MSW Student Presents at Citizens Action of New York

MSW Student, Samantha Rini provided an excellent presentation of her work with immigrants and refugees at Citizen Action of New York. Ms. Rini conducted her Advanced Concentration field practicum in 2017-2018 with this grassroots advocacy organization that promotes equality in health care, racial and ethnic justice and economic empowerment. Ms. Rini was supervised by Cessie Alfonso, a social worker with over 40 years of social work practice and social justice experience, and is a board member at Citizen Action of New York. Samantha’s presentation provided an overview of the unique needs of immigrants and refugees, who make up almost 20% of the Capital Region’s population. Citizen Action of New York applauded Ms. Rini’s valuable contribution to its legislative advocacy services, as well as the direct social support provided to immigrants and refugees needing help with navigating very complex social service systems. Ms. Rini is preparing to graduate with her MSW this spring and plans to start working in the field of forensic social work with Ms. Alfonso. Additionally, Samantha will be continuing to work with Dr. Heather Larkin through the University at Albany to implement trauma-informed care practices in the Capital Region through the Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities program.