On February 26th, West Texas Together (WTT) hosted their third Lunch and Learn for Child Welfare professionals. This has come out of a need identified by coalition partners to develop the skills of our local workforce.
West Texas offers a dynamic and challenging landscape. Serving children in crisis is no different. Rural child welfare research tells us that social workers need to be well versed in a wide range of topics and well connected to their community resources. As a community we can invest in their knowledge of best practices and local resources.
Over sixty local professionals gathered at Midland Bible Church to learn from and hear about Basin Dream Center, Salvation Army Midland Corps, and The Fields Edge. Of those in attendance, thirteen child serving organizations were represented, fostering a sense of unity around the protection of vulnerable families and kids and creating bonds over lunch provided by D&D Plumbing. Again it was amazing to bring like minded people together.
Reflecting on the event, social workers had the opportunity to take an in-depth look into homelessness. Each presenter described how their organization fit into that continuum of care. Attendees also heard about youth homelessness, lived experience, and were given a flowchart assist with someone that is homeless.
This is our first Lunch and Learn for Child Welfare Professionals of 2025 and are scheduled to repeat in May and August. If you have training or resources you want to share with West Texas social workers you are encouraged to reach out to Matt Waller at matt@oneaccordtx.org. If you would like to stay connected with WTT or partner on projects to support vulnerable West Texas families please take a minute to fill out this form.