Social Work Calendar

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Celebrate Unity: A Reflection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Date: Monday, January 20, 2025

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Montview Alumni Ballroom

Join LU One for a special celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For more information, contact LU One by email at LUone@liberty.edu or by phone at (434) 592-4020.

*15-point social work activity.

REVIVE Training

Date:

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Presented by Horizon Behavioral Health

Learn the signs of an opioid overdose and how to save a life! This free virtual training is open to everyone and includes a free REVIVE kit & Narcan.

The day after each training, attendees can pick up their free Narcan and REVIVE kit from 8:30-9:30 a.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Horizon Behavioral Health, located at the lower level of 2235 Landover Place, Lynchburg, VA.

To register or schedule a training for school, church, work, civic, community groups or teams, email mhealth@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

Recovery Court

Dates:

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Location: 900 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504

Recovery Court is a specialized court docket program that allows individuals to enter long-term drug treatment and agree to court supervision rather than receive jail time. This Recovery Court experience will introduce students to program participants who have legal charges as a result of their substance use. Students will have personal interaction with the Judge and the treatment team.

You will report to the Lynchburg Circuit Court, 900 Court Street, Lynchburg, 24504. Please be prepared to stay from 2-4 p.m. Your attire should be professional casual (no jeans). Please leave cell phones in the car as they are not allowed in court. Please do not skip class to attend.

Participation is limited to five students per event and is first come, first serve. Contact Professor Rhonda Turner if you’d like to attend.

*15-point social work activity.

IJM Semester Kickoff!

Date: Monday, February 3, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: DIVNTY 1420

Join us for our semester kickoff! We will be having a chips and dip bar, an overview of our mission as a club and an overview of IJM the organization, and offering CSER sign-ups and leadership opportunities! Come and learn more about what human trafficking is, how IJM responds to human trafficking, and learn how to recognize human trafficking and how to pray over the anti-trafficking movement.

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

Foster Care Discussion

Date: Monday, February 3, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4326

Join representatives from Isaiah 117 House and the Bair Foundation in a discussion of needs and resources in the field of foster care, hosted by the Social Work Club.

For more information, contact Professor JJ Cole.

*15-point social work activity.

Night to Shine

Date: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Location: Bedrock Church Lynchburg, 3410 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Night to Shine is an unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs. Created and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older.

Night to Shine requires the help of many volunteers (about 40) and is a wonderful way to connect with and serve your community of people with special needs! From serving as a guest’s buddy or member of the red carpet paparazzi, to keeping the enthusiasm up on the dance floor or serving food, make-up, hair, there is something for everyone.

To volunteer at Night to Shine, you will need to register so that you can receive a background check through your local church. Please identify which church you attend (if you are not a part of a local church, no problem, simply respond “N/A”. A training will be hosted for those who will serve as buddies to talk through possible scenarios. Children must be at least 10 in order to volunteer with parents.)

If you would like to volunteer with Night to Shine, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/sUutbMvyiymibXGv9

For more information, contact Bedrock Church Lynchburg at ntslynchburg@gmail.com.

*15-point social work activity.

IJM Club Meeting: Valentine’s Bouquet Making

Date: Monday, February 10, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: DIVNTY 1420

Come join the IJM Club for a Valentine’s Bouquet making meeting! Bring your galentines and your valentines and join us as we learn about the power of fundraising in the anti-trafficking movement! Each bouquet is $10 to go towards our club’s rescue fund, and we would love to have you there! There will be valentine’s cookies and an instructor on how to make bouquets!

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

IJM Club Meeting: Movie Screening

Date: Monday, February 24, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: DIVNTY 1420

Come join us for a human trafficking awareness movie screening! We will be watching “I Am Brave”, a film created by IJM to educate individuals on the realities of the human trafficking industry. During this meeting, we will be debriefing at the end of the movie screening to evaluate how we feel about the realities of the industry, how it inspires us to fight harder, and we will have a Q&A. We will also have a popcorn bar, so come ready to eat! We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

Regulation, Connection, Storytelling: A Three-Step Framework to Trauma-Informed Healing

Dates:

Phase 1: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Phase 2: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Phase 3: Friday, April 11, 2025

Times:

Phase 1: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Phase 2: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Phase 3: 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual (Webinar)

Hosted by Lift Up Virginia

Unlock the sequential power of nervous system regulation, authentic human connection, and intentional storytelling in this 3-part trauma webinar series. Discover new perspectives on resilience and empathy through an alternative framework designed to enhance your community programs, policies, and interpersonal relationships to yourself and others. Together we’ll explore the powerful interplay between science, connection, and narrative in fostering health and well-being.

Phase 1: Regulation

Wednesday, February 26^th

2:00-3:30 p.m. EST

In this first session, we will uncover the crucial importance of our nervous system regulation, and why policies and programs often fail if they neglect to address it.

Phase 2: Connection

Tuesday, March 18^th

12:00-1:30 p.m. EST

Our second session will build off the foundations of regulated trust, safety, and openness in order to dive deep into the science of human connection.

Phase 3: Storytelling

Friday, April 11^th

3:00-4:30 p.m. EST

This final session will harness the power of human story— and provide practical skills and tools to cultivate storytelling in your community.

Your registration will include all three sessions, but if you cannot attend all 3 sessions, no problem! You’ll still gain valuable insights, tools, and community perspectives from each sequence.

For questions or concerns, please reach out to Lift Up Virginia via email at Marrin.scalone@dbhds.virginia.gov.

*15-point social work activity.

Social Work Month Panel

Date: Monday, March 3, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4326

Join the Social Work Club for a panel discussion in honor of Social Work Month. Professor Cheryl Nitz will speak.

For more information, contact Professor JJ Cole.

*15-point social work activity.

High Stakes: Unpacking the Risks of Problem Gambling

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: The Aviary at Miller Park, 301 Grove Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501

Did you know that in 2023, over 1,050 calls to the problem gambling helpline came from Central Virginia? One of those calls may have been your client, coworker, best friend, or family member. As sports betting, video games, and online gambling become more pervasive in our community, it’s important that we learn the hidden risks of this addiction and its connection to substance use, suicide, poverty, and more.

Join Horizon Behavioral Health during Problem Gambling Awareness Month as we learn to recognize, respond to, and support those struggling with gambling disorder in our community.

Please register to attend, as lunch will be provided. Register using this link: https://high-stakes-problemgambling.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact Mikayla Campbell at mikayla.campbell@horizonbh.org.

*15-point social work activity.

Let’s Thrive Together: A Community Health Expo

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Jubilee Family Development Center, 1512 Florida Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501

Join CHAP and Horizon Behavioral Health at an exciting summit for youth, featuring guest speakers such as prison reform activist Kemba Smith, obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal health expert Brian Assent, M.D., FACOG, and trauma informed care expert, author, and movie producer Tonier Cain.

Breakout sessions include:

What’s In the Vape: the Truth Behind the Clouds
Get Up & Glow: How Movement Boosts Your Mood
Your Brain on Self-Care: Why Taking Breaks is a Power Move
Good Vibes Only: How to Stay Chill When Life Gets Real

Free HIV and hepatitis C testing will be available, as well as REVIVE! Opioid Overdose & Naloxone education, health screenings and information, and “Ask a Doc.” Lunch and snacks will be provided; music is provided by DJ Mega Mill.

Two first prizes of $250 and two seconds prize of $150 will be awarded. In addition, the first 15 youth and the first 10 adults to register for this event will win a gift card.**

*15-point social work activity.

IJM Club Meeting: Advocacy Activity Day

Date: Monday, March 17, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: DIVNTY 1420

During this club meeting, we will be actively participating in advocating for human trafficking policies! After going over advocacy and how we can participate, we will practice by writing emails, writing handwritten letters, and brainstorming other ways to make a difference advocating for policies to help survivors. We will have snacks!

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

Adoption: The Merging of the Personal and the Professional

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Location: Terrace Conference Room, Jerry Falwell Library

Hosted by the Jerry Falwell Library

Please join us for our next Faculty Scholar Talk with Dr. Laurel Shaler, Director of the Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Her talk, “Adoption: The Merging of the Personal and the Professional,” will be held on Tuesday, March 18, from 6-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit Liberty.edu/Library/Events.

*15-point social work activity.

Club Psych & ODAS

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4412

Club Psych is partnering up with the Office of Disability and Accommodation Support to bring awareness to some of the mental health challenges faced by students in college. We will discuss ways to navigate these struggles while attending college and the accommodations ODAS offers to help students with mental health challenges manage their academics.

For more information on this event, contact Club Psych by email at psychology@liberty.edu.

*15-point social work activity.

Community Resilience Initiative Training

Dates: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 through Thursday, March 27, 2025

Times:

March 25: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 26: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
March 27: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Locations:

March 25-26: Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
March 27: The Outpost, Bedford

Join Horizon Behavioral Health as Rick Griffin, Master Trainer for the Community Resilience Initiative, will share with us nationally practiced trauma-informed trainings that go beyond “What is trauma?” to start addressing “What do we do about trauma?” These trainings are open to everyone, including educators, clinicians, social workers, clergy, law enforcement, and community members; these sessions will offer practical tools for all.

March 25, Building Resilience Strategies in Action

9 a.m.-5 p.m. (1 hr. lunch)

This program will help to transform your organization, classroom, or family through resilience-based strategies. Using trauma-informed principles, the course teaches individuals to systematically create the positive environment that is essential to lasting success.

March 26, Neuro-Leadership in Action: Insight & Execution

Morning Session: Neuro-Insight – 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

The day starts with “Neuro Insight,” exploring how the brain shapes thoughts, emotions, and social dynamics. Participants will learn to build stronger, more empathetic connections, improving performance and relationships in workplaces, homes, schools, and communities.

Afternoon Session: Neuro Tasking – 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

The afternoon shifts focus to “Neuro Tasking,” focusing on the neuroscience behind task completion, executive functioning, and decision-making. Attendees will gain insights that boost efficiency and creativity to enhance productivity, innovation, and collaboration.

March 27, Workshop for Framing Community Resilience Efforts

This program introduces CRI’s framework for building resilience and explores the work in each stage. Participants will then collaborate on a plan to become a more trauma-informed and resilient community, guided by the principles of help, hope, and healing.

*15-point social work activity.

Beyond the Plate: A Christian Perspective on Food, Faith, and Well-Being

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Time: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 1284

Hosted by Liberty University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Join CAPS as Christian dietitians Jessica Ward (MS, RD, CEDRD-S), Executive Director of Selah House, and Brianna Mullenix (MS, RDN), Regional Director of Odyssey Network – Clinical Partnerships, explore the deeper meaning of food beyond fuel and how faith shapes our relationship with food.

For more information on this event, contact CAPS by email at CAPS@liberty.edu or by phone at (434) 582-2651.

*15-point social work activity.

Mental Health Summit 2025

Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 through Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on March 28; 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on March 29

Location: Montview Alumni Ballroom

Hosted by the School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University College of Medicine (LUCOM), the School of Nursing, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Business

Join us for this year’s Mental Health Summit!

This event is collaboratively hosted by the School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), School of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, and School of Business.

Topics will include:

Mental health court, drug courts, and competency rulings
Psychotropic medications, drug interaction concerns, and best practices in medicine management
Psychiatric nursing and mental health assessment for nurses
Mental health treatment promotion and epidemiology of mental health
Mental health therapies, depression, and anxiety treatment

The Mental Health Summit will be held on Friday, March 28, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. ET and Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom, with breakout sessions in DeMoss Hall 3rd-level classrooms. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. A livestream will be available for online students who register for the event.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Monday, March 17, 2025, at the following link: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=799050&.

For more information, contact the School of Behavioral Sciences at SBSDean@liberty.edu.

*15-point social work activity. Students must attend the event in-person to receive points toward their social work activity requirement.

IJM Conference & Worship Evening

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Location: Montview Alumni Ballroom

Come join us for a conference and worship evening! We will begin the night with five educational panels, including the Department of Social Work’s own Dr. Christine Fulmer, on different realms of fighting human trafficking, including education efforts, advocating, prevention efforts, intervention, and rehabilitation services. Following the speaker panels, there will be an intermission with free food, followed by an evening of prayer and worship over the anti-trafficking movement led by the Liberty Worship Collective. Tickets are $2.50 to go towards our fundraising goal of $2,025 for the semester! We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

Field Trip: National African American History & Culture Museum

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025

Time: 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Location: National African American History & Culture Museum, Washington, D.C.

Join us for a cultural experience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture! It will be an all-day event (departure 6:30 a.m., return 5:30 p.m., approximately). Tickets and travel are FREE – we just need your commitment by Friday, March 21 at noon.

There are only 50 spots on the bus and they are first come, first served. If you have class on Friday, you must ask for permission from your professor before you commit to the trip, including Field Seminar.

To reserve your spot, email Professor Elke Cox at eecox@liberty.edu.

*15-point social work activity.

Social Work Club Meeting: Spiritual Integration in Social Work Practice

Date: Monday, April 7, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4326

Join Dr. Paul Bernard for a discussion of spiritual integration in the field of social work, hosted by the Social Work Club.

*15-point social work activity.

“Philosophical and Theological Foundations of the Psychology of Forgiveness”

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4412

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jichan Kim

In this psychology activity, students will be introduced to the philosophical and theological foundations for the psychology of forgiveness. Philosophy provides us with what it is that we are doing when we are forgiving another, and theology tells us the deeper meaning of forgiveness. Implications for research and clinical practice will be provided.

For more information on this event, contact Lucille Crist.

*15-point social work activity.

iKids Easter Egg Hunt

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Time: 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Location: Thomas Road Baptist Church

This event is a partnership between iKids (Thomas Road’s special needs ministry) and Liberty’s Council for Exceptional Children club. Opportunities include being a family buddy, setting up, and tearing down. We need lots of volunteers to make this event happen! No experience required.

See linktr.ee/LibertyCEC for the sign up!

*15-point social work activity.

IJM Club Meeting: Tote Bag Painting

Date: Monday, April 14, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

We will be having a paint and sip – but IJM style with a tote bag painting follow along and a mocktail bar! During this club we will be going over the structure of IJM as a non-profit and other non-profits that address anti-trafficking efforts. We will also have a guest speaker sharing about their experiences in the field! Tote bags will be $10 a bag to go towards funding a rescue mission!

For more information, contact IJM Club President Riley Plott.

*15-point social work activity.

“Psychology of Sexuality”

Date: Monday, April 14, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 4412

Hosted by Psi Chi

This Psychology event will explore how Christians in psychological professions can ethically and biblically interact with individuals on the LGBTQ spectrum. This discussion will be objective and experience-based rather than opinionated.

For more information on this event, contact Psi Chi by email at psichi@liberty.edu.

*15-point social work activity.

Educational Path and Opportunities

Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Location: DeMoss 3262

Hosted by Zachary Carr, MSW

For this activity, Mr. Carr will go over several different Social Work opportunities and career paths. Students will work with Mr. Carr to discuss their career goals and develop a map to provide direction for what they want to accomplish in their social work careers.

For more information on this event, contact Professor Aaron Wright.

*15-point social work activity.

Let’s Talk About Trauma-Informed Care

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025

Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Location: DeMoss 3064

Join students from the Master of Social Work program in a discussion of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mindfulness practice activities for professional and client support.

For more information on this event, contact Professor JJ Cole.

*15-point social work activity.

Hands to Hold Fundraiser

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Location: Montview Alumni Ballroom

Hosted by the SOWK 410 Class

Join Us for a Night of Purpose + Community!

You’re invited to an evening of free food, great company, and heartfelt impact — all to support the incredible mission of Isaiah 1:17 House.

Come see how your support is making a difference! We’ll share a special presentation highlighting the powerful work being done to restore dignity, safety, and hope to vulnerable youth in our community.

Enjoy a delicious meal (on us!), connect with passionate people, and take part in some fun with our silent auction, raffles, and other surprises throughout the evening.

All proceeds will go directly to supporting the mission of Isaiah 1:17 House: to defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the vulnerable.

Bring a friend, bring your heart, and let’s make a difference — together.

Admission is FREE — but space is limited! Be sure to RSVP here and share with your circle!

For more information, contact Gabrielle McGraw. *15-point social work activity.