Social Work Month!

For some, social work starts as a job but quickly becomes a lifelong passion. For Taylor, that passion started at just 15 years old.

Taylor, CFTH Outreach Associate, poses for portrait photo.

“My dad was part of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Team in its early years, and one night, on the way home, he spotted a client he had been looking for. He pulled over to get him some food, and while he was talking to him, I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to talk to him, too. I got out of the car and walked right up to him. When I got back in, I started crying and told my mom I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.”

That moment led to years of volunteering and building a deeper connection to the work. Today, Taylor’s role involves a mix of daily tasks. “Most days don't look the same,” she says. One week might be responding to community requests, checking on our clients, or searching for people who may need assistance, and the next, we might be moving as fast as we can to prepare everyone for inclement weather.”


While the work can be challenging, the biggest hurdle is often the mental health struggles many people face while living on the streets. “It can look different for each person; some can't talk to us enough to get information, and others aren't able to realize they need the help.”



Still, the wins - big or small - make it all worthwhile. “Every interaction reminds me why I do this... Seeing someone finally move into a place of their own and get some peace of mind is one of the greatest feelings.”

When it comes to homelessness, Taylor wishes more people understood the stories behind each person. “If only they could all meet the veterans who have lost everything or the single mothers fleeing domestic violence. Everyone on the street has a different story. Looking at them with an open mind and not judging them for their hardships would help many understand our homeless population.”


For Taylor, National Social Work Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the difference their vital work makes. “It’s about highlighting the importance of having people in these roles.” 


As we bring this month to a close, let’s continue taking action by supporting the social workers making a difference in our communities daily.

Taylor assisting clients during the 2025 Point-in-Time Count.

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