There are more than 650,000 social workers in our nation, all working to help individuals overcome life’s challenging issues. As part of National Social Worker Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing individuals who spend their days helping others tap into their potential and become the best version of themselves they can possibly be.
Our very own Sarah Dill originally wanted to become a social worker after recognizing the continuous good that the Memphis community was doing to make the city a greater place, a city that she loves and cares deeply about.
“I didn’t know anything about HIV,” said Dill. “I didn’t realize all of the discrimination and all of the daily things that they face just because of people who are not educated about HIV. I volunteered here because I had a friend that worked here. It opened my eyes to how much discrimination there is. Because of this discrimination, people that come in think that it’s some kind of death sentence, and it is not.”
Changing the stigma that surrounds HIV is something Dill speaks passionately about, and she does her part every day to progressively change the discrimination that surrounds the virus, and has surrounded the virus, for almost four decades.
“You have these people who have all of these talents, and can do all of these amazing things, and they are just sitting there because they have been put down by the discrimination of HIV,” said Dill. “If I can help decrease that discrimination, and that one person can go on to do those amazing things that they were supposed to do before they had this barrier, and if I get to help with that and help guide them a little, then it makes it all worth it.”
Dill leads about eight different groups that focus on different things, from their HIV diagnosis and ways to accept it, to depression, anxiety, self-esteem and domestic violence. She is quick to reiterate the message she wants to get across: HIV does not define a person.
And like any job, there are hard days, and days that she wishes she could do more for those she serves.
“There are so many people who are living with HIV that come through our doors,” said Dill. “You can only help so many individuals and you can only do so many groups. There’s only so much that you can do. That’s probably the biggest challenge is that you go home, and you wish you could have had more time to do this. It’s not just HIV – there’s so much trauma in so many people’s lives that we work with.”
But she has witnessed positive outcomes in adults and children she works with, serving as their support system and helping them to change the way they view themselves by letting them know they are worthy. Not only has she noticed changes in those she serves, she has also noticed changes in herself.
“You think more about what people are going through,” said Dill. “If someone cuts you off on the road, you don’t just think they are mean and not a good person, you think about how you never know what they are experiencing. There is so much trauma, you never know what someone has been through that day, and I think it makes you kinder. I’m a better listener and a better problem solver. I learn a lot from our clients.”
And while she is doing her part in making a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV, she continues to work toward a better future. A future where there’s a decrease in HIV rates and discrimination, and one with more education.
“Because whenever you begin to think that you are worthy, you start to do great things.”
Hope House Heroes: Sarah Dill
There are more than 650,000 social workers in our nation, all working to help individuals overcome life’s challenging issues. As part of National Social Worker Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing individuals who spend their days helping others tap into their potential and become the best version of themselves they can possibly be.
Our very own Sarah Dill originally wanted to become a social worker after recognizing the continuous good that the Memphis community was doing to make the city a greater place, a city that she loves and cares deeply about.
“I didn’t know anything about HIV,” said Dill. “I didn’t realize all of the discrimination and all of the daily things that they face just because of people who are not educated about HIV. I volunteered here because I had a friend that worked here. It opened my eyes to how much discrimination there is. Because of this discrimination, people that come in think that it’s some kind of death sentence, and it is not.”
Changing the stigma that surrounds HIV is something Dill speaks passionately about, and she does her part every day to progressively change the discrimination that surrounds the virus, and has surrounded the virus, for almost four decades.
“You have these people who have all of these talents, and can do all of these amazing things, and they are just sitting there because they have been put down by the discrimination of HIV,” said Dill. “If I can help decrease that discrimination, and that one person can go on to do those amazing things that they were supposed to do before they had this barrier, and if I get to help with that and help guide them a little, then it makes it all worth it.”
Dill leads about eight different groups that focus on different things, from their HIV diagnosis and ways to accept it, to depression, anxiety, self-esteem and domestic violence. She is quick to reiterate the message she wants to get across: HIV does not define a person.
And like any job, there are hard days, and days that she wishes she could do more for those she serves.
“There are so many people who are living with HIV that come through our doors,” said Dill. “You can only help so many individuals and you can only do so many groups. There’s only so much that you can do. That’s probably the biggest challenge is that you go home, and you wish you could have had more time to do this. It’s not just HIV – there’s so much trauma in so many people’s lives that we work with.”
But she has witnessed positive outcomes in adults and children she works with, serving as their support system and helping them to change the way they view themselves by letting them know they are worthy. Not only has she noticed changes in those she serves, she has also noticed changes in herself.
“You think more about what people are going through,” said Dill. “If someone cuts you off on the road, you don’t just think they are mean and not a good person, you think about how you never know what they are experiencing. There is so much trauma, you never know what someone has been through that day, and I think it makes you kinder. I’m a better listener and a better problem solver. I learn a lot from our clients.”
And while she is doing her part in making a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV, she continues to work toward a better future. A future where there’s a decrease in HIV rates and discrimination, and one with more education.
“Because whenever you begin to think that you are worthy, you start to do great things.”
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